Lifeway Foods, Inc. has received a significant endorsement from Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), which has recommended that shareholders support the company’s nominated board members during the upcoming annual meeting. Scheduled for December 29, 2025, this meeting is crucial for the company as it seeks to solidify its leadership amidst a competitive market.
The ISS, a respected independent advisory firm, has advised shareholders to vote in favor of all of Lifeway’s director nominees, collectively referred to as the “Board Nominees.” These include notable figures such as Kirk Chartier, Juan Carlos (“JC”) Dalto, Rachel Drori, Andee Harris, Susie Hultquist, Dorri McWhorter, Jason Scher, and Julie Smolyansky. In contrast, the ISS has recommended that shareholders withhold votes from the nominees proposed by Edward Smolyansky, labeled as the “Dissident Nominees.”
In its recommendation, the ISS emphasized the importance of maintaining continuity and strong governance as Lifeway, a leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented dairy products, continues to expand its market presence. Lifeway Foods, based in Morton Grove, Illinois, has been recognized for its innovative products, including a variety of cheeses and the ProBugs® line designed for children.
Lifeway Foods encourages its shareholders to participate in the voting process by returning the WHITE proxy card or utilizing online voting options. This proactive approach aims to ensure that shareholders are well-informed and engaged ahead of the critical meeting.
Company Background and Growth Achievements
Founded with a mission to promote healthy lifestyles, Lifeway Foods has gained recognition for its probiotic-rich products. The company has been celebrated as one of America’s Growth Leaders by TIME, named Dairy Foods’ Processor of the Year 2025, and featured among Forbes’ Best Small Companies. Its kefir products are now available in multiple countries, including Mexico, Ireland, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and France.
As the company prepares for its annual shareholder meeting, it has filed a comprehensive proxy statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Lifeway Foods urges all shareholders to review this document, as it contains vital information pertaining to the nominations and the company’s future direction.
Encouraging Active Participation
The company emphasizes the importance of shareholder engagement. Lifeway Foods has made it clear that investors should carefully read the definitive proxy statement, which includes details about the board nominees, their interests, and compensation structures. This information is crucial for shareholders to make informed decisions during the voting process.
In addition to the proxy statement, shareholders can obtain relevant documents at no charge from the SEC’s website or through Lifeway’s own investor relations page. The company believes that transparency is key to maintaining trust and aligning with shareholder interests.
As Lifeway Foods moves forward, the support from ISS could play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s governance and strategic direction. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, Lifeway aims to continue its trajectory of growth while fostering a strong leadership team committed to the company’s values and mission.
