The 12th International Conference of Food Science and Technology (ICFST) was held at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) on October 2-3, 2018. The ICFST was initiated and has been organized jointly by Jiangnan University and UC Davis, since 1991.  The 12th ICFST continued the tradition of a premier scientific food science gathering with participants from around the world that have links to both Universities.  This year marked the 60th anniversary of Jiangnan University and the 5th anniversary of the Confucius Institute (hosted by teachers from Jiangnan University) at UC Davis. The UC Davis Confucius Institute is the only Confucius Institute with a focus on food and beverages.

The conference was held at the newly opened International Center at UC Davis and focused on four themes: 1) food and health; 2) food safety; 3) food technology and sustainability; 4) sensory and consumer sciences. It featured keynote presentations, scientific presentations, graduate student paper and poster competitions, as well as an optional tour to the famous Napa Valley wine region.