IPB University Food Science Team Wins Developing Solutions for Developing Countries Product Development Competition at IFT FIRST

CHICAGO – August 17, 2023 – Food science students from IPB University in Indonesia claimed top honors in the Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA) Developing Solutions for Developing Countries (DSDC) product development competition. The team won for their product Drasties, an innovative smoothie produced using local ingredients to help local Indonesian producers and keep prices affordable while also serving as a nutritional value drink substitute. The DSDC competition promotes the application of food science and technology and the development of new products and processes that are targeted at improving the quality of life for people in developing countries.

The DSDC competition is sponsored by Feeding Tomorrow Fund of IFT, which encourages, promotes, and rewards the excellence of students pursuing careers in the science of food through various efforts including a variety of academic tuition scholarships. The competition was held last month at IFT FIRST, the annual event for the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific organization committed to advancing the science of food and its application across the global food system.

The team consisted of Brayen Ariel (Manado, North Sulawesi), Alyaa Fathi Maulida Alawi (Bogor, West Java), and Camilla Dewanthy Putri Basuki (South Tangerang, Banten).

“Winning the DSDC 2023 is an incredible validation of our efforts, and it fills me with excitement and gratitude for the opportunities ahead in my pursuit of food science,” said Ariel, who dreams of one day becoming the Secretary General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. “I used to watch my seniors participate and wondered if I could ever do it myself. And this year, we made it. Indonesia, we did it!”

Maulida Alawi, on the other hand, is pursuing a career in research and development, and has been exploring product formulation, sensory analysis, and packaging.

“Winning the DSDC competition is an incredible accomplishment and fills me with immense pride and excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead towards a promising future in food science. I am absolutely elated and deeply honored to have won,” shared Maulida Alawi

Putri Basuki added: “As my friend said, a food technologist will always be in need as long as human beings are still alive. I am confident this competition will bring wonderful opportunities ahead, and I am grateful that IFTSA honored us with this award.”

The IFTSA Achievement Award and Competition winners were recognized during the IFTSA Closing Ceremony, which was held on July 18 at McCormick Place in Chicago. IFTSA is a student-governed community of IFT members and the mission-driven organization executes programming and competitions throughout the year, supports student members and chapters, and aims to develop the leaders in the future of the science of food.

About Institute of Food Technologists Student Association

The Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA) is a student-governed community of more than 2,000 IFT members spanning 60 Chapters in 59 countries. IFTSA’s vision of a global community of inspired and informed students who are prepared for a future in food drives its mission to enrich the academic experience and empower students to thrive individually and together. To prepare the future and celebrate the community, IFTSA provides opportunities beyond the classroom and lab, grows student networks to facilitate meaningful and lasting connections, as well as includes and promotes diverse perspectives and backgrounds to foster a culture of belonging. For more information, visit ift.org/community/students

About Institute of Food Technologists

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) is a global organization of approximately 12,000 individual members from more than 100 countries committed to advancing the science of food. Since 1939, IFT has brought together the brightest minds in food science, technology and related professions from academia, government, and industry to solve the world’s greatest food challenges. IFT works to ensure that its members have the resources they need to learn, grow, and advance the science of food as the population and the world evolve. IFT believes that science is essential to ensuring a global food supply that is sustainable, safe, nutritious, and accessible to all. For more information, please visit ift.org.

Media Contact

Dennis Van Milligen
Senior Manager, Public and Media Relations
Institute of Food Technologists
630-853-3022
dvanmilligen@ift.org