Core Insights - Lifeway Foods, Inc. has been nominated for the 2025 Dairy Product of the Year for its new 8oz Organic Flavor Fusions line of kefir, showcasing the company's innovation in the dairy industry [1][2] - The Organic Flavor Fusions collection features ten unique flavor combinations designed to enhance gut health and provide a convenient on-the-go option for consumers [2][3] - Lifeway Foods has been recognized as Processor of the Year by Dairy Foods, highlighting its leadership and commitment to quality in the probiotic beverage market [1][3] Product Details - The Organic Flavor Fusions line includes flavors such as Matcha Latte, Pistachio Rose Vanilla, and Passionfruit Lychee, inspired by global trends and designed to appeal to modern consumers [2][5] - Each nominee for the Dairy Product of the Year was selected based on quality, innovation, and contribution to the industry, emphasizing Lifeway's commitment to excellence [2][3] Voting and Recognition - Public voting for the Dairy Product of the Year is open until August 31, 2025, with the winner to be announced in the October 2025 issue of Dairy Foods magazine [4] - The recognition from Dairy Foods serves as a testament to Lifeway's innovation and dedication to wellness in the dairy sector [3]

Core Insights - Lifeway Foods, Inc. has been awarded Processor of the Year by Dairy Foods Magazine, recognizing its innovation, leadership, growth, and impact in the dairy industry [1][2][3] - The award reflects Lifeway's strong revenue growth, expanded distribution, and commitment to wellness and sustainability in 2025 [1][2] Company Performance - Lifeway Foods experienced record-breaking retail growth driven by increased consumer demand for functional and probiotic-rich foods [6] - The company launched innovative products such as Lifeway Probiotic Smoothie + Collagen and Flavor Fusions [6] - Engaging marketing initiatives have attracted new consumers to the kefir category [6] Leadership and Vision - Julie Smolyansky, President and CEO, emphasized the company's mission to promote the health benefits of probiotics and fermented foods [2] - Smolyansky has led Lifeway for 23 years, contributing to its growth from a small startup to a global category leader [2] Industry Recognition - Lifeway Foods will be featured in the December 2025 issue of Dairy Foods Magazine and will receive a physical award at the IDFA Dairy Forum in January 2026 [3] - The company is recognized as a pioneer in the kefir category, balancing tradition with innovation [3] Future Outlook - As Lifeway approaches its 40th anniversary in 2026, it remains focused on its mission of nourishing the body and mind through probiotics and fermented foods [4]

Core Viewpoint - Lifeway Foods, Inc. has received a recommendation from Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (ISS) advising shareholders to "DO NOT VOTE" in the ongoing dissident-led consent solicitation, indicating that the dissident group has not made a compelling case for change [1][2]. Company Overview - Lifeway Foods, Inc. is recognized as a leading supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products in the U.S. and has been listed among Forbes' Best Small Companies [3]. - The company offers a variety of products including drinkable kefir, cheeses, and a ProBugs line for children, with distribution across the U.S., Mexico, Ireland, South Africa, the UAE, and France [3]. Financial Performance - Lifeway's financial performance has been directionally positive, with its share price rallying over the past year due to multiple positive earnings announcements [5]. - The total shareholder return has significantly outperformed peers in the Russell 3000 Food Producers Index [5]. Dissident Group Analysis - The critiques from the dissident group are viewed as lacking adequate context and do not clearly establish how their proposed changes would impact shareholder returns [5]. - The dissident nominees have a history of governance concerns during their previous tenures at the company [5]. Management's Position - The management team, led by CEO Julie Smolyansky, remains focused on maximizing shareholder value and encourages shareholders to follow ISS's guidance by taking no action on the consent solicitation [5].

Core Viewpoint - Lifeway Foods' Board, led by CEO Julie Smolyansky, is accused of disenfranchising shareholders and failing to provide a credible plan for shareholder value, particularly after rejecting Danone's acquisition offer which represented a 72% premium over the three-month volume-weighted average price [1][4]. Group 1: Shareholder Concerns - Edward and Ludmila Smolyansky, who control approximately 26% of Lifeway's shares, initiated a consent solicitation process to replace the current Board due to its perceived failure to act in the best interests of shareholders [1][9]. - The Board's actions, including the rejection of Danone's offer and the delay of the 2025 annual meeting, have raised concerns about accountability and transparency [2][6]. Group 2: Board's Defense Maneuvers - Lifeway's Board has employed various defense strategies, such as adopting a poison pill and refusing to establish an independent committee to evaluate Danone's offers, which are seen as attempts to undermine shareholder rights [6]. - The Lead Independent Director, Jason Scher, sold most of his shares, raising questions about the Board's commitment to shareholder value, especially in light of the rejected offer [2][6]. Group 3: Call to Action - The Smolyanskys encourage shareholders to participate in the consent solicitation process to hold the Board accountable and to consider the value-maximizing offer from Danone [4][5]. - Shareholders are urged to submit their consent as soon as possible to support the proposed changes in leadership [5][7].

