Ohio Valley Section IFT

02/12/2026

What an inspiring visit to Maverick Chocolate! 🍫 On February 5th, 2026 OVIFT Members and friends had the chance to tour their incredible facility and see firsthand how craftsmanship, innovation, and passion come together to create exceptional chocolate. It was a wonderful reminder of how artistry and science unite to delight the senses. A huge thank-you to Maverick Chocolate for welcoming us and sharing your story! 👏

03/21/2025

YOU ARE INVITED!!!

Midwest Culinary Institute (MCI) at Cincinnati State PRESENTS

The Future of Food and Beverage Product Development

Hosted in Collaboration with the OVIFT & OVRCA

WHEN: April 1st, 2025

WHERE: Cincinnati State College (Clifton Campus) 3520 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45223.

EVENT ADMISSION: FREE!! (Central Parking Garage “G1” Fee is $5.00)

PROGRAM:

· 5:00–6:00 PM: Networking & Light Bites

· 6:00–7:30 PM: Panel Discussion and Conversation

· 7:30–8:00 PM: Conclusion

Join us for an engaging evening where creativity, research, AI, and product development converge to shape the future of food innovation! This event will highlight the transformative role of AI in flavor development, sustainability, and product optimization while exploring how the synergy of culinary and scientific ingenuity can drive efficiency and redefine industry standards.



Panel of Industry Leaders:

Ben Snyder – Sr. Manager Portfolio Optimization, Kroger

Brittany Frey – Head Brewer, MadTree Brewing Company

Tom McGirty – VP of R&D, T. Marzetti Company

Scott Ulrich – Principal Flavorist, Givaudan



Why Attend?

Gain exclusive insights from industry leaders on AI’s impact on food & beverage innovation.

Explore how AI redefines sustainability, unlocks efficiency, and pushes the boundaries of innovation.

Connect with food scientists, product developers, and industry professionals shaping the future of food.

RSVP Today !!
https://forms.gle/hqKkuSaW5U1tNke86

12/18/2024

Ohio Valley IFT members enjoyed some comradery and trivia at local breweries in Columbus and Cincinnati over the past week. Your OVIFT Board of Directors wishes you all the Happiest of Holiday Seasons and we look forward to more good times with our food industry friends in 2025!

04/26/2023

Congratulations to Kelly Elisar and thanks got all you do

04/26/2023

Congratulations to Kelly Elisar and thanks for all you do to connect students to industry and the OVIFT!

08/24/2022

OVIFT is excited to host its 2022 Suppliers Expo and Golf Outing in just under a month in West Chester, Ohio!

Join us for our annual scholarship fundraiser at Top Golf on September 21st.

The expo will take place on September 22nd with over 55 vendors and a seminar by Ohio State professor Dr. Chris Simons.

Expo attendance is FREE!

Learn more and register to attend or exhibit at: http://ovift.org/2022-Expo/index.php?page=Information

04/06/2022

Come see us in Columbus OR Cincinnati on May 12th to network and socialize with fellow food industry professionals!

02/22/2022

Applications are now being accepted for the 2022 Women in Agribusiness Scholarship program. The scholarships, funded by industry businesses, help defray the cost for agribusiness students to attend the annual WIA Summit, which this year will take place in Dallas, Texas, September 26-28.
Please share this opportunity with any young woman who may benefit from attending!

Women in Agribusiness is dedicated to promoting women in the agriculture and agribusiness industry. We support female leaders in the ag industry by providing industry events and information that connects women in ag together and fosters growth and diversity within the female ag community.

01/10/2022

Deadline for Abstract Submission and Reviewer application closes January 14th, 2022 at midnight!!!

Call for Technical Research Papers is Open! Do you have new research the IFT community would benefit from seeing? Students and professionals are invited to submit an abstract for consideration to present at FIRST 2022! All accepted abstracts will be invited to present a physical poster during FIRST....

09/12/2021

Spots are still available for our annual Golf Outing September 22 from 6-9 PM at Topgolf in West Chester, OH. Come join us for an evening of food and fun - all golfers and non-golfers welcome! Event proceeds benefit the Ohio Valley IFT scholarship fund, which supports local food technology students.

Register here today:
http://ovift.org/2021-Expo/index.php?page=Golf