Lifeway Foods, Inc. (LWAY, NASDAQ)
Industry: Packaged Foods
Annual report, fiscal year 2011


## eXFILE Electronic EDGAR Proof

Job Number: ___ 17243

Filer: ___ LIFEWAY FOODS, INC.

Form Type: ___ 10-K

Reporting Period / Event Date: 12/31/11

Customer Service Representative: -NOT DEFINED-

Revision Number: ___ -NOT DEFINED-

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EDGAR Submission Header Summary

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Module and Segment References



# UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

# Form 10-K

☑ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011

☐ TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from: ___ to ___

Commission file number: 000-17363

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC.

(Name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Illinois
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

36-3442829
(IRS Employer Identification No.)

6431 West Oakton St., Morton Grove, Illinois 60053
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(847) 967-1010
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:

Title of Each Class
Common Stock, No Par Value

Name of each exchange on which registered Nasdaq Global Market

Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☑

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☑

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☑ No ☐



Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T(§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☑ No ☐

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ☐

Accelerated filer ☐

Non-accelerated filer ☐

Smaller reporting company ☑

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☑

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the stock was last sold as of June 30, 2011 ($11.18 per share as quoted on the National Market System of The Nasdaq Global Market) was $51,982,114.

The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common equity, as of March 9, 2012 is 16,391,909 shares of Common Stock.

## DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

None.



## LIFEWAY FOODS, INC.

## Table of Contents

PART I
Item 1. Business 2
Item 2. Properties 9
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 9
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 10
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 11
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 12
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 31
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 31
Item 9B. Other Information 31
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 32
Item 11. Executive Compensation 33
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 35
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence 36
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services 37
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 38
Signatures 40
Index of Exhibits 41



# CAUTIONARY STATEMENT IDENTIFYING IMPORTANT FACTORS
THAT COULD CAUSE THE COMPANY'S ACTUAL RESULTS TO
DIFFER FROM THOSE PROJECTED IN FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, readers of this document and any document incorporated by reference herein, are advised that this document and documents incorporated by reference into this document contain both statements of historical facts and forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward looking statements. Examples of forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, (i) projections of revenues, income or loss, earnings or losses per share, capital expenditures, dividends, capital structure and other financial items, (ii) statements of Lifeway Foods, Inc.’s (“Lifeway” or the “Company”) plans and objectives, including the introduction of new products, or estimates or predictions of actions by customers, suppliers, competitors or regulatory authorities, (iii) statements of future economic performance, and (iv) statements of assumptions underlying other statements and statements about Lifeway or its business.

This document and any documents incorporated by reference herein also identify important factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by forward looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include price competition, the decisions of customers or consumers, the actions of competitors, changes in the pricing of commodities, the effects of government regulation, possible delays in the introduction of new products, customer acceptance of products and services, and other factors which are described herein and/or in documents incorporated by reference herein.

The cautionary statements made pursuant to the Private Litigation Securities Reform Act of 1995 above and elsewhere by Lifeway should not be construed as exhaustive or as any admission regarding the adequacy of disclosures made by Lifeway prior to the effective date of such act. Forward looking statements are beyond the ability of Lifeway to control and in many cases we cannot predict what factors would cause results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward looking statements.



## ITEM 1. BUSINESS.

## BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Lifeway Foods, Inc. (the “Company” or “Lifeway”), an Illinois corporation, commenced operations in February 1986, and was incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois on May 19, 1986. The Company’s principal business activity is the manufacturing of probiotic, cultured, functional dairy and non-dairy health food products. Lifeway’s primary products are kefir, a drinkable dairy beverage similar to but distinct from yogurt, in several flavors sold under the name “Lifeway Kefir” and “Helios Nutrition Organic Kefir”; a line of various drinkable yogurts sold under the “Tuscan” and “Lassi” brands; and “BasicsPlus,” a dairy based immune-supporting dietary supplement beverage. In addition to the drinkable products, Lifeway manufactures “Lifeway Farmer Cheese,” a line of various farmer cheeses, a line of gourmet cream cheeses, and “Sweet Kiss,” a fruit sugar-flavored spreadable cheese similar in consistency to cream cheese. The Company also manufactures and markets a vegetable-based seasoning under the “Golden Zesta” brand. Lifeway manufactures all of its products at Company-owned facilities and distributes its products primarily throughout the United States. In the Chicago metropolitan area, Lifeway distributes its products on its own trucks and via one distributor. The Company directly distributes its products in the Philadelphia and Tri State metropolitan areas using its own trucks.

## SUBSIDIARY ENTITIES

On August 3, 2006, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding stock of Helios Nutrition, Ltd. (“Helios”). Pride of Main Street Dairy, L.L.C., a Minnesota limited liability company, is 100% owned by Helios.

Starfruit, L.L.C. and Starfruit Franchisor, L.L.C. are both wholly-owned subsidiaries formed on March 26, 2007 and July 15, 2008, respectively, in connection with the Company’s Starfruit cafe activities.

On February 6, 2009, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding stock of Fresh Made, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation (“Fresh Made”).

On October 14, 2010, Lifeway First Juice, Inc., an Illinois corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“Lifeway First Juice”) acquired substantially all of the assets of First Juice, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“First Juice”).

## BUSINESS OF ISSUER

## PRODUCTS

Lifeway’s primary product is kefir, which, like the better-known product of yogurt, is a fermented dairy product. Kefir has a slightly effervescent quality, with a taste similar to yogurt and a consistency similar to buttermilk. It is a product distinct from yogurt because it incorporates the unique microorganisms of kefir as the cultures to ferment the milk. Lifeway’s Kefir is a drinkable product intended for use as a breakfast meal or a snack, or as a base for lower-calorie dressings, dips, soups or sauces. Kefir is also used as the base of Lifeway’s plain farmer’s cheese, a cheese made without salt, sugar or animal rennet. In addition, kefir is the primary ingredient of Lifeway’s “Sweet Kiss” product, a fruit sugar-flavored, cream cheese-like spread which is intended to be used as a dessert spread or frosting.

Kefir contains a unique mixture of several live microorganisms and nutrients such as proteins, minerals and vitamins. Kefir is a good source of calcium, protein and B Vitamins. In addition, because the fermentation process does not produce a highly sour-tasting product, the end product has fewer calories than some similar products in the dairy category.

Lifeway currently sells some or all of the products listed below, except as specifically noted, to various retail establishments including supermarkets, grocery stores, gourmet shops, delicatessens and convenience stores.

LIFEWAY’S KEFIR. “Lifeway’s Kefir” is a drinkable kefir product manufactured in ten regular and low-fat varieties, including plain, pomegranate, raspberry, blueberry, strawberry, cherry, peach, banana-strawberry, cappuccino and vanilla, and sold in 32-ounce containers and 8-ounce single serving containers featuring color-coded caps and labels describing nutritional information. In March 1996, Lifeway began marketing its non-fat, low-cholesterol kefir in six flavors — plain, raspberry, strawberry, strawberry-banana, peach and blueberry. The kefir product is currently marketed under the name “Lifeway’s Kefir,” and is typically sold by retailers from their dairy sections.

LIFEWAY’S ORGANIC KEFIR. “Lifeway’s Organic Kefir” meets the organic standards and specifications of the United States Department of Agriculture for organic products and is manufactured in five flavors: plain, wildberry, raspberry, strawberry and peach. Lifeway’s Organic Kefir is sweetened with organic cane juice.

LIFEWAY’S SLIM6. “Lifeway’s Slim6” is a line of low-fat kefir beverages with no added sugar designed for consumers who follow low-carbohydrate diets. Lifeway’s Slim6 has only 8 grams of carbohydrates and 2.5 grams of fat per 8-ounce serving and is available in five flavors: strawberries n’ cream, mixed berry, tropical fruit, strawberry-banana and an original, unsweetened version.

PROBUGS. “ProBugs” is a kefir product that contains ten live and active kefir cultures. Aimed at children ages 2-9, ProBugs comes in three flavors, “Sublime Slime Lime©,” “Orange Creamy Crawler©” and “Goo-Berry Pie©” and is packaged in no spill spout pouches designed as cartoon bug characters Peter, Polly and Penelope ProBug©.



TUSCAN BRAND DRINKABLE YOGURT. “Tuscan Brand Drinkable Yogurt” is a cultured dairy beverage mainly marketed on the East Coast and manufactured in a variety of flavors which vary depending upon distributor demand.

