Lifeway Foods launched National Kefir Day, to be celebrated annually on June 18. This new holiday recognizes the cultural and nutritional impact of kefir and honors Lifeway's nearly 40-year legacy of advancing gut health and wellness in America.

The official proclamation will take place at a press event outside the Illinois Medical District in Chicago, the city where Lifeway was founded. The event will feature remarks from key leaders in government, medicine and nutrition, including:

Julie Smolyansky, president and CEO of Lifeway Foods

Illinois State Sen. Willie Preston

Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita

Allyson Hansen, Executive Director of the Illinois Medical District

Dr. Shikha Jain, oncologist and faculty member at University of Illinois Cancer Center

Location: 1900 W Harrison St (outdoors) or 2100 W Harrison St (indoors) in case of rain

Time: 10:00am CT

Smolyansky will kick off the day with remarks on medical advancements in gut health and kefir's role in supporting immunity, inflammation response and overall wellness. The event will emphasize the growing connection between the gut microbiome and chronic disease prevention.

"National Kefir Day is more than just a date, it's a movement," said Smolyansky, president and CEO of Lifeway Foods. "For nearly four decades, Lifeway has been at the forefront of bringing kefir to American homes. This proclamation solidifies our commitment to promoting gut health, sustainability, and mindful nutrition. We're thrilled to mark the occasion with the city of Chicago, where our journey began. My father started making kefir in our basement, driven by the belief that food can heal. What began as a small family dream has blossomed into a global gut health phenomenon. Lifeway has led the probiotic beverage industry through groundbreaking research, innovative product development, and consumer education. National Kefir Day is more than a milestone for Lifeway, it reflects a cultural shift toward embracing the power of fermented foods for better health."

Smolyansky will also be a keynote speaker at The Wall Street Journal's Global Food Forum on June 17 at 11:45am CT, where she will discuss the rapid growth of Lifeway Foods.

As part of the celebration, free Lifeway Kefir samples will be distributed on Wednesday, June 18 at locations in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and Miami. On June 18, Lifeway will also hand out free kefir from the company's home office in Morton Grove, Ill., and facility in Waukesha, Wis. To keep the festivities going, Lifeway will sponsor a drone show over Lake Michigan on the evening of June 20 to honor Chicago as the "Kefir Capital of the World," and delight audiences with images from the Company and city's history.

Lifeway is inviting its most passionate fans to make it permanent.