Sean Leighton has 20-plus years of experience in the food and beverage industry, and is Cargill's global VP of food safety, quality and regulatory.

Consumers share what they would like to see most in the food industry.

A panel of industry experts detailed how food companies can prepare and protect themselves.

Product developers also may tap into trending menu items to create new brands.

IFT FIRST, the Institute of Food Technologists’ annual meeting, opened with a keynote speech on innovating.

Peter Kempe will lead the company's ingredients division as senior vice president, strategy and business development.

Key scientific sessions will focus on food waste, technical innovations, a growing global population and more.

At IFT FIRST, numerous features will explore an overarching theme, “Hacking the Food Supply: Can We Synthesize a More Sustainable Future?”