Much has changed for kefir producer Lifeway Foods Inc. since Russian immigrant Michael Smolyansky founded the company in his basement in 1986. Michael Smolyansky died in 2002, and his children, Julie Smolyansky and Edward Smolyansky, now lead the company. Julie Smolyansky is president and CEO, while Edward Smolyansky is chief operating officer. (At the time she took the reins, Julie Smolyansky was only 27, making her the youngest female CEO of a publicly held U.S. company.)
Lifeway Foods has also grown its kefir market share over the years by acquiring key competitors — Helios Nutrition and Fresh Made Dairy. The Morton Grove, Ill.-based company said it is now the No. 1 producer of the fermented beverage in the United States, operating three processing facilities — in Morton Grove, Philadelphia and Waukesha, Wis. (see “Operation Revival,”). Its products are sold within the grocery channel and in select club stores, as well as in the foodservice and hospitality channels.