IMCD Group, a leading global partner for the distribution and formulation of speciality chemicals and ingredients, will exhibit at IFT FIRST 2026 under the banner "Delivering with Purpose". 

The theme reflects three megatrends the company sees driving the food and beverage industry: purposeful nutrition with performance, purposeful experiences for the senses, and purposeful value without compromise. Building on these, the company will be showcasing how food and drink can perform, taste good, and earn their place on shelf without costing the earth. 

At Booth S1832, IMCD's Food & Nutrition team will put functional innovation centre stage, with a sharp focus on one of the category's fastest-growing opportunities: e-sports. 

Gaming meets formulation

E-sports is one of the fastest-growing digital markets, generating USD 2,396.9 million in revenue in 2024 (1), and consumers within it are seeking energy, performance and engaging experiences. At the show, IMCD will feature nine exclusive concept creations designed to help food and beverage brands and producers address the e-sport and nutrition-driven markets. 

To bring the trend to life, IMCD is also inviting visitors to step away from the bench seat and into an immersive VR soccer experience. As global soccer takes centre stage this summer, the activation lets attendees test their reflexes, have a bit of fun, and see first-hand how brands can connect with consumers who want energy, performance and genuine engagement. 

Nine concepts to inspire innovation

IMCD will present nine exclusive concept creations spanning performance nutrition, indulgent snacking and better-for-you staples, all built on the idea that consumers shouldn't have to choose between taste, nutrition, function and value: 

• E-Sports Energy Drink, with natural caffeine, fibre and collagen peptides for sustained energy and joint support;

• Muscle Mass Gainer Powder Beverages (dairy and plant-based), with functional protein for muscle maintenance and growth;

• PowerFuel Bar, for balanced, on-the-go nutrition with whey crisps;

• Protein-Enriched Gummy, with 9g protein, 5g fibre, 0g sugar, chocolate-flavoured;

• Beauty Brownie Bites, with cocoa reduction technology, and collagen peptides for skin, hair and nail health;

• Fiber-Enriched Veggie Dip, with added fibre, reduced fat, egg-free;

• Gluten-Free Pasta Bowl Meal, protein-enriched pasta with fibre-rich tomato sauce;

• Plant-Based Sablé Cookie with Bake-Stable Fillings, crisp, tender, plant-based and compliant;

• Vanilla & Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cake with Inclusions, bakery-style indulgence with chocolate inclusions. 

Emilie Pharand, Vice-President Food & Nutrition, North America, IMCD: "Spotting a trend early is one thing, turning it into a market-ready product is another. That's where we add value: combining deep market insight, formulation expertise, and the right portfolio of supplier solutions to draw on, so we can co-create with our customers from first concept through to prototyping and optimisation. Our e-sports energy drink is a good example of that in practice, and it's one of nine concepts at our booth showing how the right formulation partner can turn a trend into a finished product, and get it to market faster." 

Meet the experts

IMCD's experts will be on hand throughout the show to talk formulation challenges in performance nutrition, sensory experiences and value-driven product development.

(1) Source: https://www.polytechnique-insights.com/en/columns/digital/esports-everything-you-need-to-know-about-this-exploding-digital-market/