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World Food Championships Welcomes Illinois Soybean Association as Ag Zone Presenting Partner for 2025

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Posted Sep 4, 2025
World Food Championships Welcomes Illinois Soybean Association as Ag Zone Presenting Partner for 2025

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – (September 5, 2025) – The World Food Championships (WFC), the largest Food Sport competition in the world, is proud to announce a new partnership with the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) for its 2025 Main Event, set to take place October 16–19 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. As the Presenting Partner of the Ag Zone, ISA will play a leading role in highlighting the power of soy innovation, education, and consumer engagement at this year’s competition.

The centerpiece of this partnership is the naming rights to the new Ag Zone Stage, located inside the Fall Creek Pavilion. This high-profile stage will showcase a wide variety of educational programming, interactive demonstrations, and industry insights throughout the weekend.

Additionally, ISA will help integrate soy’s impact on modern food systems directly into the competition through WFC’s refreshed Food Champ University platform. All competing teams will receive key educational messaging on soy-based products, expanding their knowledge of how soy contributes to sustainability, nutrition, and innovation in the culinary world.

Beyond the competition floor, ISA will connect directly with consumers by featuring a booth in the Ag Zone, where eventgoers can experience soy product demonstrations and learn about the diverse applications of soy in everyday life. ISA will also take the spotlight with a consumer-focused demonstration from supporting stages during the event weekend, bringing soy’s story to life in an engaging, hands-on format.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the Illinois Soybean Association into the WFC family,” said Mike McCloud, President and CEO of WFC. “Their commitment to advancing innovation and education around soy aligns perfectly with our mission to celebrate food, farming, and flavor. With ISA leading the Ag Zone, fans and competitors alike will gain a deeper appreciation for soy’s role in the future of food.”

“Soybeans are one of Illinois’ most valuable agricultural products, and we’re excited to bring their story to a global audience at the World Food Championships,” said ISA Market Development Director Todd Main. “From the field to the plate, soy is driving innovation and sustainability in ways that consumers are only beginning to discover. This partnership allows us to showcase those benefits while connecting directly with chefs, competitors, and food fans.”

The 2025 World Food Championships will take place October 16–19 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center with over 400 competition teams battling for their share of $450,000 in prize money and the coveted title of World Champion. The weekend will also feature the 58th annual World Championship Chili Cook-off and unique ticketed attractions, including the Taste of WFC Premium Experience (with optional Sizzle Pass enhancement) and the IGNITE! WFC Music & BBQ Kickoff Party taking place on Friday, October 17.

Competitors, partners, and fans of Food Sport can stay up to date on all things related to the World Food Championships by visiting worldfoodchampionships.com or follow World Food Championships on Facebook and Instagram (@WorldFoodChampionships), Twitter (X) (@WorldFoodChamp), and LinkedIn (@WorldFoodChampionshipsHoldings).

About the Illinois Soybean Association
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The checkoff funds market development, soybean production and government relations efforts, while the membership program, Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) and the Illinois Soybean Growers PAC actively advocates for positive and impactful legislation for farmers at local, state and national levels. ISA upholds the interests of Illinois soybean farmers through promotion, advocacy, research and education with the vision of becoming a trusted partner of Illinois soybean farmers to ensure their profitability now and for future generations. For more information, visit the website www.ilsoy.org and www.ilsoygrowers.com.

About World Food Championships
The World Food Championships (WFC) is the premier food sport competition globally. This multi-day, live culinary event showcases some of the world's best cooks competing for food, fame, and fortune across multiple categories. Each year, thousands of teams vie for a coveted Golden Ticket at official qualifiers to earn their spot at WFC. Since its debut in 2012, the event has attracted participants from nearly 40 countries and every state in the U.S. The 2025 World Food Championships will take place October 16-19 at the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion, located at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center in Indianapolis. For more information, visit WorldFoodChampionships.com.


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