Lifeway Foods, Inc., a pioneer and leading supplier of kefir and fermented dairy products, has been bestowed with the esteemed Processor of the Year award by Dairy Foods Magazine. This significant recognition, the publication’s highest annual honor, underscores Lifeway’s profound influence and leadership within the competitive dairy sector, particularly its pivotal role in transforming the U.S. kefir market and advocating for the numerous benefits of probiotics.
The Processor of the Year award comprehensively evaluates companies based on criteria such as innovation, leadership, sustained growth, and overall industry impact. Lifeway Foods has consistently excelled in these areas, driving the widespread acceptance and consumption of kefir and other health-promoting fermented foods. Their steadfast dedication to product quality and consumer education has firmly established them as a vanguard in the burgeoning probiotic movement, elevating awareness about the crucial link between gut health and comprehensive well-being.
Julie Smolyansky, President and CEO of Lifeway Foods, expressed deep gratitude and pride upon receiving the award, crediting the tireless efforts and commitment of the entire Lifeway team. She reiterated the company’s foundational mission, established almost four decades ago, to democratize access to the health advantages of probiotics and fermented foods for a broader audience—a mission that remains profoundly relevant and impactful in today’s health-conscious society.
Smolyansky’s personal narrative is intricately woven with Lifeway’s trajectory of success; having assumed the role of the youngest female CEO of a publicly traded company in 2002, she has masterfully guided the company for over two decades. Her journey, from witnessing her immigrant father build the enterprise from a modest startup, vividly illustrates Lifeway’s remarkable evolution into a category leader with a significant global presence within the dairy industry.
Jim Carper, editor-in-chief of Dairy Foods Magazine, lauded Lifeway not merely as a trailblazer in the kefir segment, but as an organization that embodies integrity, purpose, and relentless innovation. He specifically highlighted Lifeway’s exemplary status as a modern food processor, adeptly merging time-honored techniques with cutting-edge advancements to fulfill contemporary consumer demands.
Lifeway Foods’ prestigious recognition will be further elaborated in an in-depth feature within the September issue of Dairy Foods Magazine, offering insights into the company’s achievements and strategic vision. Furthermore, Lifeway is slated to receive a formal physical award at the esteemed IDFA Dairy Forum in January 2026, unequivocally cementing its preeminent standing within the industry.
As Lifeway Foods anticipates its 40th anniversary in 2026, the company remains unwavering in its core commitment: to nurture both body and mind through the powerful advantages of probiotics and fermented foods. This steadfast dedication underpins its position as America’s foremost supplier of the popular kefir beverage, serving as a testament to its enduring positive impact on public health and wellness.
Beyond its iconic drinkable kefir line, Lifeway Foods also produces a diverse array of dairy products, including various types of cheese and the specially formulated ProBugs line for children. Recognized by Forbes as one of the Best Small Companies, Lifeway’s distinctive tart and tangy fermented dairy products have significantly expanded their market footprint across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, showcasing substantial business growth and international appeal.
