Lifeway Foods Inc., the Illinois-based makers of kefir, saw third quarter sales jump 26% to $5.2 million from $4.1 million for the same period a year ago. Earnings increased to $.07 per share for the quarter, from $.06 per share for the same three-month period in 2004.

Meanwhile, the nation’s largest dairy processor Dean Foods had net sales of $2.6 billion for the quarter, an increase of 2.4% over the third quarter of 2004. Adjusted net income from continuing operations for the third quarter was $77.7 million compared to $65.9 million in the third quarter of 2004.

Finally, Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream Holdings, Inc. said net sales of company brands for the third quarter increased 16% from the comparable quarter in 2004, to $475 million.

Total net revenues (including partner brands) increased 10%, to $520 million.

Dreyer’s says market share of Dreyer’s company brands of packaged ice cream sold in the U.S. grocery channel reached 23% for the quarter.