FARMER CHEESE. “Farmer Cheese” is based on a cultured soft cheese and is intended to be used in a variety of recipes as a low fat, low-cholesterol, low-calorie substitute for cream cheese or ricotta, and is available in various styles.

SWEET KISS. “Sweet Kiss” is a sweet cheese probiotic spread available in five flavors: plain, plain with raisins, apple, peach and chocolate.

ELITA; BAMBINO. “Elita” and “Bambino” cheeses are low-fat, low-cholesterol kefir based cheese spreads which are marketed as an alternative to cream cheese.

KRESTYANSKI TWOROG. “Krestyanski Tworog” is a European-style kefir-based soft style cheese which can also be used in a variety of recipes, eaten with a spoon, used as a cheese spread, or substituted in recipes for cream cheese, ricotta cheese or cottage cheese and is marketed to consumers of various Eastern European ethnicities.

BASICS PLUS. “Basics Plus” is a kefir-based beverage product designed to support gastrointestinal functions and the immune system. This product contains certain “passive immunity products” purchased from GalaGen, Inc. prior to its 2002 bankruptcy. Lifeway is currently engaged in discussion with several potential new suppliers of passive immunity products and is not currently manufacturing this beverage.

KEFIR STARTER. “Kefir Starter” is a powdered form of kefir that is sold in envelope packets and allows a consumer to make his or her own drinkable kefir at home by adding milk. Lifeway continues to develop sales of this product internationally and via the internet.

LASSI. “Lassi” is a cultured drink inspired by the traditions of India. Sold in 8-ounce containers in two flavors, strawberry and mango.

GOLDEN ZESTA. “Golden Zesta” is a vegetable-based seasoning, which, because of its low sodium content, may also be used as a salt substitute and is marketed to delicatessens, gourmet shops and ethnic grocers.

HELIOS NUTRITION ORGANIC KEFIR. “Helios Nutrition Organic Kefir” is a kefir product made from organic milk and manufactured with a unique blend of active cultures. It is sold in 8 and 32 ounce bottles and made in five flavors: peach, plain, strawberry, vanilla and raspberry.

Lifeway intends to continue to develop new products based on kefir and Farmer Cheese. There is no assurance that such products or any other new products can be developed successfully or marketed profitably.

## DISTRIBUTION

With its fifteen Company-owned trucks, Lifeway distributes its products directly and extensively in the State of Illinois, primarily in the Chicago metropolitan area. Lifeway also directly distributes its products in the Philadelphia and Tri State metropolitan area.

In addition to the Chicago, Philadelphia and Tri State metropolitan areas, Lifeway’s products are distributed to stores throughout the United States. Lifeway has verbal distribution arrangements with various distributors throughout the United States. Lifeway believes these verbal distribution arrangements allow management the necessary latitude to expand into new areas and markets and establish new relationships with distributors on an ongoing basis. Lifeway has not offered any exclusive territories to any distributors.

Distributors are provided Lifeway products at wholesale prices for distribution to their retail accounts. Lifeway believes that the price at which its products are sold to its distributors is competitive with the prices generally paid by distributors for similar products in the markets served. In all areas served, distributors currently deliver the products directly to the refrigerated cases of dairy sections of their retail customers. Each distributor carries a line of Lifeway's products on its trucks, checks the retail stores for space allocated to Lifeway's products, determines inventory requirements of the store and places Lifeway products directly into the retailers' dairy cases. Lifeway believes this method of distribution best serves the needs of each retail store, and is the best available means to ensure consistency and quality of product handling, quality control, flavor selection and favorable retail display. The Company expects customers, either distributors who go into third party retail stores to sell the product they have purchased from us, or the direct retail customer that may service their own stores, as general good business practice to rotate the perishable products, make or obtain frequent delivery of products, replacement of damaged, old or substandard packages and deliver or have deliveries made directly to the refrigerated case. It is to the benefit of the distributor or retailer, as well as the Company, not to have spoiled, out dated, or substandard product on the shelf. However, due to the perishable nature of the product, the Company's distributors and retailers have no right to return any product to the Company.

Lifeway’s products are subject to strict import quotas imposed by the Trade Control Policy Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Canada. Management is exploring various alternatives to permit expansion of Lifeway’s product line in Canada. Lifeway believes that it currently is in compliance with all applicable Canadian regulations.



## MARKETING

Lifeway continues to promote the verifiable nutritional characteristics, purity and good taste of its kefir and kefir-based products. Lifeway primarily advertises its products through local radio stations, which advertisements are directed to both users and non-users of cultured milk products of all kinds. In addition, through newspaper and magazine advertising, Lifeway provides educational information on its products and appeals to the common perception that the products may be of particular health benefit, including promoting digestion, and continues to educate the public on the possible health benefits which could be derived from the use of kefir and kefir-based products.

In addition to local radio stations, newspapers and magazines, Lifeway promotes further exposure of its products through the internet, catalog advertising and promotion, store demonstrations throughout the United States, and participation in various trade shows. Lifeway also sponsors several different sporting events in the Chicago metropolitan area as an additional marketing tool.

Lifeway does not promote products manufactured under the Tuscan brand name with any marketing or advertising.

## COMPETITION

Although Lifeway faces a small amount of direct competition in the United States and Canadian markets for kefir products, Lifeway’s kefir-based products compete with all other yogurt and other dairy products. Many producers of yogurt and other dairy products are well-established and have significantly greater financial resources than Lifeway to promote their products.

In connection with the certain Stockholders’ Agreement, as amended, between Lifeway, Danone Foods, Inc. and other parties, as well as certain other transactions between the two foregoing companies described elsewhere in this report, the parties agreed that they would not compete with each other during the term of the Stockholders’ Agreement with respect to certain yogurt, cheese and kefir products. On December 31, 2009, the term of the non-compete obligation was extended to December 31, 2010 and the non-compete obligation was limited solely to kefir products. No further extensions to the term of the non-compete obligation have been agreed upon by Danone and Lifeway at this time. However, Lifeway is discussing further extensions with Danone. The remaining provisions of the Stockholders’ Agreement are in full force and effect.

## SUPPLIERS

Lifeway purchases its raw materials, such as milk, sugar and fruit from unaffiliated suppliers, and is not limited or contractually bound to any supplier. Lifeway has ready access to multiple suppliers for all of its raw materials and packaging requirements. Prior to making any purchase, Lifeway determines which supplier can offer the lowest price for the highest quality of product. The raw and packaging materials purchased by Lifeway are considered commodity items and are widely available on the open market with the exception of the licensed ingredient in BasicsPlus. Lifeway owns and operates the means of production of all of its products.

## MAJOR CUSTOMERS

Lifeway distributes its products to numerous accounts throughout the United States. Concentrations of credit with regard to trade accounts receivable and sales are limited due to the fact that Lifeway’s customers are spread across different geographic areas. However, customers are concentrated in the retail food industry, for example, Trader’s Joe’s and United Natural Foods. In 2011, two customers represented approximately 31% of sales and reflected sales in various regions of the United States outside the Chicago metropolitan area.

## TRANSACTIONS WITH GROUPE DANONE SA

All share amounts and prices in this subsection are historical and have not been adjusted for the stock splits which occurred in the first quarter of 2004 and the second quarter of 2006. On October 1, 1999, Lifeway and certain members of the Smolyansky family sold shares of restricted common stock to Danone at $10.00 per share. Later in 1999, Danone purchased additional shares of common stock from certain individuals, including shares purchased in transactions with certain Company affiliates, including Lifeway's founder Michael Smolyansky, Val Nikolenko, Vice President of Production and Pol Sikar, a director, and his affiliates. As a result of these transactions, Danone became the beneficial owner of approximately 20% of the outstanding common stock of Lifeway. Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the transaction, Lifeway granted certain limited rights to Danone, which include a right to nominate one director, anti-dilutive rights relating to future offerings and limited registration rights. In addition, as described above, Lifeway and Danone are parties to a Stockholders' Agreement dated October 1, 1999, as amended through extensions of certain provisions pursuant to which the parties agreed, among other things, that they would not compete with each other through December 31, 2010 with respect to certain kefir products. The Stockholders' Agreement also provides that Danone may not own more than 20% of the outstanding common stock of Lifeway as a result of direct or indirect acquisition of shares during the standstill period, which was extended to December 31, 2010. Danone's interest as of December 31, 2011 was approximately 21.1% due to reductions in Lifeway's shares outstanding, primarily due to share repurchases by Lifeway. No further extensions of certain provisions to the Stockholders' Agreement have been agreed upon by Danone and Lifeway at this time. However, Lifeway is discussing further extensions with Danone. The remaining provisions of the Stockholders' Agreement are in full force and effect.



