Lifeway Foods CEO Recognized Again in Progressive Grocer's Top Women in Grocery

Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY) announced that its President and CEO, Julie Smolyansky, has been honored by Progressive Grocer in its 2026 Top Women in Grocery list. This marks Smolyansky's second consecutive year receiving the award, which recognizes female leadership within the food retail and grocery industry.

Smolyansky has been instrumental in growing Lifeway Foods, a leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products. Under her leadership, the company has transformed kefir into a mainstream functional food and expanded its market presence. In 2025, Lifeway Foods reported record full-year net sales of $212.5 million, its sixth consecutive year of volume-led growth.

"I am honored to be recognized again by Progressive Grocer," stated Smolyansky. "I hope it encourages other women in food and retail to keep pushing, keep building and keep supporting one another."

Recent company initiatives include the launch of new products such as Muscle Mates and Probiotic Kefir Butter. Lifeway also expanded its distribution of Farmer Cheese to 2,000 Walmart stores nationwide and formed partnerships with retailers like Erewhon and Joe & The Juice, introducing probiotic-rich foods to new audiences.