SOUTH AFRICA – Lifeway Foods, Inc., a leading U.S. manufacturer of kefir and fermented probiotic products, announced the brand’s first expansion of kefir distribution in the South African market.
This marks the company’s first entry into the South African market, where its Lifeway Kefir and ProBugs products, exported from the United States, are now available in select stores.
These products can be found on the shelves of independent retailers and health food stores, with limited placements in major supermarket chains such as Pick n Pay and Shoprite.
Julie Smolyansky, President and CEO of Lifeway Foods, expressed excitement about the expansion, stating that the company is carefully targeting markets with potential for success without requiring major capital investments.
Smolyansky noted that the global trends surrounding cultured dairy drinks, particularly kefir, have never been more favourable, positioning Lifeway to grow its business worldwide strategically.
The expansion aligns with the increasing popularity of kefir in South Africa, where local production has been gaining momentum.
South African consumers are becoming more health-conscious, driving demand for probiotic-rich and natural products like kefir.
According to industry reports, fermented products such as kefir are becoming a staple in the South African diet, contributing to a growing trend toward functional foods to improve gut health and overall wellness.
In South Africa, artisanal and larger-scale producers are entering the kefir market. Local dairy farms are increasingly adding kefir to their product lines, capitalizing on the country’s established dairy industry.
Research indicates that the rise of fermented dairy products like kefir is part of a broader global shift toward sustainable and healthy food production, particularly in emerging markets like South Africa.
Kefir production in South Africa primarily involves fermenting cow, goat, or sheep milk. Some producers also experiment with plant-based alternatives, such as coconut and almond milk, to cater to vegan and lactose-intolerant consumers.
This innovation is essential to meeting the diverse preferences of a growing consumer base, particularly as awareness of the health benefits of kefir continues to spread.
Lifeway Foods’ entry into the South African market marks a significant development in the local kefir industry.
This reinforces the potential for further growth in this sector as more consumers embrace probiotic and fermented foods for their health benefits.
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