## PATENTS, TRADEMARKS, LICENSES, ROYALTY AGREEMENTS

All trademark registrations have been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”), unless otherwise noted below. Each trademark registration may be renewed upon expiration. Lifeway intends to make all timely filings as required for all trademarks listed.

<table><tr><td>Mark/Reg. No.</td><td>Goods/Services</td><td>Date of Registration</td><td>Expiration of Registration</td><td>Comments</td></tr><tr><td>ProBug Design 1, Reg. No. 3266378</td><td>dairy-based beverages; dairy-based food beverages; kefir; soy-based food beverage used as milk substitute</td><td>July 17, 2007</td><td>July 17, 2017</td><td>Registration is renewable at the time of expiration provided mandatory documents are filed with the USPTO between the fifth and sixth anniversaries of the registration date or the six-month grace period following the sixth anniversary date.</td></tr><tr><td>ProBug Design 2, Reg. No. 3263130</td><td>dairy-based beverages; dairy-based food beverages; kefir; soy-based food beverage used as milk substitute</td><td>July 10, 2007</td><td>July 10, 2017</td><td>Registration is renewable at the time of expiration provided mandatory documents are filed with the USPTO between the fifth and sixth anniversaries of the registration date or the six-month grace period following the sixth anniversary date.</td></tr><tr><td>Penelope Probug Design, Reg. No. 3408792</td><td>dairy-based beverages; dairy-based food beverages; kefir; soy-based food beverage used as milk substitute</td><td>April 8, 2008</td><td>April 8, 2018</td><td>Registration is renewable at the time of expiration provided mandatory documents are filed with the USPTO between the fifth and sixth anniversaries of the registration date or the six-month grace period following the sixth anniversary date.</td></tr><tr><td>BA3APHBIII (a Stylized presentation of “bazarny” in Cyrillic characters), Reg. No. 3590660</td><td>cultured milk products, excluding ice cream, ice milk and frozen yogurt; cheeses and cottage cheese</td><td>March 17, 2009</td><td>March 17, 2019</td><td>Registration is renewable at the time of expiration provided mandatory documents are filed with the USPTO between the fifth and sixth anniversaries of the registration date or the six-month grace period following the sixth anniversary date.</td></tr><tr><td>BAMBINO, Reg. No. 2770522</td><td>cheeses, cottage cheeses and other dairy products, excluding ice cream, ice milk, and frozen yogurt</td><td>October 7, 2003</td><td>October 7, 2013</td><td>An Affidavit of Continued Use was timely filed between the fifth and sixth anniversaries of the registration date. Registration is renewable between the ninth and tenth anniversaries of the registration date or the six-month grace period following the registration expiration date.</td></tr><tr><td>BAZARNY, Reg. No. 3597883</td><td>cultured milk products, excluding ice cream, ice milk and frozen yogurt; cheeses and cottage cheese</td><td>March 31, 2009</td><td>March 31, 2019</td><td>Registration is renewable at the time of expiration provided mandatory documents are filed with the USPTO between the fifth and sixth anniversaries of the registration date or the six-month grace period following the sixth anniversary date.</td></tr><tr><td>BIO KEFIR, Reg. No. 3886709</td><td>yogurt, cheeses, cottage cheeses and other milk products, excluding ice cream, ice milk and frozen yogurt</td><td>December 7, 2010</td><td>December 7, 2020</td><td>Registration is renewable at the time of expiration provided mandatory documents are filed with the USPTO between the fifth and sixth anniversaries of the registration date or the six-month grace period following the sixth anniversary date.</td></tr><tr><td>CHANGING THE WORLD, ONE MOUTHFUL AT A TIME. (Stylized), Reg. No. 3541999</td><td>fruit juices</td><td>December 2, 2008</td><td>December 2, 2018</td><td>Registration is renewable at the time of expiration provided mandatory documents are filed with the USPTO between the fifth and sixth anniversaries of the registration date or the six-month grace period following the sixth anniversary date.</td></tr></table>



<table><tr><td>Mark/Reg. No.</td><td>Goods/Services</td><td>Date of Registration</td><td>Expiration of Registration</td><td>Comments</td></tr><tr><td>FRUIT JUICE (Stylized), Reg. No. 3413276</td><td>fruit juices</td><td>April 15, 2008</td><td>April 15, 2018</td><td>Registration is renewable at the time of expiration provided mandatory documents are filed with the USPTO between the fifth and sixth anniversaries of the registration date or the six-month grace period following the sixth anniversary date.</td></tr><tr><td>Fruit Juice Logo, Reg. No. 3432421</td><td>fruit juices</td><td>May 20, 2008</td><td>May 20, 2018</td><td>Registration is renewable at the time of expiration provided mandatory documents are filed with the USPTO between the fifth and sixth anniversaries of the registration date or the six-month grace period following the sixth anniversary date.</td></tr><tr><td>GOO-BERRY PIE, Reg. No. 3405134</td><td>dairy-based beverages; dairy-based food beverages; kefir; soy-based food beverages used as a milk substitute</td><td>April 1, 2008</td><td>April 1, 2018</td><td>Registration is renewable at the time of expiration provided mandatory documents are filed with the USPTO between the fifth and sixth anniversaries of the registration date or the six-month grace period following the sixth anniversary date.</td></tr><tr><td>HELIOS NUTRITION, Reg. No. 2283716</td><td>health foods, functional foods and medical foods, namely, dairy products excluding ice cream, ice milk and frozen yogurt</td><td>October 5, 1999</td><td>October 5, 2019</td><td>Registration was timely renewed on April 2, 2010. Registration is renewable for ten year periods or during the six-month grace period following the registration expiration date or the six-month grace period following the sixth anniversary date.</td></tr><tr><td>KOROVKA, Reg. No. 2504027</td><td>dairy-based spread</td><td>November 6, 2001</td><td>November 6, 2021</td><td>Registration was timely renewed on November 6, 2011. Registration is renewable for ten year periods or during the six-month grace period following the registration expiration date.</td></tr><tr><td>KPECTBRHCKNN (a Stylized presentation of “krestyanskiy” in Cyrillic characters-means “peasant”), Reg. No. 2187363</td><td>cheeses, cottage cheeses and other milk products excluding ice cream, ice milk and frozen yogurt</td><td>September 8, 1998</td><td>September 8, 2018</td><td>Registration was timely renewed on August 23, 2008. Registration is renewable for ten year periods or during the six-month grace period following the registration expiration date.</td></tr><tr><td>KWASHENKA, Reg. No. 2135974</td><td>kefir, yogurt, cheeses, cottage cheeses and other milk products, excluding ice cream, ice milk and frozen yogurt</td><td>February 10, 1998</td><td>February 10, 2018</td><td>Registration was timely renewed on May 23, 2008. Registration is renewable for ten year periods or during the six-month grace period following the registration expiration date.</td></tr><tr><td>LA FRUTA, Reg. No. 2937061</td><td>cultured milk products, excluding ice cream, ice milk and frozen yogurt</td><td>March 29, 2005</td><td>March 29, 2015</td><td>An Affidavit of Continued Use was timely filed between the fifth and sixth anniversaries of the registration date. Registration is renewable between the ninth and tenth anniversaries of the registration date or the six-month grace period following the registration expiration date.</td></tr><tr><td>LIFEWAY, Reg. No. 1571136</td><td>cheese and kefir</td><td>December 12, 1989</td><td>December 12, 2019</td><td>Registration was timely renewed on December 12, 2009. Registration is renewable for ten year periods or during the six-month grace period following the registration expiration date.</td></tr><tr><td>ORANGE CREAMY CRAWLER, Reg. No. 3263128</td><td>dairy-based beverages; dairy-based food beverages; kefir; soy-based food beverage used as milk substitute</td><td>July 10, 2007</td><td>July 10, 2017</td><td>Registration is renewable at the time of expiration provided mandatory documents are filed with the USPTO between the fifth and sixth anniversaries of the registration date or the six-month grace period following the sixth anniversary date.</td></tr></table>



