Lifeway expands booming Hispanic range
the drinkable yogurt designed to appeal to Hispanic consumers,
following strong uptake on the range, first launched in 2001.
Kefir maker Lifeway Foods is expanding its La Fruta product line, the drinkable yogurt designed to appeal to Hispanic consumers. The drink will this month be available in horchata and tres leche flavors as well as the original four fruit-based varieties.
The company is also introducing a spreadable cheese in the tres leche flavor under the La Fruta brand.
La Fruta is a variation on Lifeway Kefir, a dairy drink that contains essential vitamins, one-third of an individual's daily calcium needs, 8 grams of protein, and live bacteria to promote gastrointestinal health and other health benefits.
La Fruta was originally introduced in strawberry, banana-strawberry, mango and pina colada varieties in 2001. The range is now sold nationwide through the Save-a-Lot chain and other retail and specialty grocery stores in Hispanic neighborhoods, with distribution continuing to expand. The new La Fruta products are expected to appear on store shelves by early September.
"We created La Fruta to tap into the fastest-growing demographic market in the United States, and it has proved to be an exceptionally strong addition to our product portfolio," said Julie Smolyansky, president of Lifeway Foods. "We expect the two new flavors and the new cheese to help us continue to build the brand and drive additional revenues among Hispanic customers."
Lifeway, named Chicago's 28th fastest-growing public firm by Crain's Chicago Business recently, claims to be America's leading supplier of kefir. The company also markets organic and soy foods.