Company Overview - Lifeway Foods, Inc. is a leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products, recognized as one of Forbes' Best Small Companies [4] - The company offers a variety of products including drinkable kefir, cheeses, and a ProBugs line for children, with sales across multiple countries [4] Financial Performance - Lifeway achieved gross sales exceeding $5.5 million for the week ending July 13, 2025, marking a 66% increase compared to the same week in the previous year [1] - The company plans to report its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, on August 12, 2025, before market hours [2] Investor Relations - A pre-recorded conference call and webcast featuring Julie Smolyanksy, Lifeway's President and CEO, will be available on the company's website following the financial results announcement [3]

Core Viewpoint - The Smolyanskys, significant shareholders of Lifeway Foods, are actively pursuing a consent solicitation to remove the current board of directors and replace them with their nominated candidates, citing dissatisfaction with the board's actions and accountability [1][9]. Group 1: Consent Solicitation Process - The Smolyanskys have initiated a consent solicitation process, filing a definitive Consent Statement with the SEC on July 2, 2025, and report positive responses from other shareholders [1][2]. - Lifeway Foods has publicly stated that the consent solicitation is legally deficient, claiming inadequate notice to shareholders and the absence of a record date [2][3]. - The Smolyanskys assert that their request for a record date and shareholder list remains unfulfilled, indicating a lack of transparency from the board [2][3]. Group 2: Board Accountability and Actions - The Smolyanskys criticize the board for postponing the 2025 annual meeting and for not being responsive to shareholder concerns, urging shareholders to support their consent solicitation [3][6]. - Recent filings suggest that the board does not believe its own statements regarding Danone's $27 per share offer, which it claims undervalues the company, raising questions about the board's credibility [4][5]. - Jason Scher, the lead independent director, sold nearly all his shares, which raises concerns about the board's commitment to the company's future and contradicts their stance on the undervaluation of the company [5][6]. Group 3: Call to Action - The Smolyanskys are encouraging shareholders to sign and return WHITE consent cards to support their initiative to replace the current board [6][9]. - They have provided a platform for shareholders to obtain more information and engage with their campaign through FreeLifeway.com and LinkedIn [6].

Company Overview - Lifeway Foods, Inc. is a leading U.S. supplier of Kefir and fermented probiotic products, recognized as one of Forbes' Best Small Companies [4] - The company offers a variety of products including drinkable Kefir, cheeses, and a ProBugs line for children, with sales across multiple countries [4] Financial Performance - Lifeway has achieved approximately 100% revenue growth from FY '19 through FY '24 [1] - The company has delivered strong shareholder returns of 788% over the past 5 years prior to Danone's unsolicited proposal [1] Shareholder Communication - Lifeway emphasizes the importance of investor feedback and is focused on maximizing shareholder value [1] - The company urges shareholders to disregard the Smolyanskys' consent solicitation statement, which is deemed legally deficient [2][3] Proxy Statement Information - Lifeway intends to file a proxy statement and accompanying documents with the SEC for the 2025 annual meeting of shareholders [5] - Shareholders are encouraged to read the definitive proxy statement and related documents carefully when available, as they will contain important information [5] Participants in the Solicitation - The company and its independent directors, along with certain executive officers, are considered participants in the solicitation of proxies for the upcoming shareholder meeting [6] - Information regarding the interests and compensation of the company's directors and officers is available in the SEC filings [7]

Core Viewpoint - Edward and Ludmila Smolyansky, who control approximately 23.2% of Lifeway Foods' outstanding shares, are initiating a process to remove the current board of directors and elect a new board focused on accountability, transparency, and long-term shareholder value [1]. Group 1: Shareholder Proposals - The Smolyanskys are seeking shareholder approval for four key proposals: repeal bylaw amendments adopted after March 24, 2023; remove all current directors, including CEO and Chair Julie Smolyansky; elect a new board of seven nominees with expertise in governance, finance, operations, and consumer products; and amend by-laws to prohibit employing immediate family members of the President or CEO [2]. - The proposals for board removal and director election are interdependent to ensure stable leadership during the transition [2]. Group 2: Criticism of Current Board - The Smolyanskys assert that the current board has shown no intent to engage with shareholders and believe that the consent solicitation is the most effective way to return control to the shareholders [3]. - They criticize the board for disregarding shareholder feedback, failing to present a credible strategy, and rewarding failure, concluding that the current board cannot be trusted to lead Lifeway [3].

Company Overview - Lifeway Foods, Inc. is a leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products, recognized as one of Forbes' Best Small Companies [3] - The company produces a variety of products including drinkable kefir, cheeses, and a ProBugs line for kids, with distribution across the U.S., Mexico, Ireland, South Africa, UAE, and France [3] Product Highlights - Lifeway's Berry Blast Probiotic Smoothie + Collagen has won Good Housekeeping's 2025 Snack Awards, highlighting its market recognition [1] - The smoothie contains 5 grams of hydrolyzed collagen per bottle, supporting skin health and joint support, along with 12 live and active probiotic cultures and billions of beneficial CFUs [1][2] - The product is lactose-free and gluten-free, catering to rising consumer demand for functional dairy products [2] Market Trends - The introduction of the Probiotic Smoothie + Collagen line, which includes flavors like Matcha Latte and Tropical Fruit, responds to increasing consumer interest in gut-skin health connections [2]

Core Insights - Lifeway Foods, Inc. is initiating an industry-wide conversation to create a new voluntary dairy certification standard aimed at balancing public health, consumer demand, and farmer viability [1][3] - The proposed certification seeks to provide transparency on issues such as animal welfare, responsible antibiotic use, sustainable farming practices, milk nutrition quality, and environmental stewardship [3][5] - The initiative is part of Lifeway's 40th anniversary celebrations and reflects the company's commitment to the public good rather than a corporate agenda [1][4] Industry Implications - The certification standard is intended to serve as a flexible, science-informed framework that empowers farmers and meets the growing consumer demand for responsibly produced dairy [3][5] - Lifeway Foods is inviting collaboration from various stakeholders, including producers, regulators, non-profits, and public health leaders, to develop and govern the certification framework [5][6] - The initiative aims to strengthen the dairy industry's long-term sustainability, integrity, and contribution to public health [6]