Leading Kefir Brand Lifeway Foods' CEO Julie Smolyansky Launches Industry Conversation to Explore New Voluntary Dairy Certification Standard

Rhea-AI Summary

Lifeway Foods (LWAY) CEO Julie Smolyansky has initiated an industry-wide dialogue to develop a new voluntary dairy certification standard, announced during The Wall Street Journal Global Food Forum. The proposed certification aims to create a middle ground between conventional and organic dairy production, focusing on animal welfare, responsible antibiotic use, sustainable farming practices, milk nutrition quality, and environmental stewardship. As part of Lifeway's 40th anniversary initiatives, the company has launched ANewDairyCertification.org to gather stakeholder feedback and facilitate collaboration among producers, regulators, non-profits, and experts. The certification framework is intended to enhance transparency in the dairy marketplace while balancing public health concerns, consumer demands, and farmer viability.

Calls on Industry Partners to Join in Building a New Model for Public Health, Farmers,
and Consumers

MORTON GROVE, Ill., June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY), the leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products, today announced that CEO Julie Smolyansky is launching an open industry-wide conversation to explore the creation of a new voluntary dairy certification standard. The proposal is designed to balance public health, consumer demand, and farmer viability — and to create a new model of trust and transparency in the dairy marketplace. The announcement is one of many initiatives coming from Lifeway Foods as part of their 40^th anniversary plans and celebrations.

Speaking at The Wall Street Journal Global Food Forum today on June 17th, Smolyansky emphasized her hope that Lifeway's early proposal can serve as a catalyst for broader industry dialogue.

"We believe there is an opportunity — and an obligation — to create a flexible, science-informed standard that empowers farmers, delivers real benefits to public health, and meets growing consumer demand for responsibly produced dairy," said Smolyansky. "But this is not Lifeway's standard. This is a conversation. We are inviting our peers, producers, academics, nutritionists, environmental advocates, and public health leaders to join us in imagining a new voluntary certification that works for everyone."

The proposed certification would aim to provide an alternative between conventional and organic dairy production, offering consumers an additional level of transparency on issues like animal welfare, responsible antibiotic use, sustainable farming practices, milk nutrition quality, and environmental stewardship.

Smolyansky stressed that this initiative reflects Lifeway's ongoing commitment to the public good, not simply a corporate agenda.

"Our hope is that others will take ownership of this idea — that leading producers, regulators, non-profits, and experts will come together to develop, refine, and govern any future certification framework," she said. "Lifeway can help initiate the conversation, but a durable solution must be built collaboratively for the benefit of the entire industry and, most importantly, the health of the public."

To facilitate initial feedback and dialogue, Lifeway has launched a website — ANewDairyCertification.org — outlining draft principles and inviting interested stakeholders to engage.

Smolyansky added: "This is the first step. Our goal is to create a space for honest dialogue, scientific rigor, and mutual respect as we work to strengthen the dairy industry's long-term sustainability, integrity, and contribution to public health."

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.

Perceptual Advisors
Dan Tarman
Email: dtarman@perceptualadvisors.com

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

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

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SOURCE Lifeway Foods, Inc.

FAQ

What is the new dairy certification standard proposed by Lifeway Foods (LWAY)?

Lifeway Foods is proposing a voluntary certification standard that would provide a middle ground between conventional and organic dairy production, focusing on animal welfare, antibiotic use, sustainable farming, milk quality, and environmental stewardship.

Who will develop and govern the new dairy certification standard proposed by LWAY?

The certification will be developed collaboratively by industry producers, regulators, non-profits, and experts, rather than being controlled solely by Lifeway Foods.

How can stakeholders participate in Lifeway Foods' dairy certification initiative?

Interested stakeholders can engage through the website ANewDairyCertification.org, which outlines draft principles and invites feedback and dialogue.

What are the main objectives of Lifeway Foods' new dairy certification program?

The program aims to balance public health, meet consumer demand for responsibly produced dairy, ensure farmer viability, and create greater trust and transparency in the dairy marketplace.

When did Lifeway Foods announce their new dairy certification initiative?

Lifeway Foods CEO Julie Smolyansky announced the initiative on June 17, 2025, during The Wall Street Journal Global Food Forum, as part of the company's 40th anniversary celebrations.