Leading U.S. Kefir Brand Lifeway Foods Named to Inc.'s 2025 Best in Business List in Best Challenger Brands Category

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Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ: LWAY) announced on December 3, 2025 that it was named to Inc. magazine's 2025 Best in Business list in the Best Challenger Brands category.

The award recognizes companies that achieved notable business wins such as customer expansion, key product launches, market-share gains, and industry impact. CEO Julie Smolyansky described the recognition as validation of Lifeway's focus on innovation and expanding access to probiotic foods. The full list is available at inc.com/best-in-business.

The annual list recognizes the industry-leading companies that are the best at what they do

MORTON GROVE, Ill., Dec. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ: LWAY) ("Lifeway" or the "Company") is proud to announce its inclusion on the Inc. Best in Business list in the Best Challenger Brands category. Inc.'s annual Best in Business Awards celebrate the exceptional achievements and contributions of companies that have made a profound impact on their industries.

The recognition honors companies that, through exceptional execution, have achieved significant milestones and core business wins, like customer expansion, key product launches, increased market share, and industry-defining accomplishments. Companies from a wide range of industries – such as technology, health care, finance, and retail – have been recognized for their success and their positive influence on the business world.

The full list can be found on Inc.com and in the upcoming winter print edition of Inc. magazine.

"Each Best in Business honoree achieved a breakthrough moment this year. Some unveiled groundbreaking innovations while others launched savvy marketing campaigns or strategically implemented AI in their companies," says Bonny Ghosh, editorial director at Inc. "No matter what their business win looked like, their projects and initiatives had a sizable impact on their company and even on their industry at large, making them worthy of this honor."

Inc.'s Best in Business Awards are open to companies of all sizes and types, in all industries and locations. Public, private, nonprofit, subsidiary, U.S.-based, and international companies are all encouraged to apply. Inc. editors and reporters hand-review every application and select Best in Business honorees that, in each of the award categories, have had an outstanding influence on their communities, their industries, the environment, or society as a whole. 

"Being recognized by Inc. is an incredible validation of our team's commitment to innovation and impact. At Lifeway, our growth continues to be fueled by our mission to support everyday wellness and make better-for-you probiotic foods accessible to all. We're truly honored to be recognized alongside so many inspiring brands," said Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway Foods.

For more information or to see the complete list, please visit inc.com/best-in-business.

About Lifeway Foods, Inc.
Lifeway Foods, Inc., which has been recognized as one of America's Growth Leaders by TIME, as Dairy Foods' Processor of the Year 2025 and 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.

About Inc. 
Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

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

Perceptual Advisors
Dan Tarman
Email: dtarman@perceptualadvisors.com 

 

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SOURCE Lifeway Foods, Inc.

FAQ

What did Lifeway Foods (LWAY) announce on December 3, 2025?

Lifeway Foods announced it was named to Inc.'s 2025 Best in Business list in the Best Challenger Brands category.

Why was Lifeway Foods (LWAY) selected for Inc.'s Best in Business list?

The selection cites companies with notable business wins like customer expansion, key product launches, and market-share gains that had industry impact.

How did Lifeway Foods' CEO respond to the Inc. recognition for LWAY?

CEO Julie Smolyansky said the honor validates the team's commitment to innovation and expanding access to better-for-you probiotic foods.

Where can investors view the full Inc. Best in Business list that includes LWAY?

The complete list is available online at inc.com/best-in-business and in Inc.'s upcoming winter print edition.

Does the Inc. Best in Business award for LWAY disclose financial metrics or guidance?

No; the announcement highlights recognition for business achievements but does not provide financial metrics or guidance.