Morton Grove-Based Lifeway Foods To Sell Kefir At France Costco

NILES-MORTON GROVE, IL — The Morton Grove-based company Lifeway Foods, known for its probiotic products, is expanding into the French market, the company announced Thursday. Costco in France will now start selling the brand's mango Lifeway Kefir bottles.

The initial offering of 250 mL bottles is now available on Costco shelves, the company said. For those new to the drink, kefir has been described as "the cousin of yogurt" and the "champagne of dairy." It's a tart and tangy cultured milk smoothie high in protein, calcium and vitamin D with a plethora of benefits, according to the company's website.

The company describes itself as America's leading supplier of the probiotic beverage, according to a news release. Lifeway also produces cheesse and a kid-focused product called ProBugs, kefir in a colorful snack-size pouch.

Lifeway's CEO Julie Smolyansky said fermented dairy goods, including kefir, have been a staple in French diets for generations, so the expansion makes sense.

"We are pleased to introduce the U.S. kefir leader, Lifeway, to this sophisticated marketplace," Smolyansky said in a statement. "Costco is known as an innovative retailer with loyal shoppers who count on finding the highest quality assortment in each category, so I'm confident that we're positioned to replicate U.S. success with our global expansion goals."

The global kefir market is expected to hit $1.23 billion by 2027, according to Fortune Business Insights. To promote its international efforts, Lifeway also launched a France-focused Instagram account, @LifewayKefirFrance, to keep followers with happenings and recipes.