Food Loves Tech
On November 3rd and 4th, 2017, food and drink innovators and enthusiasts gathered at Industry City, Brooklyn, to explore the developing relationship between modern technology and food systems at this year’s Food Loves Tech (FLT) symposium. Hosted by food magazines Edible Manhattan and Edible Brooklyn, the event was described as an “education-by-entertainment innovation expo.”
The two-day expo was designed to give attendees a chance to experience multiple immersive installations, interactive tastings, leadership panels, and a one-of-a-kind sensory experience that united art, tech, food, and drinks. Edible Manhattan and Edible Brooklyn Editor-In-Chief Brian Halweil mentioned that the event will be careful to not only highlight those novel technologies that solve what they call “#firstworldproblems,” like faster ways to order food online, but also spotlight the technologies and startups that are “compelled by a mission to fix our broken food system.”
The event kicked off on Friday with the Future of the Cocktail event, where expert mixologists and bartenders served up cutting edge cocktails that featured several innovative brewing and distilling technologies. A few Industry City tenants were also represented, including avocado bar Avocaderia, whole-animal salumeria Ends Meat, and artisanal beverage product Barrow’s Intense Ginger Liqueur.
Guests were treated to taste exclusive dishes and drinks from alternative, plant-based proteins, sustainable seafood and produce, and incorporate greens from local rooftop farms such as Gotham Greens and others. Featured chefs included Chef Mike Anthony from the Gramercy Tavern, Chef Michael Chernow from Seamore’s, Chef Winston Chiu from bonbite, and Chefs Nicole Gajadhar and Brad Farmerie from Saxon + Parole. A particular fan favorite was the impossible foods sliders, which was a vegetarian slider that was incredibly meaty and juicy.
Rounding it all out, the "On the Horizon" section delved into the technology aspect of future foods. BeeHex (who have developed a 3D printed food system) printed smiley face cookies. SELFEE, a photo booth that printed guests’ faces on edible cookies truly showed us that a food and tech future is a fun one.
Panels will take place on both days and evolve around topics like High Hopes: Can Vertical Agriculture Help Us Produce More Food, More Sustainably?; How Should We Grow Food for the Future?; How Can Technology Help Us Mitigate Food Waste?. One of the most interesting conversations was “How Tech is Changing How We Drink” were guests were able to enjoy the discussion, while tasting the Belvedere samples served in Martini glasses.
From vertical farming and food distribution to virtual reality menus and plant-based proteins, FLT united food and drink innovators, thought-leaders, and enthusiasts, to invite them experience a special future of food and drink exhibition.
