Lifeway Foods, Inc., a leading U.S. manufacturer of kefir and probiotic products, has announced its first expansion into the South African market. The
Lifeway Foods, Inc., a leading U.S. manufacturer of kefir and probiotic products, has announced its first expansion into the South African market. Their signature products, including Lifeway Kefir and ProBugs (a kid-friendly probiotic line), are now available in a mix of independent health food stores and select established chains such as Pick n Pay and Shoprite.
Lifeway’s entry into South Africa aligns with global trends favoring cultured dairy products, as the global kefir market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 6.3%, reaching $4.9 billion USD by 2032.
Potential global expansion
Lifeway’s CEO, Julie Smolyansky, emphasized the company’s strategic and thoughtful approach to global expansion, focusing on markets with high growth potential but without the need for large capital investments. Lifeway is recognized as one of Forbes’ Best Small Companies and continues its global reach, already distributing products in the U.S., Mexico, Ireland, France, and now South Africa.
“We are excited to introduce the U.S. kefir leader to consumers in South Africa,” said Lifeway President and CEO Julie Smolyansky. “Lifeway is taking a thoughtful approach to global expansion and seeking out markets that are primed for success and can be accessed without major capital investment. The trends around cultured dairy drinkables have never been better, and I look forward to strategically building the Lifeway business worldwide.”