Virginia Dare, a leading name in the flavor industry, is excited to announce its return to IFT FIRST, from July 15-17, 2024, in Chicago. This year, Virginia Dare will debut a sleek and modern redesign of its booth that mirrors the company's new state-of-the-art headquarters in Carteret, N.J. Virginia Dare also has updated its website with a clean, minimal, and sophisticated look — earning it a Gold Winner Hermes Creative Award.  

"We're thrilled to showcase our new booth design, which reflects the evolution of Virginia Dare and our dedication to being a flavor-first innovator,” says Philip Caputo, Virginia Dare’s marketing & consumer insights manager. “Our new facility has significantly expanded our capabilities, and we can't wait to give visitors a taste of what we can achieve together."

IFT FIRST attendees will have the opportunity to sample products that demonstrate Virginia Dare's expertise in custom flavor configuration, taste improvement, beverage applications, wellness formulations, and functional delivery innovation.  

•  RTD Plant-Based Functional Coffee Latte
•  RTD Huckleberry Bramble Ginless Cocktail
•  RTD Calamansi Green Tea Hydration Beverage
•  RTM Caramel Apple Crumble Protein Shake
•  RTE Watermelon Margarita Pixy Stick
•  Blood Orange Yuze Ceramide Gummy

These samples include some of the latest trends in flavor. From fortified functional beverages to fruity mocktails, this is just a sneak peek at the expanded capabilities of Virginia Dare's new facility, focused on improving sensory experiences and driving another century of innovation.

Howard Smith Jr., President of Virginia Dare since 2000 and a key figure in the flavor industry for nearly 40 years, has been instrumental in guiding Virginia Dare to success for the past quarter century. Recently honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Flavor & Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA), Howard's leadership extends beyond Virginia Dare, shaping industry standards through his roles at FEMA and the International Organization of the Flavor Industry (IOFI). His dedication to innovation and industry advancement exemplifies Virginia Dare's overall commitment to excellence in flavor solutions and beyond.  

To learn more about Virginia Dare’s full flavor capabilities, visit www.VirginiaDare.com or stop by IFT FIRST Booth #1826.  

About Virginia Dare 
For 100 years, Virginia Dare has worked with its partners to build products delivering preferred taste. Combining formulation expertise with substantial knowledge in sourcing and producing natural ingredients, Virginia Dare melds science, market insights, and sourcing to create business advantages for its partners. Virginia Dare’s combination of superior flavor platforms with focused industry expertise makes us the leading partner for attaining preferred taste with strategic business value.