Dairy Foods Names Lifeway Foods as Processor of the Year, Recognizing the Brand's Growth and Its Role in Revolutionizing the U.S. Kefir Category

Rhea-AI Summary

Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ: LWAY), a leading kefir and fermented dairy products supplier, has been awarded Dairy Foods Magazine's Processor of the Year for 2025. Under CEO Julie Smolyansky's leadership, who became the youngest female CEO of a public company in 2002, Lifeway has achieved significant milestones including record-breaking retail growth and innovative product launches.

The company's achievements include the introduction of Lifeway Probiotic Smoothie + Collagen and Flavor Fusions, implementation of sustainable manufacturing practices, and continued commitment to charitable initiatives. Lifeway will be featured in Dairy Foods' December 2025 issue and honored at the IDFA Dairy Forum in January 2026, as it approaches its 40th anniversary in 2026.

Positive

• Record-breaking retail growth driven by increased consumer demand
• Successful launch of innovative new products in 2025
• Recognition as Processor of the Year by leading industry publication
• Implementation of sustainable manufacturing practices and energy-efficient production

Negative

• None.

Insights

Food Industry Analyst

Lifeway's industry award recognition validates its market leadership and growth trajectory in the premium functional foods space.

Lifeway Foods receiving the Dairy Foods Magazine's Processor of the Year award represents significant industry validation for the company's growth strategy and market position. This recognition specifically highlights Lifeway's "strong and sustained revenue growth" and "expanded distribution" - key performance indicators that suggest the company is successfully capturing increased consumer demand for functional foods.

The mention of "record-breaking retail growth" indicates Lifeway is outperforming its previous benchmarks, likely gaining market share in the competitive functional foods category. Their product innovation strategy appears well-aligned with current consumer trends, particularly with new offerings that combine probiotics with other functional ingredients like collagen.

From a competitive standpoint, this award positions Lifeway as the category leader in kefir, strengthening its brand authority in the growing functional foods market. The recognition from a respected industry publication enhances Lifeway's credibility with retailers, potentially supporting further distribution expansion.

As Lifeway approaches its 40th anniversary, the company demonstrates remarkable staying power and adaptability in an industry that has seen significant evolution in consumer preferences. This combination of heritage and innovation represents a compelling market position as consumer interest in gut health and functional foods continues to accelerate.

MORTON GROVE, Ill., July 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ: LWAY) ("Lifeway" or "the Company"), a leading supplier of kefir and fermented dairy products, is proud to announce it has been named Processor of the Year by Dairy Foods Magazine – the publication's highest annual honor recognizing innovation, leadership, growth and impact in the dairy industry.

This prestigious award highlights Lifeway's exceptional performance in 2025, including strong and sustained revenue growth, expanded distribution, category-defining innovation and continued commitment to wellness, sustainability and community empowerment.

"Being named Processor of the Year is a tremendous honor and a testament to the hard work and passion of the entire Lifeway team," said Julie Smolyansky, President and CEO of Lifeway Foods. "For nearly 40 years, our mission has been to bring the health benefits of probiotics and fermented foods to more people. This recognition reflects the power of that mission and the growing awareness of gut health as foundational to overall wellness."

Smolyansky, who became the youngest female CEO of a publicly traded company in the U.S. in 2002, added: "I'm incredibly proud to have led Lifeway for the past 23 years. I've been part of this journey since I was 11 years old, watching my immigrant father build something meaningful from the ground up. To see how far we've come – from a small startup in Chicago to a category leader with global reach – is deeply personal and profoundly rewarding."

The award follows a milestone year for Lifeway, marked by:

• Record-breaking retail growth fueled by increased consumer demand for functional and probiotic-rich foods
• Innovative new product launches, including Lifeway Probiotic Smoothie + Collagen and Flavor Fusions
• Engaging marketing initiatives that generate excitement and attract new consumers to the category
• Mission-driven initiatives and continued support for charitable organizations
• Sustainable manufacturing practices and investments in energy-efficient production and responsible sourcing

"Lifeway is not only a pioneer in the kefir category, but a company that continues to lead with purpose, integrity and innovation," said Brian Berk, editor-in-chief of Dairy Foods Magazine. "They exemplify what it means to be a modern processor, embracing both tradition and transformation."

Dairy Foods will feature Lifeway in the December 2025 issue of the magazine and the brand will be honored with a physical award at IDFA Dairy Forum in January 2026.

As Lifeway prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026, the Company remains focused on its mission of nourishing the body and mind through the power of probiotics and fermented foods.

For more information about Lifeway Foods, visit www.lifewaykefir.com.

About Lifeway Foods, Inc.
Lifeway Foods, Inc., which has been recognized as one of Forbes' Best Small Companies, is America's leading supplier of the probiotic, fermented beverage known as kefir. In addition to its line of drinkable kefir, the company also produces a variety of cheeses and a ProBugs line for kids. Lifeway's tart and tangy fermented dairy products are now sold across the United States, Mexico, Ireland, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, and France. Learn how Lifeway is good for more than just you at lifewayfoods.com.

Derek Miller 
Vice President of Communications, Lifeway Foods
Email: derekm@lifeway.net

Perceptual Advisors
Dan Tarman
Email: dtarman@perceptualadvisors.com

General inquiries:
Lifeway Foods, Inc.
Phone: 847-967-1010
Email: info@lifeway.net

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SOURCE Lifeway Foods, Inc.

FAQ

What award did Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ: LWAY) receive in 2025?

Lifeway Foods received the Processor of the Year award from Dairy Foods Magazine, the publication's highest annual honor recognizing innovation, leadership, growth and impact in the dairy industry.

Who is the CEO of Lifeway Foods and what is significant about her leadership?

Julie Smolyansky is the CEO of Lifeway Foods, who became the youngest female CEO of a publicly traded company in the U.S. in 2002. She has led the company for 23 years.

What new products did Lifeway Foods launch in 2025?

Lifeway Foods launched Lifeway Probiotic Smoothie + Collagen and Flavor Fusions as part of their innovative product lineup in 2025.

When will Lifeway Foods be featured in Dairy Foods Magazine?

Lifeway Foods will be featured in the December 2025 issue of Dairy Foods Magazine and will receive a physical award at the IDFA Dairy Forum in January 2026.

How long has Lifeway Foods been in business?

Lifeway Foods is approaching its 40th anniversary in 2026, having started as a small startup in Chicago before growing into a category leader with global reach.