Lifeway Foods reports US$63M net sales in Q1 2026

USA – Lifeway has reported US$63.0 million in net sales, a 37% volume-led net sales increase, driven by the Company’s flagship Lifeway Kefir in Q1 2026.

Gross Profit Margin was 27.5%, up 360 basis points from 23.9% last year, and the selling, general and administrative expenses were $10.9 million, up 16.8% from last year, reflecting continued investment in marketing and brand awareness.

Net Income was US$4.7 million, or US$0.31 per basic and US$0.30 per diluted common share, compared to a net income of US$3.5 million, or $0.23 per basic and diluted common share in the prior year.

Julie Smolyansky, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lifeway Foods, said, “We far exceeded our previous record with net sales of US$63.0 million, up 37% year-over-year, surpassing sixty million in quarterly net sales for the first time and marking our 26th consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth.

“This exceptional top-line performance was accompanied by sizeable gross margin expansion of 360 basis points year-over-year, and equally strong net income growth of 32% that reflects a clean flow-through from our significant sales growth down to the bottom line.”

Expanding Lifeway Visibility

The Company partnered with Erewhon to launch the Tropical Lifeway Smoothie, made with Organic Lifeway Kefir, offering the ultimate summer refreshment reminiscent of a creamy frozen lemonade while delivering the added benefits of probiotics and protein.

Additionally, it hosted a retro-inspired Wellness House in Palm Springs during festival weekend, bringing together media, influencers, tastemakers and wellness enthusiasts for a celebration of Lifeway’s legacy and continued role in shaping the modern wellness conversation.

The Company celebrated forty years of Kefir leadership with new cultured dairy innovations at Expo West 2026, showcasing its Lifeway Muscle Mates™ and Lifeway Kefir Butter™.

Outlook

The Company reiterated its long-term target of $45–$50 million in Adjusted EBITDA1 for FY 2027 and believes it is well positioned to deliver the strongest annual sales in Company history in FY 2026.

“Our momentum continues to build as we drive sustainable, profitable growth across the business,” Smolyansky concluded. “We have laid a foundation for durable, long-term value creation, and believe the investments we are making today in manufacturing capacity, marketing and innovation position us exceptionally well to capitalize on the tremendous opportunities ahead.”

To receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa, the Middle East and around the world, SUBSCRIBE HERE.