Lifeway Foods Inc Company Profile

Lifeway Foods, Inc. was co-founded in 1986 by Michael and Ludmila Smolyansky shortly after their emigration from Russia to the United States. Mr. and Mrs. Smolyansky were the first to successfully introduce Kefir to the U.S. consumer on a commercial scale, initially catering to ethnic consumers in the Chicago metropolitan area. In the thirty years that have followed, Lifeway has grown to become the largest producer and marketer of Kefir in the U.S. and an important player in the broader market spaces of probiotic-based products and natural, "better for you" foods.

Lifeways primary product is drinkable kefir, a fermented dairy product. Kefir has a tart and tangy taste similar to yogurt and the consistency of a smoothie. Kefir also has a slightly effervescent quality all its own. Unlike yogurt though, Lifeway incorporates a unique blend of probiotic kefir cultures in the fermentation process. The probiotic feature, in concert with the base-line nutritional value of a staple beverage that is high in protein, calcium and vitamin D, and low in calories, presents a unique and differentiated taste profile that we believe appeals to a broad and growing demographic.

Because of its drinkable feature, kefir requires no spoon and is ideal for on-the-go consumption … straight from the bottle. Lifeways Kefir is commonly consumed as part of a healthy breakfast or as an "any-time, better for you" snack in its native form or as a smoothie input. Kefir also serves as a base for lower-calorie dressings, dips, marinades, soups or sauces and as a basic ingredient in other healthy, home-prepared foods. Recipes are made available through the companys website.

In addition to the drinkable kefir that we broadly market to consumers of all ages, we also market and sell our ProBugs line of drinkable kefir which is delivered in our proprietary non-spill pouches (and in 3.5 oz. bottles) intended for children with caring, health-conscious parents. Our frozen kefir offers a nutritional profile similar to our drinkable kefir but in a frozen bar and pint size container conventionally thought of as an indulgent treat. In addition to kefir, Lifeway produces a variety of Kefir-based Eastern European style soft cheeses.

The Company employs many skilled production managers across its three Kefir producing facilities who closely monitor our kefir-production process. The production managers have a complement of deep capabilities that spans from traditional dairy operations to the artisan, old-world practices first introduced by Michael and Ludmila Smolyansky at the inception of the Company. We conduct routine tests, tastings and evaluations to ensure that each batch of kefir conforms to the Companys product quality and safety standards. The Company leverages both on-site and third party quality control labs.

The Company includes a clearly legible "freshness" code on every Kefir product in order to ensure that our customers enjoy only the freshest products. To maintain the best of product freshness in the channel, we expect our channel customers (a) to ensure that our products are delivered directly to the retailers dairy cooler and (b) to rotate such product in a routine and timely way. Due to the perishable nature of our products and the costs associated with moving product back through the channel, the Company does not offer return privileges to any of its channel customers; however, from time to time we do provide our customers with allowances for non-saleable product.