<table><tr><td>Mark/Reg. No.</td><td>Goods/Services</td><td>Date of Registration</td><td>Expiration of Registration</td><td>Comments</td></tr><tr><td>PHYTOBOOST, Reg. No. 3982487</td><td>dairy-based beverages; dairy-based food beverages; kefir; soy-based food beverage used as a milk substitute</td><td>June 21, 2011</td><td>June 21, 2021</td><td>Registration is renewable at the time of expiration provided mandatory documents are filed with the USPTO between the fifth and sixth anniversaries of the registration date or the six-month grace period following the sixth anniversary date.</td></tr><tr><td>PLAYGROUP PACK, Reg. No. 3634999</td><td>fruit juices</td><td>June 9, 2009</td><td>June 9, 2019</td><td>Registration is renewable at the time of expiration provided mandatory documents are filed with the USPTO between the fifth and sixth anniversaries of the registration date or the six-month grace period following the sixth anniversary date.</td></tr><tr><td>PRIDE OF MAIN STREET, MN Reg. No. 12947</td><td>dairy product</td><td>November 9, 1987</td><td>November 9, 2017</td><td>Only for the State of Minnesota, not in US - Registration was renewed in 2007. Registration is renewable for ten years.</td></tr><tr><td>PROBUGS, Reg. No. 3263129</td><td>dairy-based beverages; dairy-based food beverages; kefir; soy-based food beverage used as a milk substitute</td><td>July 10, 2007</td><td>July 10, 2017</td><td>Registration is renewable at the time of expiration provided mandatory documents are filed with the USPTO between the fifth and sixth anniversaries of the registration date or the six-month grace period following the sixth anniversary date.</td></tr><tr><td>SOYTREAT, Reg. No. 3530754</td><td>soy-based food beverage intended for use as cultured milk substitute</td><td>November 11, 2008</td><td>November 11, 2018</td><td>Registration is renewable at the time of expiration provided mandatory documents are filed with the USPTO between the fifth and sixth anniversaries of the registration date or the six-month grace period following the sixth anniversary date.</td></tr><tr><td>STARFRUIT, Reg. No. 3513252</td><td>franchise services, namely, offering technical and business management assistance in the establishment and operation of restaurants</td><td>October 7, 2008</td><td>October 7, 2018</td><td>Registration is renewable at the time of expiration provided mandatory documents are filed with the USPTO between the fifth and sixth anniversaries of the registration date or the six-month grace period following the sixth anniversary date.</td></tr><tr><td>STARFRUIT, Reg. No. 3454746</td><td>restaurant services</td><td>June 24, 2008</td><td>June 24, 2018</td><td>Registration is renewable at the time of expiration provided mandatory documents are filed with the USPTO between the fifth and sixth anniversaries of the registration date or the six-month grace period following the sixth anniversary date.</td></tr><tr><td>STARFRUIT (Stylized), Reg. No. 3879939</td><td>kefir</td><td>November 23, 2010</td><td>November 23, 2020</td><td>Registration is renewable at the time of expiration provided mandatory documents are filed with the USPTO between the fifth and sixth anniversaries of the registration date or the six-month grace period following the sixth anniversary date.</td></tr><tr><td>SUBLIME SLIME LIME, Reg. No. 3263134</td><td>dairy-based beverages; dairy-based food beverages; kefir; soy-based food beverage used as a milk substitute</td><td>July 10, 2007</td><td>July 10, 2017</td><td>Registration is renewable at the time of expiration provided mandatory documents are filed with the USPTO between the fifth and sixth anniversaries of the registration date or the six-month grace period following the sixth anniversary date.</td></tr><tr><td>SWEET KISS, Reg. No. 2135975</td><td>cheeses, cottage cheeses and other milk products, excluding ice cream, ice milk and frozen yogurt</td><td>February 10, 1998</td><td>February 10, 2018</td><td>Registration was timely renewed on May 23, 2008. Registration is renewable for ten year periods or during the six-month grace period following the registration expiration date.</td></tr><tr><td>TODDLER TASTEBUD TRAINING (Stylized), Reg. No. 3542008</td><td>fruit juices</td><td>December 2, 2008</td><td>December 2, 2018</td><td>Registration is renewable at the time of expiration provided mandatory documents are filed with the USPTO between the fifth and sixth anniversaries of the registration date or the six-month grace period following the sixth anniversary date.</td></tr><tr><td>TRAINING WHEELS FOR HEALTHY</td><td>fruit juices</td><td>April 15, 2008</td><td>April 15, 2018</td><td>Registration is renewable at the time of</td></tr></table>



<table><tr><td>EATING (Stylized), Reg. No. 3412314</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>expiration provided mandatory documents are filed with the USPTO between the fifth and sixth anniversaries of the registration date or the six-month grace period following the sixth anniversary date.</td></tr></table>



<table><tr><td>Mark/Ser. No.</td><td>Goods</td><td>Status &amp; Filing Date</td><td>Comments</td></tr><tr><td>FIRST POP, Ser. No. 77473329</td><td>frozen confections</td><td>Pending - Application filed May 13, 2008</td><td>Notice of Allowance (NOA) issued June 22, 2010. A Third Extension of Time was granted December 7, 2011. Applicant must file a Statement of Use or fourth Extension Request by June 22, 2012.</td></tr><tr><td>FIRST SMOOTHIE, Ser. No. 85111072</td><td>fruit beverages, namely, smoothies</td><td>Pending - Application filed August 19, 2010</td><td>Notice of Allowance (NOA) issued September 20, 2011. Applicant must file a Statement of Use or first Extension Request by March 20, 2012.</td></tr><tr><td>FIRST WATER, Ser. No. 77531563</td><td>drinking water</td><td>Pending - Application filed July 25, 2008</td><td>Notice of Allowance (NOA) issued January 12, 2010. The fourth Extension of Time was granted January 9, 2012. Applicant must file a Statement of Use or fifth Extension Request by July 12, 2012.</td></tr><tr><td>PRO20, Ser. No. 85362958</td><td>dairy-based beverages; dairy-based food beverages; kefir; soy-based food beverage used as a milk substitute beverages, namely, water and fruit and vegetable juices and fruit juices flavored with tea</td><td>Pending - Application filed July 5, 2011</td><td>Notice of Allowance (NOA) not yet issued.</td></tr><tr><td>PROLICIOUS, Ser. No. 85362942</td><td>dairy-based beverages; dairy-based food beverages; kefir; soy-based food beverage used as a milk substitute beverages, namely, water and fruit and vegetable juices and fruit juices flavored with tea</td><td>Pending - Application filed July 5, 2011</td><td>Notice of Allowance (NOA) not yet issued.</td></tr></table>

Lifeway also uses, and claims common law rights to, the following unregistered trademarks: “Elita,” “Healthy Foods Today for a Better Life Tomorrow,” “Milkshake Smoothie,” “Toplenka,” “White Cheese,” “Drink It to Be Beautiful Inside and Out,” “Golden Zesta” and “Pride of Main Street.”

On December 27, 1990, Lifeway purchased the Tuscan brand-name liquid drinkable yogurt customer list along with a limited license of the trademark and use of the Tuscan liquid yogurt U.P.C. codes from a third party.

In October 1998, Lifeway entered into a sublicense agreement with GalaGen, Inc. and Metagenics, Inc. with an effective date of May 1, 1998 (“Lifeway sublicense”), wherein GalaGen sublicensed patent rights of Metagenics for kefir-based products containing natural immune components exclusively to Lifeway. Under the rights granted to it by the Lifeway sublicense, Lifeway manufactures and sells products using the Basics Plus trademark. GalaGen had acquired the primary license for such patent rights in an agreement executed with Metagenics in April 1998.

The terms of the Lifeway sublicense provide that Metagenics will permit Lifeway to continue to have the exclusive patent rights to produce or sell kefir-based products containing natural immune components in the event the original license between GalaGen and Metagenics is terminated, and such termination was not caused by Lifeway. On February 25, 2002, GalaGen filed a petition for bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court, District of Minnesota, which terminated both its primary license with Metagenics and its participation in the Lifeway sublicense. The license and sublicense were excluded from the sale of assets of GalaGen pursuant to an order of the Bankruptcy Court. Lifeway has not received any indication that Metagenics will not permit Lifeway to continue to have the exclusive patent rights to produce or sell kefir-based products containing natural immune components. Thus, Lifeway believes that it continues to have the exclusive patent rights licensed directly from Metagenics. Either party may terminate the license agreement for cause. The term of the license agreement expires when the last valid claim of the patent rights expires, which currently is July 2, 2013. However, this term can be extended in accordance with the terms of the license agreement.

