Lifeway Foods reports double-digit sales growth as kefir demand surges

Lifeway Foods Inc. reported strong preliminary third-quarter results, projecting unaudited net sales between $55.8 million and $57.0 million for the period ending September 30. The company’s sales are estimated to be up 21% to 24% year-over-year, driven by growing consumer demand for its flagship kefir beverages and the expansion of its Lifeway Farmer Cheese product line.

CEO Julie Smolyansky said the brand’s surge reflects kefir’s rising popularity in the U.S. and Lifeway’s growing mainstream presence. “What once felt like a treasure hunt to find Lifeway on shelves has transformed into coast-to-coast availability,” she said.

During the quarter, Lifeway introduced 8-ounce organic kefir at a major national retailer and added another club rotation, extending the brand’s reach into new markets, including corner stores, airports and universities. The company is also working to nearly double production capacity at its Waukesha facility to meet future demand.

For operators in the refreshment and convenience services sector, Lifeway’s rapid expansion into on-the-go channels highlights a growing opportunity in functional, protein-rich dairy products that appeal to health-conscious consumers. As distribution widens and product formats diversify, items like drinkable kefir could become increasingly relevant in micro markets and grab-and-go coolers.