#South Korea #Chicago #Food Innovation #Daesang #IFT First

Introduction

From July 13 to 15, 2026, Daesang Corporation solidified its position as a leader in global food ingredient markets at the IFT FIRST 2026, the largest food science and innovation expo globally. Hosted in Chicago at McCormick Place, this year's event welcomed over 1,000 companies from 80 nations, drawing in more than 15,500 visitors, including industry buyers eager to discover cutting-edge food solutions.

Daesang's Participation

Daesang has been an active participant in IFT FIRST since 2024, utilizing the expo as a platform to showcase its advanced ingredient technologies. The company successfully captivated attendees with live demonstrations that highlighted the uniqueness and effectiveness of its proprietary umami and sodium-reduction solutions. Daesang's booth was a hub of innovation, visibly standing out amongst the extensive exhibition.

Introduction of Innovative Ingredients

Highlighting global market trends, Daesang presented a suite of new food ingredients focused on health, safety, and sustainability. Among these was Dsavory®, a contemporary fermented flavor enhancer aimed at supporting the creation of clean-label, vegan, and low-sodium products. This innovation not only elevates the umami flavor profile but also maintains the integrity of the original food, allowing manufacturers to eliminate artificial enhancers and noticeably reduce sodium levels.

Each member of the Dsavory lineup serves a unique purpose:

• - Dsavory UH accelerates umami perception, optimizing flavors in low-sodium offerings.
• - Dsavory LH emphasizes deep, nuanced mid-to-late flavor notes, ideal for products like instant noodles and sauces.
• - Dsavory MH has garnered significant interest for its rich umami and roasted meat notes, suitable for snacks and plant-based meat applications. All variants possess FEMA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status, affirming their safety for consumer use.

Responding to Elevated Health Trends

Aligning with the rising demand for healthier products, Daesang also unveiled its Sweevero™ brand, encompassing allulose and custom sugar-reduction systems, finely tailored to meet diverse consumer needs. The presentation of this brand highlighted its success in the North American market and features formulations to eliminate unpleasant taste attributes commonly associated with alternative sweeteners, thereby delivering a naturally balanced flavor experience.

Furthermore, Daesang introduced EMULAID™, a revolutionary plant-based emulsion stabilizer derived from waxy corn starch. This ingredient is designed to enhance texture and quality across various food products, including beverages and sauces, while maintaining a seamless balance between oil and water.

Focus on Strategic Innovation

One noteworthy innovation was Capsulaid™, engineered as a next-generation encapsulating solution to secure functional ingredients in a stable powder form. The significant interest in Capsulaid™ stemmed from its ability to deliver superior performance and storage stability, maintaining low viscosity without compromising quality. Daesang's offerings not only demonstrate technological advancement but also contribute to evolving global food trends, positioning the company as not merely a supplier but a strategic partner in food innovation.

Hyo-hoon Lee, Daesang's Head of Ingredient Marketing, encapsulated the essence of Daesang's mission, stating: "IFT FIRST 2026 served as a vital opportunity to revitalize our 70-year legacy in food ingredient technology. Our goal is to be recognized as a collaborative partner, working closely with clients to develop and refine customized formulations tailored to their needs. The U.S. market will serve as our strategic base to further expand our global reach and applications of next-generation ingredients."

Conclusion

Daesang's impactful participation at IFT FIRST 2026 not only showcased its advanced technology but also set the stage for future innovations in the food industry. With a commitment to sustainability and health, Daesang is poised to continue leading the way in the evolving landscape of food ingredients, aligning perfectly with emerging consumer preferences and industry demands.

For more information on Daesang and its products, visit www.daesang.com/en.