Lifeway Foods launches kefir in Ireland

MORTON GROVE - Lifeway Foods will sell its line of kefir cultured milk smoothies to Ireland in four flavors.

The kefir will be made with local, GMO-free ingredients including milk from cows grass-fed on small family-run farms near Cork. The access to high quality ingredients led to Lifeway's decision to manufacture their European line in Ireland.

Lifeway Kefir will be making its debut in many popular retailers with promotions and product demonstrations in November. The launch includes mango, blueberry, strawberry and original varieties sold in 500 mL bottles. Each serving has 10 live and active cultures, as little as 41 kcal, less than 1 gram of fat, and no gluten, additives, preservatives, or artificial sweeteners.

Lifeway's expanding footprint in Ireland taps into the ongoing rise of consumer demand for probiotic products.

Lifeway's new distribution in Ireland demonstrates market traction among European consumers, strengthening the company's ability to pursue opportunities in other EU countries. Lifeway products are currently available throughout the United States and on a small, but growing basis in Canada, Latin America and the United Kingdom. The recent expansion into other markets is part of a broad strategy to establish international category leadership that reflects Lifeway's position in the United States.

"The appetite for healthy foods is growing globally, and we're strong advocates of empowering consumers with access to as many nutritious options as possible," said Julie Smolyansky, president and CEO of Lifeway Foods. "We're evaluating options to ramp up distribution of our drinkable kefir in Europe and are excited for the opportunity to offer health-conscious Irish consumers a first taste."