Lifeway Farmer Cheese Expanding Footprint and Entering 1,400 Albertsons Stores Across the U.S.

Rhea-AI Summary

Lifeway Foods (Nasdaq: LWAY) announced the distribution of its Farmer Cheese to 1,400 Albertsons stores across the U.S. The product is a premium cultured soft cheese made with a small batch, artisanal recipe featuring 12 live and active probiotics and 15g of protein per serving.

The Farmer Cheese spreads like cream cheese and has a texture similar to blended cottage cheese. It is up to 99% lactose-free, gluten-free, contains no added salt, and is high in calcium. The company reports increasing consumer interest, partly driven by social media influence and viral recipes using blended cottage cheese.

This expansion represents a significant step in Lifeway's strategy to introduce the product to new audiences, building on their established position as a leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products.

Positive

• Significant retail expansion into 1,400 Albertsons stores nationwide
• Product aligns with growing consumer demand for high-protein and probiotic foods
• Increasing market interest driven by social media exposure and viral recipes

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction

+2.23%

1 alert

+2.23% News Effect

On the day this news was published, LWAY gained 2.23%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Kefir leader increases space into adjacent category

MORTON GROVE, Ill., Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY), a leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products, announced the distribution of its Farmer Cheese to 1,400 Albertsons stores across the U.S. This marks a significant step forward in the company's mission to introduce the product to new audiences.

Lifeway Farmer Cheese is a premium cultured soft cheese made with Lifeway Foods' small batch, artisanal recipe. It has a flavor and texture similar to blended cottage cheese, spreads like cream cheese, and has the added benefits of protein and probiotics. It's made with 12 live and active probiotics, 15g of protein per serving, bioavailable nutrients, and is high in calcium. Plus, it's up to 99% lactose-free, gluten-free, and contains no added salt, making it lower in sodium than many cottage cheese varieties.

"Demand for high protein and probiotic foods is soaring, and we are thrilled to expand distribution of our probiotic Farmer Cheese through this partnership with Albertsons," said Lifeway President and CEO Julie Smolyansky. "Farmer Cheese is one of our cult favorite products that we've offered since Lifeway's inception, and it only continues to grow in popularity thanks to its delicious flavor and incredible benefits. We've seen increased interest thanks to popular social posts from amazing farmer cheese advocates like Bethenny Frankel and viral recipes using blended cottage cheese. Farmer cheese saves a step for everyone seeking an elevated cottage cheese upgrade with a smooth consistency, bioavailable protein and probiotic benefits."

A highly sought-after favorite in many specialty stores, Lifeway Farmer Cheese has been a staple since its introduction. Like the brand's well-known kefir, Lifeway Farmer Cheese has seen increased interest from consumers and major retailers in recent years. The product is now shipping and hitting Albertsons shelves now.

For more information about Lifeway or to locate it in a store near you, visit http://lifewayfoods.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.

About Albertsons Companies
Albertsons Companies is a leading food and drug retailer in the United States. As of November 30, 2024, the Company operated 2,273 retail food and drug stores with 1,732 pharmacies, 405 associated fuel centers, 22 dedicated distribution centers and 19 manufacturing facilities. The Company operates stores across 34 states and the District of Columbia under more than 20 well known banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets and Balducci's Food Lovers Market. The Company is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood. In 2023, along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, the Company contributed more than $350 million in food and financial support, including more than $35 million through our Nourishing Neighbors Program to ensure those living in our communities and those impacted by disasters have enough to eat.

Forward-Looking Statements
This release (and oral statements made regarding the subjects of this release) contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding, among other things, future operating and financial performance, product development, market position, business strategy and objectives. These statements use words, and variations of words, such as "continue," "build," "future," "increase," "drive," "believe," "look," "ahead," "confident," "deliver," "outlook," "expect," and "predict." Other examples of forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, (i) statements of Company plans and objectives, including the introduction of new products, or estimates or predictions of actions by customers or suppliers, (ii) statements of future economic performance, and (III) statements of assumptions underlying other statements and statements about Lifeway or its business. You are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events and thus are inherently subject to uncertainty. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from Lifeway's expectations and projections. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors include: price competition; the decisions of customers or consumers; the actions of competitors; changes in the pricing of commodities; the effects of government regulation; possible delays in the introduction of new products; and customer acceptance of products and services. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties, and other factors can be found in Lifeway's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, and the Company's subsequent filings with the SEC. Copies of these filings are available online at https://www.sec.gov, http://lifewaykefir.com/investor-relations/, or on request from Lifeway. Information in this release is as of the dates and time periods indicated herein, and Lifeway does not undertake to update any of the information contained in these materials, except as required by law. Accordingly, YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON THE ACCURACY OF ANY OF THE STATEMENTS OR OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED IN ANY ARCHIVED PRESS RELEASE.

Contacts:
Perceptual Advisors
Dan Tarman
Email: dtarman@perceptualadvisors.com

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

 

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SOURCE Lifeway Foods, Inc.

FAQ

What is the distribution deal between Lifeway Foods (LWAY) and Albertsons in 2025?

Lifeway Foods is distributing its Farmer Cheese to 1,400 Albertsons stores across the U.S., marking a significant expansion of the product's retail presence.

What are the key nutritional benefits of Lifeway's Farmer Cheese?

Lifeway's Farmer Cheese contains 12 live and active probiotics, 15g of protein per serving, is high in calcium, up to 99% lactose-free, gluten-free, and contains no added salt.

How does Lifeway's Farmer Cheese compare to regular cottage cheese?

Lifeway's Farmer Cheese has a similar flavor to blended cottage cheese but spreads like cream cheese, contains probiotics, and has lower sodium content than many cottage cheese varieties.

What factors are driving the growth of Lifeway's (LWAY) Farmer Cheese sales?

Growth is driven by increasing consumer demand for high-protein and probiotic foods, social media exposure through influencers like Bethenny Frankel, and viral recipes using blended cottage cheese.