Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to predict pet food palatability – at Petfood Forum

We’re thrilled to announce that Ana Rita Monforte, Ph.D., Manager, Flavour & Data Sciences at AFB, will be presenting on leveraging Artificial Intelligence to predict pet food palatability at Petfood Forum 2026. Her presentation will unveil how AI-driven approaches can analyze ingredient composition, chemical descriptors, and animal taste preferences, using advanced algorithms like Random Forest to accurately pinpoint the key factors that make pet food appealing. This event is not only an opportunity to learn from a leader in flavor science but also to exchange ideas and collaborate with fellow industry professionals who are passionate about quality and innovation in pet nutrition.

This topic is especially important for the pet food manufacturing industry, as palatability remains a core differentiator in product success. Traditionally, predicting what pets will enjoy has required extensive empirical testing—an expensive and time-consuming process. Ana Rita’s research introduces a data-driven approach that streamlines recipe design, reduces the need for repeated trials, and empowers manufacturers to optimize palatant systems for a wide range of recipes and production methods. By integrating multi-dimensional datasets and transforming them into actionable insights, her work paves the way for faster innovation and more consistent sensory experiences for pets, making it a vital advancement for anyone committed to delivering the best in pet food.

Plan on attending her session on Tuesday, April 28th, from 3:10-4:15pm, Rm 2504, at Petfood Forum in Kansas City, Missouri USA. You can also stop by our booth #1301, to speak with Ana Rita about this topic.