Join Enterprise Ireland and Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network for an evening of insightful discussion and networking to kickoff IFT FIRST!
On Tuesday, July 15th, industry leaders and innovators are invited to an exclusive, invitation-only event focused on the dynamic forces shaping the future of food and beverage. Co-hosted by the Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network (CFBN) and Enterprise Ireland, this special gathering will provide unparalleled insights into the current trends driving innovation across the sector.
Prepare for an engaging panel discussion featuring food & beverage industry leaders and experts. We will delve into critical themes including:
- Sustainable Packaging & Production: Exploring eco-friendly solutions and circular food systems.
- The Rise of Functional Foods & Personalized Nutrition: Catering to health-conscious consumers and individual dietary needs.
- Alternative Proteins & Cultivated Meat: The evolution of sustainable protein sources.
- Consumer Demand for Elevated Convenience & Culinary Exploration: How brands are meeting the desire for both ease and adventurous flavors.
- The Impact of AI & Robotics on the Food Ecosystem: Leveraging technology for efficiency and innovation.
This is an exclusive event. If you do not have the registration code, please email Mayra Cruz to be added to the waitlist.
AGENDA
4:30PM Doors Open & Networking
5:00PM Welcome & Comments from Enterprise Ireland
5:30PM Panel
6:30PM Q&A
6:45PM Networking
7:30PM Event Ends
THE PANEL
KATE SAUL
VP Marketing
Ornua NA (Kerrygold)
Kate Saul is Vice President of Marketing at Ornua Foods North America and a member of the Senior Leadership team since 2022. Leading out a multi-disciplined team charged with growing and developing the Kerrygold brand in North America, the Marketing function spans Insights & Analytics as well as Brand Communication, Activation and Innovation. As the #2 Butter Brand and the #1 specialty cheese brand in the market, Kerrygold is enjoyed by over 20M US households who appreciate the products rich and unique taste – the result of free roaming grass-fed cows from Ireland’s small family run farms. Prior to this role, Kate held the position of Head of Marketing for International markets based at the Co-operative’s HQ in Dublin and in 2021 was listed one of the Top 100 CMO’s in Ireland by Business & Finance. Passionate about Irish food, Kate has over 20+ years experience in CPG companies across a range of sectors including Meat, Bread, Confectionery and Dairy.
ILANA ORLOFSKY
Trendologist, Sr. Manager Customer Experience
Imbibe
Ilana Orlofsky has spent the past decade working at the intersection of consumer behavior, brand strategy, and product innovation in the food and beverage industry. In her role at Imbibe, she has played a key part in identifying emerging trends and translating them into actionable strategies that support both client innovation pipelines and company growth.
Ilana has shared her expertise through trade publications such as Beverage Industry, Prepared Foods, and Nutritional Outlook, and has spoken at industry events including Flavorcon and the National Restaurant Association Show.
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BRIAN VOGT
VP Business Development
Edlong Flavor Solutions
Bio to come
BEN YEAP
Director of Innovation & Science
CoreFX Ingredients
Ben Yeap is the Director of Innovation and Science at CoreFX Ingredients, with expertise in drying technology and product development of functional foods and dietary supplements. He leads the discovery and advancement of CoreNhanced™ Nutrient Delivery Platform for the optimal oral delivery of various nutrients, as well as development of microencapsulated lipid and dairy ingredients. Previously, Ben served as Adjunct Lecturer for Food Processing and Product Development at the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences at Tuskegee University.
TO BE ANNOUNCED
Kerry Ingredients
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DAVID O'FLAHERTY
SVP Food and Beverage FDI
Enterprise Ireland
David O'Flaherty is the Senior Vice President of Food and Beverage, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) at Enterprise Ireland. In this role,based in Chicago, David leads efforts to attract international investment into Ireland's thriving food and beverage sector from the North American marketplace. His work focuses on fostering partnerships, driving innovation, and promoting Ireland as a global leader in sustainable and high-quality food production. Previously, David was an Advisor to Irish dairys, ingredient manufacturers and nutricutical companies, focusing on International growth, innovation and sustainability strategies.
With extensive experience in international trade and market development, David is dedicated to supporting Irish and International businesses and enhancing Ireland's reputation on the global stage. David holds a Master’s degree in International Business from Trinity College Dublin.
ALAN REED
Executive Director
The Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network
Alan Reed is the Executive Director of the Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network, a startup, nonprofit organization that brings industry players together, provides a forum for collaboration and support, and better connects the 4,500 companies in the industry across Chicagoland to drive innovation and growth in the region. The group leverages the power of the food & beverage industry in Chicagoland to grow the industry, and the local economy.
Alan has a degree in Telecommunications from Indiana University, an MBA in Management & Strategy from Northwestern University, where he has taught innovation and new product development, and a certificate in Non-Profit Management from the University of Notre Dame.
Beyond the rich discussion, guests will enjoy a selection of delicious cocktails and appetizers, offering a perfect setting for high-level networking with fellow leaders and innovators in the food and beverage space. This is a unique opportunity to connect with key players, gain a competitive edge, and discover what's next in food and beverage innovation.
This is an exclusive, invitation-only event brought to you by:
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