The News
Lifeway Foods announced it expects first quarter 2026 sales to be between $60.8 million and $62.3 million, representing a 32% to 35% increase from the same period in 2025. The company attributes this growth to continued demand for its kefir and farmer cheese products. Results will be released on May 14, 2026.
The Takeaway
- Product Focus: Lifeway is leading the way in probiotic foods like kefir, which are popular among health-conscious consumers looking for functional beverages. Their focus on these products shows they're capitalizing on a growing market trend that's specifically tied to beer-like fermentation processes.
- Growth Timeline: The company is projecting strong sales growth for the first quarter of 2026, with results to be announced in May. This timing suggests they’re preparing for a key period in the year when consumer demand for fermented products tends to rise.
- Market Positioning: Lifeway’s emphasis on expanding distribution and innovation highlights their strategy to maintain leadership in the fermented dairy space, which is a niche but growing segment of the beverage industry.
Original Press Release
Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY) ("Lifeway" or the "Company"), the leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products to support the microbiome, today provided preliminary financial outlook for the first quarter of 2026 and announced the timing of its upcoming earnings date.
The Company expects net sales for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026 to be in the range of $60.8 million to $62.3 million, an increase of 32% to 35% compared to the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, reflecting continued momentum across Lifeway's core kefir and farmer cheese portfolio, with strong consumer demand for protein-rich, probiotic foods.
"We are entering 2026 with strong velocity across our business and continued demand for Lifeway's category-leading kefir and farmer cheese," said Julie Smolyansky, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lifeway Foods. "Our focus remains on expanding distribution, driving innovation and delivering consistent, profitable growth as we build on our leadership in the fermented dairy space."
First Quarter 2026 Earnings Conference Call and Webcast Lifeway will report its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026 on May 14, 2026, before market open. At 9am ET on May 14, 2026, a pre-recorded conference call and webcast with Julie Smolyanksy, Lifeway's President and Chief Executive Officer, discussing these results with additional comments and details, will be made available through the "Investor Relations" section of the Company's website at https://lifewaykefir.com/webinars-reports/.
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, one of Forbes' Best Small Companies and named to Inc.'s 2025 Best in Business list in the Best Challenger Brands category, 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.
Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding, among other things, unaudited estimated net sales. These statements use words, and variations of words, such as "anticipate," "plan," "project," "estimate," "potential," "forecast," "will," "continue," "future," "increase," "believe," "outlook," "expect," and "predict." You are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, are based on current expectations of future events and thus are inherently subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances beyond Lifeway's control. 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, 2025 and the Lifeway's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2025, June 30, 2025, and September 30, 2025. Copies of these filings are available online at https://www.sec.gov, http://lifewaykefir.com/investor-relations/, or on request from Lifeway. Lifeway expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements (including, without limitation, to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or new information), except as required by law.
Derek Miller Vice President of Communications, Lifeway Foods Email: derekm@lifeway.net
Perceptual Advisors Dan Tarman Email: dtarman@perceptualadvisors.com
General inquiries: Lifeway Foods, Inc. Phone: 847-967-1010 Email: info@lifeway.net
Source: PR Newswire
