"The Board determined that Danone's $27 per share proposal substantially undervalues the Company. The board is not however opposed to the sale of the company at any price," Lifeway noted in a statement.
Available in four flavors – Matcha Latte, Berry Blast, Tropical Fruit, and Plain – the new line features 5 grams of collagen in each serving and is lactose-free, as consumer demand for lactose-free dairy products is predicted to grow rapidly over the next five years, according to Lifeway.
Net sales were $46.1 million for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $5.2 million or 12.7% from the same period in 2023. The net sales increase was primarily driven by higher volumes of our branded drinkable kefir.
The offering of 32-oz. Lifeway Kefir, 8-oz. Lactose-Free Lifeway Kefir, ProBugs and farmer cheese, exported from the United States, is expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2024 and will become available in supermarkets and hypermarkets in Dubai and across the Emirates.
On Sept. 23, Danone offered to pay some $283 million — $25 per share — to purchase the 76.6% of Lifeway Foods it didn't own. The plan was rejected.CEO Julie Smolyansky talks about the company's history and success with Dairy Foods.
The Flavor Fusions line is loaded with high-quality bioavailable nutrients, like protein, calcium, and 12 live and active probiotic cultures, the company stated.
Lactose-free milk remains a bright spot in the milk category. According to information from Dairy Management Inc., retail volume sales are up 11.6% in 2024 year-to-date (YTD) (through July 21), building on average annual growth of 11.4% from 2019 to 2023.