Lifeway Foods Expands Humanitarian Relief Efforts in Response to Crisis in Ukraine

Rhea-AI Summary

Lifeway Foods (LWAY) is launching a charity relief bottle, directing 100% of profits, up to $1 million, to support humanitarian aid for Ukraine. This initiative builds on their ongoing efforts, including a fundraiser that raised $700,000 for World Central Kitchen. Lifeway’s Plain Whole Milk Kefir will be the flagship product, expected on shelves in June. The company emphasizes its commitment to humanitarian support and collaboration with various organizations to aid Ukraine, reflecting its Ukrainian heritage and mission to help those in need.

Positive

• Lifeway will donate 100% of profits from the charity relief bottle, potentially raising up to $1 million for Ukrainian humanitarian aid.
• A recent fundraiser raised $700,000 for World Central Kitchen, demonstrating strong community support and engagement.
• The initiative aligns with Lifeway's mission rooted in its Ukrainian heritage, fostering brand loyalty and community goodwill.

Negative

• None.

Kefir company with Ukrainian roots to launch charity relief bottle with 100% of profits benefiting humanitarian aid

MORTON GROVE, Ill., May 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY) ("Lifeway" or "the Company"), the leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products to support the microbiome, continues to stand with the people of Ukraine by expanding humanitarian relief efforts to support those in need. Building on the Company's ongoing efforts, Lifeway will release a specially marked charity relief bottle with 100% of profits going toward Ukrainian humanitarian aid with a commitment of up to $1 million.

In addition to the charity relief bottle, Lifeway has spearheaded several fundraisers, including the recent Chicago Chefs Cook for Ukraine presented by Lifeway, which raised $700,000 for World Central Kitchen, founded by Chef José Andrés. The fundraiser brought together 73 of Chicago's top chefs for a tasting event to raise funds for Ukrainian relief. Lifeway is also currently working with the Consulate General of Ukraine in Chicago, US-Ukraine logistics companies, local European Consulates, as well as countless volunteers to get vital donations to Ukraine.

"Lifeway was founded with a mission to bring an ancient Slavic superfood, kefir, to the U.S. It afforded my family the opportunity to participate in the American dream, fulfill entrepreneurial aspirations and pursue basic human freedoms," said Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway Foods, herself a former refugee from Kyiv. "We, as a Company, are devoted and committed to supporting humanitarian efforts and providing aid for those in need, including relatives of Lifeway employees that have been directly impacted. The courage of the Ukrainian people is an inspiration to us all and we are proud to support those impacted as long as necessary to help recover and restore wholeness."

As a staple product in Ukraine and one of Lifeway's customer favorites, Lifeway's Plain Whole Milk Kefir will be offered as a special charity relief item and is anticipated to be available beginning in June.

"We are grateful for our many retail and distribution partners for their enthusiastic response in bringing this special product to shelves across the United States and for their commitment to stand with the people of Ukraine," said Smolyansky.

For further information on Lifeway's efforts or to donate to Ukrainian relief, please visit: https://lifewaykefir.com/ukraine.

About Lifeway Foods, Inc.
Lifeway Foods, Inc., which has been recognized as one of Forbes' Best Small Companies, is America's leading supplier of the probiotic, fermented beverage known as kefir. In addition to its line of drinkable kefir, the company also produces cheese, probiotic oat milk, and a ProBugs line for kids. Lifeway's tart and tangy fermented dairy products are now sold across the United States, Mexico, Ireland, France and the United Kingdom. Learn how Lifeway is good for more than just you at lifewayfoods.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This release (and oral statements made regarding the subjects of this release) contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding, among other things, future operating and financial performance, product development, market position, business strategy and objectives. These statements use words, and variations of words, such as "continue," "build," "future," "increase," "drive," "believe," "look," "ahead," "confident," "deliver," "outlook," "expect," and "predict." Other examples of forward looking statements may include, but are not limited to, (i) statements of Company plans and objectives, including the introduction of new products, or estimates or predictions of actions by customers or suppliers, (ii) statements of future economic performance, and (III) statements of assumptions underlying other statements and statements about Lifeway or its business. You are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events and thus are inherently subject to uncertainty. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from Lifeway's expectations and projections. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors include: price competition; the decisions of customers or consumers; the actions of competitors; changes in the pricing of commodities; the effects of government regulation; possible delays in the introduction of new products; and customer acceptance of products and services. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties, and other factors can be found in Lifeway's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, and the Company's subsequent filings with the SEC. Copies of these filings are available online at https://www.sec.gov, http://lifewaykefir.com/investor-relations/, or on request from Lifeway. Information in this release is as of the dates and time periods indicated herein, and Lifeway does not undertake to update any of the information contained in these materials, except as required by law. Accordingly, YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON THE ACCURACY OF ANY OF THE STATEMENTS OR OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED IN ANY ARCHIVED PRESS RELEASE.

For media inquiries:
Derek Miller 
Vice President of Communications, Lifeway Foods
Email: derekm@lifeway.net 

For general Lifeway Foods inquiries:
info@lifeway.net
Phone: 847-967-1010

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SOURCE Lifeway Foods, Inc.

FAQ

What is Lifeway Foods' new initiative related to Ukraine?

Lifeway Foods is launching a charity relief bottle with 100% of profits benefiting humanitarian aid for Ukraine.

How much money will Lifeway donate to Ukraine?

Lifeway has committed to donating up to $1 million from the charity relief bottle sales.

When will Lifeway's charity relief kefir be available?

The charity relief bottle of Lifeway's Plain Whole Milk Kefir is expected to be available starting in June.

What was raised in Lifeway's recent fundraiser?

A recent fundraiser organized by Lifeway raised $700,000 for World Central Kitchen to support Ukrainian relief.

What is the stock symbol for Lifeway Foods?

The stock symbol for Lifeway Foods is LWAY.