In connection with its purchase of Ilya’s Farm, Inc., the Company has undertaken a royalty obligation of 5% of all sales of Ilya’s Farm, Inc.’s products paid quarterly, in arrears.

## REGULATION

Lifeway is subject to regulation by federal, state and local governmental authorities regarding the distribution and sale of food products. Although Lifeway believes that it currently has all material government permits, licenses, qualifications and approvals for its operations, there can be no assurance that Lifeway will be able to maintain its existing licenses and permits or to obtain any future licenses, permits, qualifications or approvals which may be required for the operation of Lifeway’s business.

Lifeway believes that it is currently in compliance with all applicable environmental laws and that the cost of such compliance was not material to the financial position of Lifeway.



Lifeway continues its program of new product development, centered around the nutritional and “low calorie” features of its proprietary kefir formulas.

Lifeway conducts primarily all of its research internally, but at times will employ the services of an outside testing facility. During 2010 and 2011, the amount Lifeway expended for research and new product development was not material to the financial position of Lifeway and no amount was customer supported.

## EMPLOYEES

Lifeway currently employs approximately 330 employees, all of whom are full-time employees. Substantially all of these employees are engaged in the manufacturing of the Company’s products. None of Lifeway’s employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. The Company only has distributor relationships with third party distributors. No distributors are considered to be employees. Company-owned vehicles are used by Company employees for local same day deliveries only and revenue is recognized on the date of delivery to the end retail customers. Drivers of those vehicles are employees of the Company and all payroll, withholdings, and income taxes are accounted for in the same manner.

## ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.

On May 16, 1988, Lifeway purchased an approximately 26,000 square foot parcel of real property, including an approximately 8,500 square foot one-story brick building in good condition, located at 7625 N. Austin Avenue, Skokie, Illinois. Lifeway uses this facility for manufacturing and storage and has no plans to improve or renovate this property. Lifeway is the only occupant of this property and presently holds fee simple title subject to a mortgage which secures the property as collateral for certain loans to Lifeway from The Private Bank & Trust as discussed in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation (the “Loans”). The Loans are secured by all of the assets of Lifeway, including a first mortgage on Lifeway’s real property located in Skokie, Illinois, Niles, Illinois and Morton Grove, Illinois. A portion of the proceeds of the Loans was used to pay off previously existing mortgage loans. The value of this property may be subject to real estate market forces that typically affect industrial real estate in the area immediately surrounding the property.

On October 16, 1996, Lifeway purchased a 110,000 square foot commercially-zoned parcel of real property, including an approximately 50,000 square foot one-story brick building in good condition, located at 6431 Oakton Avenue, Morton Grove, Illinois. This property is used as Lifeway's corporate headquarters and main manufacturing facility. This property has been improved every year since the time of purchase by the addition of custom-built refrigerated storage space and the addition of various machinery and equipment used to manufacture, package and store Lifeway's products. Lifeway is the only occupant of this property and presently holds fee simple title subject to a mortgage which secures the property as collateral for the Loans discussed above. The value of this property may be subject to real estate market forces that typically affect industrial real estate in the area immediately surrounding the property.

In June 2005, the Company purchased a 100,000 square foot distribution and warehousing facility that is equipped with 40,000 square feet of refrigeration. The facility, located at 6101 Gross Point Road in Niles, Illinois, will be used to store raw materials and finished goods in order to relieve space pressures at the Company’s existing approximately 50,000 square foot building, less than a mile away. The additional space at the Company’s main plant will be used to expand production capacity for the Company’s kefir and other probiotic products. Lifeway is the only occupant of this property and presently holds fee simple title subject to a mortgage which secures the property as collateral for the Loans discussed above. The value of this property may be subject to real estate market forces that typically affect industrial real estate in the area immediately surrounding the property.

Included in the purchase of Pride of Main Street Dairy on August 3, 2006, Lifeway acquired an approximately 35,000 square foot commercially-zoned parcel of real estate located at 214 Main Street S. Sauk Centre, Minnesota, including a 16,000 square foot two-story brick building used for production, and a 5,600 square foot storage facility. This property is used as the main headquarters and main production facility for Pride of Main Street Dairy. The building was built in the 1920's with an addition in 1990. The facility is being used to produce all of the Pride of Main Street Dairy products, and approximately 70% of the Helios Nutrition Organic Kefir, with the remaining 30% being produced in Lifeway's main production facility in Morton Grove, Illinois. Lifeway is the only occupant of this property and presently holds fee simple title subject to negative mortgage pledge as part of the collateral package for the Loans discussed above. The value of this property may be subject to real estate market forces that typically affect industrial real estate in the area immediately surrounding the property.

On February 6, 2009, in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Fresh Made, Inc., Lifeway also acquired 1.135 acres of land in Philadelphia. Lifeway is the only occupant of this property and presently holds fee simple title subject to a negative mortgage pledge as part of the collateral package for the Loans discussed above. The value of this property may be subject to real estate market forces that typically affect industrial real estate in the area immediately surrounding the property.

For financial statement and tax purposes, Lifeway depreciates its buildings and improvements on a straight line basis over 31 and 39 years.

Management believes that Lifeway has adequate insurance coverage for all its properties.

## ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

Lifeway is not party to any material pending legal proceedings. Lifeway is from time to time engaged in litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of business none of which presently is expected to have a material adverse effect on its business results or operations.



## PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

## MARKET INFORMATION

Lifeway’s Common Stock, no par value, the only class of common equity of Lifeway, is traded on The Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “LWAY.” Trading commenced on March 29, 1988.

The high and low sales prices for Lifeway’s Common Stock for the quarterly periods within the two most recent fiscal years, as reported by The Nasdaq Global Market, is set forth in the following table:

<table><tr><td></td><td>Low Bid</td><td>High Bid</td></tr><tr><td>First Qtr. 2010</td><td>$11.34</td><td>$12.70</td></tr><tr><td>Second Qtr. 2010</td><td>$ 8.07</td><td>$12.07</td></tr><tr><td>Third Qtr. 2010</td><td>$ 9.60</td><td>$11.27</td></tr><tr><td>Fourth Qtr. 2010</td><td>$ 9.31</td><td>$10.60</td></tr><tr><td>First Qtr. 2011</td><td>$ 8.42</td><td>$10.48</td></tr><tr><td>Second Qtr. 2011</td><td>$ 9.03</td><td>$11.24</td></tr><tr><td>Third Qtr. 2011</td><td>$ 9.45</td><td>$11.90</td></tr><tr><td>Fourth Qtr. 2011</td><td>$ 8.80</td><td>$11.20</td></tr></table>

As of March 9, 2012, there were approximately 90 holders of record of Lifeway’s Common Stock. The Company has no information regarding beneficial owners whose shares are held in street name.

## DIVIDENDS

Lifeway has paid no cash dividends on its Common Stock since inception and management does not anticipate that such dividends will be paid in the foreseeable future.

## SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES

None.

PURCHASES OF THE COMPANY'S SECURITIES

<table><tr><td>Period</td><td>(a) Total Numbers of Shares (or Units) Purchased</td><td>(b) Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit)</td><td>(c) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs</td><td>(d) Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs</td></tr><tr><td>October 1 to October 31, 2011</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>186,754</td></tr><tr><td>November 1 to November 30, 2011</td><td>12,500</td><td>9.48</td><td>12,500</td><td>174,254</td></tr><tr><td>December 1 to December 31, 2011</td><td>4,000</td><td>9.78</td><td>4,000</td><td>170,254</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>16,500</td><td>9.63</td><td>16,500</td><td>170,254</td></tr></table>

*On May 7, 2010, the Company established a share repurchase program for up to 200,000 shares with a plan expiration date of one year from the date of the first purchase. On January 20, 2011, the Company approved a share repurchase program for up to 250,000 shares with a plan expiration date of one year from the date of the first purchase. Lifeway repurchased 127,348 shares of the Company’s securities in 2011 pursuant to these programs at a total cost of $1,181,428. As of the date of this filing these plans were both expired. On February 6, 2012, the Company approved a new share repurchase program for up to 200,000 shares with a plan expiration date of one year from the date of the first purchase.

## EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

See Part III, Item 12, Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans.



## ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

## Comparison of Quarter Ended December 31, 2011 to Quarter Ended December 31, 2010

The following analysis should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements of the Company and related notes included elsewhere in this annual report and the audited financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis contained in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2011, June 30, 2011, and September 30, 2011.

## Results of Operations

Total consolidated gross sales increased by $2,615,251 (approximately 16%) to $18,739,197 during the three-month period ended December 31, 2011 from $16,123,946 during the same three-month period in 2010. This increase is primarily attributable to increased sales and awareness of the Company's flagship line, Kefir, as well as ProBugs \( ^{\circledR} \)  Organic Kefir for kids and BioKefir \( ^{TM} \) . In addition, Lifeway's Frozen Kefir line, which was launched in April 2011, contributed approximately $350,000 to sales during the fourth quarter of 2011.

Total consolidated net sales increased by $2,034,614 (approximately 14%) to $16,766,984 during the three-month period ended December 31, 2011 from $14,732,370 during the same three-month period in 2010. Net sales are recorded as gross sales less promotional activities such as slotting fees paid, couponing, spoilage and promotional allowances as well as early payment terms given to customers. The total allowance for promotions and discounts during the three-month period ended December 31, 2011 was $1,972,213, or 10.5% of gross sales, compared to the total allowance for promotions and discounts during the three-month period ended December 31, 2010 of $1,391,576, or 8.6% of gross sales. This increase is a result of an adjustment made during the three-month period ended December 31, 2011 the Company recorded an increase in allowances for promotions and discounts of $0.5 million associated with write-offs of accounts receivable balances outstanding as of December 31, 2011 for known discounts. These discounts have previously been accounted for through a reserve applied against accounts receivable.

Cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales, excluding depreciation expense, were approximately 74% during the fourth quarter of 2011, compared to approximately 77% during the same period in 2010. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower costs of transportation and other petroleum-based production supplies, partially offset by the increased cost of conventional and organic milk, the Company's largest raw material. The total cost of milk was approximately 20% higher during the fourth quarter 2011 when compared to the same period in 2010.

Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales were approximately 25% during the fourth quarter of 2011, compared to approximately 24% during the same period in 2010. This increase was primarily attributable to increased selling expenses as compared to the same period in 2010. Selling related expenses increased by $426,593 (approximately 21%) to $2,444,737 during the fourth quarter of 2011, from $2,018,144 during the same period in 2010. This increase is directly attributable to increases in marketing and advertising of the Company's flagship line, Kefir, as well as ProBugs Organic Kefir for kids, BioKefir and Lifeway's Frozen Kefir.

The Company reported a loss in operations of $457,050 during the fourth quarter of 2011, an improvement of $79,343 from $536,393 during the same period in 2010.

Income tax benefit was $137,528 for the fourth quarter of 2011 compared to $133,299 during the same period in 2010.

Total net loss was $365,933 or a loss of $0.02 per diluted share for the three-month period ended December 31, 2011 compared to a net loss of $235,563 or a loss of $0.01 per diluted share in the same period in 2010.

## Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 2011 to Year Ended December 31, 2010

Total consolidated gross sales increased by $13,579,554 (approximately 21%) to $77,122,999 during the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2011 from $63,543,445 during the same twelve-month period in 2010. This increase is primarily attributable to increased sales and awareness of the Company's flagship line, Kefir, as well as ProBugs \( ^{\circledR} \)  Organic Kefir for kids and BioKefir \( ^{TM} \) . In addition, Lifeway's Frozen Kefir line, which was launched in April 2011, contributed approximately $700,000 to sales during the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2011.

Total consolidated net sales increased by $11,470,516 (approximately 20%) to $69,970,409 during the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2011 from $58,499,893 during the same twelve-month period in 2010. Net sales are recorded as gross sales less promotional activities such as slotting fees paid, couponing, spoilage and promotional allowances as well as early payment terms given to customers. The total allowance for promotions and discounts during 2011 was $7,152,590, or 9.2% of gross sales, compared to the total allowance for promotions and discounts during 2010 of $5,043,552, or 7.9% of gross sales. This increase is a result of during the three-month period ended December 31, 2011 the Company recorded an increase in allowances for promotions and discounts of $0.5 million associated with write-offs of accounts receivable balances outstanding as of December 31, 2011 for known discounts. These discounts have previously been accounted for through a reserve applied against accounts receivable.

Cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales, excluding depreciation expense, were approximately 66% during the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2011, compared to approximately 63% during the same period in 2010. The increase was primarily attributable to the cost of conventional and organic milk, the Company's largest raw material. The total cost of milk was approximately 20 to 25% higher during the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2011 when compared to the same period in 2010.

Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales were approximately 25% during the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2011 compared to approximately 24% during the same period in 2010. Selling related expenses increased by $2,602,343 (approximately 34%) to $10,205,441 during the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2011, from $7,603,098 during the same period in 2010. This increase is attributable to the Company recording an approximate $700,000 expense related its 25th Anniversary Cross Country Mobile tour, which occurred in the second quarter and was expensed during the second quarter of 2011. The Company views this as a non-recurring advertising expense.



Total operating income decreased by $1,198,141 (approximately 19%) to $5,076,491 during the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2011, from $6,274,632 during the same period in 2010.

Provision for income taxes was $1,977,837 or a 41% effective tax rate, for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2011 compared with $2,823,986, or a 44% effective tax rate, during the same period in 2010. The decline in the effective tax rate is primarily the result of changes in estimates reflected in the current period. Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2010, a liability of approximately $220,000 was recognized resulting from the completion of an IRS review of the Company’s 2007 and 2008 federal tax return filings. Income taxes are discussed in Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Total net income was $2,855,421 or $0.17 per share for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2011 compared to $3,622,466 or $0.22 per share in the same period in 2010.

## Liquidity and Capital Resources

## Sources and Uses of Cash

Net cash provided by operating activities was $4,042,021 during the twelve-months ended December 31, 2011 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $5,615,943 the same period in 2010. This decrease is primarily attributable to the increase in accounts receivable of $1,494,790.

Net cash used in investing activities was $2,112,657 during the twelve-months ended December 31, 2011 compared to net cash provided by investing activities of $1,410,377 in the same period in 2010. This decrease is primarily due to a decrease in proceeds from sale of investments of $3,858,342 compared to 2010.

The Company had a net decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $2,114,789 during the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2011 compared to a net increase in cash and cash equivalents of $2,599,532 during the same period in 2010. The Company had cash and cash equivalents of $1,115,150 as of December 31, 2011 compared to cash and cash equivalents of $3,229,939 as of December 31, 2010.

## Assets and Liabilities

Total assets were $51,473,308 as of December 31, 2011, which is a decrease of $585,423 when compared to December 31, 2010. This is primarily due to amortization of intangible assets of $783,833 as of December 31, 2011, when compared to December 31, 2010.

Total current liabilities were $7,072,720 as of December 31, 2011, which is a decrease of $1,813,040 when compared to December 31, 2010. This is primarily due to a $1,310,894 decrease in current maturities of notes payable.

Notes payable decreased by $582,389 as of December 31, 2011, when compared to December 31, 2010. The balance of the notes payable as of December 31, 2011 was $5,539,836.

Total stockholder’s equity was $35,357,157 as of December 31, 2011, which is an increase of $1,708,139 when compared to December 31, 2010. This is primarily due the increase in retained earnings of $2,855,421 when compared to December 31, 2010.

We previously held significant portions of our assets in investment securities. During the fourth quarter of 2010, we converted certain securities to cash and cash equivalents in order to ensure we had easy access to capital to capitalize on the opportunities we see ahead for our business. All of our marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale on our balance sheet. All of these securities are stated thereon at market value as of the end of the applicable period. Gains and losses on the portfolio are determined by the specific identification method.

We anticipate being able to fund the Company’s foreseeable liquidity requirements internally. We continue to explore potential acquisition opportunities in our industry in order to boost sales while leveraging our distribution system to consolidate and lower costs.

## ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

The annotated consolidated financial statements of the Company that constitute Item 8 of this report commence on the pages that follow this page.



LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2011 and 2010



# REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders of

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (the "Company") as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2011. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2011 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Plante & Moran, PLLC

Chicago, IL

March 30, 2012



## LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
December 31, 2011 and 2010

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="2">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2011</td><td>2010</td></tr><tr><td>ASSETS</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Current assets</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cash and cash equivalents</td><td>$ 1,115,150</td><td>$ 3,229,939</td></tr><tr><td>Investments</td><td>1,695,044</td><td>1,079,232</td></tr><tr><td>Certificates of deposits in financial institutions</td><td>300,000</td><td>250,000</td></tr><tr><td>Inventories</td><td>4,954,475</td><td>3,985,374</td></tr><tr><td>Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts and discounts</td><td>7,950,276</td><td>6,793,276</td></tr><tr><td>Prepaid expenses and other current assets</td><td>79,630</td><td>158,315</td></tr><tr><td>Other receivables</td><td>224,204</td><td>104,680</td></tr><tr><td>Deferred income taxes</td><td>338,690</td><td>328,470</td></tr><tr><td>Refundable income taxes</td><td>41,316</td><td>906,748</td></tr><tr><td>Total current assets</td><td>16,698,785</td><td>16,836,034</td></tr><tr><td>Property and equipment, net</td><td>15,198,822</td><td>15,152,713</td></tr><tr><td>Intangible assets</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Goodwill and other non amortizable brand assets</td><td>14,068,091</td><td>14,068,091</td></tr><tr><td>Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $3,087,940 and $2,304,107 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively</td><td>5,218,060</td><td>6,001,893</td></tr><tr><td>Total intangible assets</td><td>19,286,151</td><td>20,069,984</td></tr><tr><td>Other Assets</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Long-term accounts receivable net of current portion</td><td>289,550</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Total assets</td><td>$ 51,473,308</td><td>$ 52,058,731</td></tr><tr><td>LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS&#x27; EQUITY</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Current liabilities</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Checks written in excess of bank balances</td><td>$ 592,040</td><td>$ 1,341,210</td></tr><tr><td>Current maturities of notes payable</td><td>1,540,716</td><td>2,851,610</td></tr><tr><td>Accounts payable</td><td>4,386,239</td><td>4,183,481</td></tr><tr><td>Accrued expenses</td><td>553,725</td><td>509,459</td></tr><tr><td>Total current liabilities</td><td>7,072,720</td><td>8,885,760</td></tr><tr><td>Notes payable</td><td>5,539,836</td><td>6,122,225</td></tr><tr><td>Deferred income taxes</td><td>3,503,595</td><td>3,401,728</td></tr><tr><td>Total liabilities</td><td>16,116,151</td><td>18,409,713</td></tr><tr><td>Stockholders&#x27; equity</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Common stock, no par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 17,273,776 shares issued; 16,409,317 shares outstanding at December 31, 2011; 17,273,776 shares issued; 16,536,657 shares outstanding at December 31, 2010</td><td>6,509,267</td><td>6,509,267</td></tr><tr><td>Paid-in-capital</td><td>2,032,516</td><td>2,032,516</td></tr><tr><td>Treasury stock, at cost</td><td>(7,606,974)</td><td>(6,425,546)</td></tr><tr><td>Retained earnings</td><td>34,431,296</td><td>31,575,875</td></tr><tr><td>Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes</td><td>(8,948)</td><td>(43,094)</td></tr><tr><td>Total stockholders&#x27; equity</td><td>35,357,157</td><td>33,649,018</td></tr><tr><td>Total liabilities and stockholders&#x27; equity</td><td>$ 51,473,308</td><td>$ 52,058,731</td></tr></table>

See accompanying notes to financial statements



## LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income
For the Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Gross sales</td><td>$ 77,122,999</td><td>$ 63,543,445</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Less: discounts and allowances</td><td>(7,152,590)</td><td>(5,043,552)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net sales</td><td>69,970,409</td><td>58,499,893</td><td>58,499,893</td></tr><tr><td>Cost of goods sold</td><td></td><td>45,866,632</td><td>36,926,973</td></tr><tr><td>Depreciation expense</td><td></td><td>1,552,961</td><td>1,393,745</td></tr><tr><td>Total cost of goods sold</td><td></td><td>47,419,593</td><td>38,320,718</td></tr><tr><td>Gross profit</td><td></td><td>22,550,816</td><td>20,179,175</td></tr><tr><td>Selling expenses</td><td></td><td>10,205,441</td><td>7,603,098</td></tr><tr><td>General and administrative</td><td></td><td>6,485,051</td><td>5,576,908</td></tr><tr><td>Amortization expense</td><td></td><td>783,833</td><td>724,537</td></tr><tr><td>Total operating expenses</td><td></td><td>17,474,325</td><td>13,904,543</td></tr><tr><td>Income from operations</td><td></td><td>5,076,491</td><td>6,274,632</td></tr><tr><td>Other income (expense):</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Interest and dividend income</td><td></td><td>70,611</td><td>260,552</td></tr><tr><td>Rental income</td><td></td><td>7,150</td><td>11,785</td></tr><tr><td>Interest expense</td><td></td><td>(247,342)</td><td>(350,997)</td></tr><tr><td>Impairment of investments</td><td></td><td>(36,032)</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Gain (loss) on sale of investments, net</td><td></td><td>(29,256)</td><td>250,480</td></tr><tr><td>Other expense</td><td></td><td>(8,364)</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Total other income (expense)</td><td></td><td>(243,233)</td><td>171,820</td></tr><tr><td>Income before provision for income taxes</td><td></td><td>4,833,258</td><td>6,446,452</td></tr><tr><td>Provision for income taxes</td><td></td><td>1,977,837</td><td>2,823,986</td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td></td><td>2,855,421</td><td>3,622,466</td></tr><tr><td>Basic and diluted earnings per common share</td><td></td><td>0.17</td><td>0.22</td></tr><tr><td>Weighted average number of shares outstanding</td><td></td><td>16,442,948</td><td>16,663,557</td></tr><tr><td>COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td></td><td>2,855,421</td><td>3,622,466</td></tr><tr><td>Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Unrealized gains (losses) on investments (net of tax)</td><td></td><td>17,616</td><td>114,297</td></tr><tr><td>Less reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income (net of taxes)</td><td></td><td>16,530</td><td>(147,032)</td></tr><tr><td>Comprehensive income</td><td></td><td>2,889,567</td><td>3,589,731</td></tr></table>

See accompanying notes to financial statements



## LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
For the Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">Common Stock, No Par Value</td><td rowspan="2"># of Shares of Treasury Stock</td><td rowspan="2">Common Stock</td><td rowspan="2">Paid In Capital</td><td rowspan="2">Treasury Stock</td><td rowspan="2">Retained Earnings</td><td rowspan="2">Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax</td><td rowspan="2">Total</td></tr><tr><td># of Shares Issued</td><td># of Shares Outstanding</td></tr><tr><td>Balances at December 31, 2009</td><td>17,273,776</td><td>16,778,555</td><td>495,221</td><td>$ 6,509,267</td><td>$ 1,965,786</td><td>$ (3,846,773)</td><td>$ 27,953,409</td><td>$ (10,359)</td><td>32,571,330</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Redemption of stock</td><td>—</td><td>(252,398)</td><td>252,398</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>(2,666,288)</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>(2,666,288)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Issuance of treasury stock for compensation</td><td>—</td><td>10,500</td><td>(10,500)</td><td>—</td><td>66,730</td><td>87,515</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>154,245</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Unrealized gains on securities, net of taxes</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>(32,735)</td><td>(32,735)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net income for the year ended December 31, 2010</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>3,622,466</td><td>—</td><td>3,622,466</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Balances at December 31, 2010</td><td>17,273,776</td><td>16,536,657</td><td>737,119</td><td>$ 6,509,267</td><td>$ 2,032,516</td><td>$ (6,425,546)</td><td>$ 31,575,875</td><td>$ (43,094)</td><td>$ 33,649,018</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Redemption of stock</td><td>—</td><td>(127,340)</td><td>127,340</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>(1,181,428)</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>(1,181,428)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Unrealized losses on securities, net of taxes</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>34,146</td><td>34,146</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net income for the year ended December 31, 2011</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>2,855,421</td><td>—</td><td>2,855,421</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Balances at December 31, 2011</td><td>17,273,776</td><td>16,409,317</td><td>864,459</td><td>6,509,267</td><td>2,032,516</td><td>(7,606,974)</td><td>34,431,296</td><td>(8,948)</td><td>35,357,157</td><td></td></tr></table>



## LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="2">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2011</td><td>2010</td></tr><tr><td>Cash flows from operating activities:</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>$ 2,855,421</td><td>$ 3,622,466</td></tr><tr><td>Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities, net of acquisition:</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Depreciation and amortization</td><td>2,336,794</td><td>2,118,282</td></tr><tr><td>Loss (gain) on sale of investments, net</td><td>29,256</td><td>(250,480)</td></tr><tr><td>Loss on disposition of equipment</td><td>20,135</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Impairment of investments</td><td>36,032</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Deferred income taxes</td><td>68,217</td><td>(96,918)</td></tr><tr><td>Treasury stock issued for compensation</td><td>—</td><td>154,245</td></tr><tr><td>Bad debt expense</td><td>48,240</td><td>17,754</td></tr><tr><td>(Increase) decrease in operating assets:</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Accounts receivable</td><td>(1,494,790)</td><td>(811,292)</td></tr><tr><td>Other receivables</td><td>(119,524)</td><td>(54,922)</td></tr><tr><td>Inventories</td><td>(969,101)</td><td>(682,398)</td></tr><tr><td>Refundable income taxes</td><td>865,432</td><td>402,230</td></tr><tr><td>Prepaid expenses and other current assets</td><td>78,685</td><td>(117,618)</td></tr><tr><td>Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Accounts payable</td><td>202,758</td><td>1,419,479</td></tr><tr><td>Accrued expenses</td><td>84,466</td><td>(104,885)</td></tr><tr><td>Net cash provided by operating activities</td><td>4,042,021</td><td>5,615,943</td></tr><tr><td>Cash flows from investing activities:</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Purchases of investments</td><td>(2,434,340)</td><td>(2,161,552)</td></tr><tr><td>Proceeds from sale of investments</td><td>1,810,816</td><td>5,669,158</td></tr><tr><td>Investments in certificates of deposits</td><td>(50,000)</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Proceeds from redemption of certificates of deposit</td><td>—</td><td>402,005</td></tr><tr><td>Purchases of property and equipment</td><td>(1,439,133)</td><td>(2,229,274)</td></tr><tr><td>Acquisition of the assets of First Juice</td><td>—</td><td>(270,000)</td></tr><tr><td>Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities</td><td>(2,112,657)</td><td>1,410,337</td></tr><tr><td>Cash flows from financing activities:</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Proceeds from note payable</td><td>2,000,000</td><td>250,000</td></tr><tr><td>Checks written in excess of bank balances</td><td>(749,170)</td><td>998,234</td></tr><tr><td>Purchases of treasury stock</td><td>(1,181,428)</td><td>(2,666,288)</td></tr><tr><td>Repayment of notes payable</td><td>(4,113,555)</td><td>(3,008,694)</td></tr><tr><td>Net cash used in financing activities</td><td>(4,044,153)</td><td>(4,426,748)</td></tr><tr><td>Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents</td><td>(2,114,789)</td><td>2,599,532</td></tr><tr><td>Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period</td><td>3,229,939</td><td>630,407</td></tr><tr><td>Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period</td><td>$ 1,115,150</td><td>$ 3,229,939</td></tr></table>

See accompanying notes to financial statements



# LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2011 and 2010

## Note 1 – NATURE OF BUSINESS

Lifeway Foods, Inc. (the “Company” or “Lifeway”) commenced operations in February 1986 and incorporated under the laws of the state of Illinois on May 19, 1986. The Company’s principal business activity is the production of dairy products. Specifically, the Company produces Kefir, a drinkable product which is similar to but distinct from yogurt, in several flavors sold under the name “Lifeway’s Kefir;” a plain farmer’s cheese sold under the name “Lifeway’s Farmer’s Cheese;” a fruit sugar-flavored product similar in consistency to cream cheese sold under the name of “Sweet Kiss;” and a dairy beverage, similar to Kefir, with increased protein and calcium, sold under the name “Basics Plus.” The Company also produces a vegetable-based seasoning under the name “Golden Zesta.” The Company currently distributes its products throughout the Chicago Metropolitan area and various cities on the East Coast through local food stores.

## Note 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

A summary of the significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of the accompanying financial statements follows:

## Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Helios Nutrition, Ltd., Pride of Main Street, L.L.C., Starfruit, L.L.C., Fresh Made, Inc. and Starfruit Franchisor, L.L.C. In 2010, the Company acquired the assets of First Juice, Inc. (“First Juice”) and consolidated the operations into the operations of the Company. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The financial statements include the results of operations from the acquisition of the assets of First Juice from October 14, 2010 through the end of the period (see Note 3).

## Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates made in preparing the consolidated financial statements include the allowance for doubtful accounts and discounts, the valuation of investment securities, the valuation of goodwill, intangible assets, and deferred taxes.

## Revenue Recognition

Sales of Company produced dairy products are recorded at the time of shipment and the following four criteria have been met: (i) The product has been shipped and the Company has no significant remaining obligations; (ii) Persuasive evidence of an agreement exists; (iii) The price to the buyer is fixed or determinable and (iv) Collection is probable. In addition, shipping costs invoiced to the customers are included in net sales and the related cost in cost of sales. Discounts and allowances are reported as a reduction of gross sales unless the allowance is attributable to an identifiable benefit separable from the purchase of the product, the value of which can be reasonably estimated, which would be charged to the appropriate expense account.

## Customer Concentration

Sales are predominantly to companies in the retail food industry, located primarily within the United States of America. Two major customers accounted for approximately 31 percent and 29 percent of gross sales for the years ending December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. These customers accounted for approximately 27 percent and 20 percent of accounts receivable as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.



# LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2011 and 2010

## Note 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – Continued

## Cash and cash equivalents

All highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents.

The Company maintains cash deposits at several institutions located in the greater Chicago, Illinois and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania metropolitan areas.

## Investments

All investment securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity. Amortization, accretion, interest and dividends, realized gains and losses, and declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary on available-for-sale securities are recorded in other income. All of the Company's securities are subject to a periodic impairment evaluation. This evaluation depends on the specific facts and circumstances. Factors that we consider in determining whether an other-than-temporary decline in value has occurred include: the market value of the security in relation to its cost basis; the financial condition of the investee; and the intent and ability to retain the investment for a sufficient period of time to allow for possible recovery in the market value of the investment.

## Accounts receivable

Credit terms are extended to customers in the normal course of business. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers' financial condition and generally requires no collateral. Balances expected to be paid beyond one year are classified as long-term.

Accounts receivable are recorded at invoice amounts, and reduced to their estimated net realizable value by recognition of an allowance for doubtful accounts and discounts. The Company’s estimate of the allowances for doubtful accounts and discounts are based upon historical experience, its evaluation of the current status and contract terms of specific receivables, and unusual circumstances, if any. Accounts are considered past due if payment is not made on a timely basis in accordance with the Company’s credit terms. Accounts considered uncollectible are charged against the allowance.

## Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, cost being determined by the first-in, first-out method.

## Property and equipment

Property and equipment is stated at depreciated cost or fair value where depreciated cost is not recoverable. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in income for the period. The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to income as incurred; significant renewals and betterments are capitalized.

Property and equipment is being depreciated over the following useful lives:

<table><tr><td>Category</td><td>Years</td></tr><tr><td>Buildings and improvements</td><td>31 and 39</td></tr><tr><td>Machinery and equipment</td><td>5 - 12</td></tr><tr><td>Office equipment</td><td>5 - 7</td></tr><tr><td>Vehicles</td><td>5</td></tr></table>



# LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2011 and 2010

## Note 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – Continued

## Intangible assets acquired in business combinations

The Company accounts for intangible assets at historical cost. Intangible assets acquired in a business combination are recorded under the purchase method of accounting at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and other identifiable intangible assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized, but is reviewed for impairment at least annually. Brand assets represent the fair value of brands acquired. Brand assets have an indefinite life and therefore are not amortized, rather are reviewed periodically for impairment. The Company amortizes other intangible assets over their estimated useful lives, as disclosed in the table below.

The Company reviews intangible assets and their related useful lives at least once per year to determine if any adverse conditions exist that would indicate the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable. The Company conducts more frequent impairment assessments if certain conditions exist, including: a change in the competitive landscape, any internal decisions to pursue new or different strategies, a loss of a significant customer, or a significant change in the market place including changes in the prices paid for the Company’s products or changes in the size of the market for the Company’s products.

If the estimate of an intangible asset’s remaining useful life is changed, the remaining carrying amount of the intangible asset is amortized prospectively over the revised remaining useful life.

Intangible assets are being amortized over the following useful lives:

<table><tr><td>Category</td><td>Years</td></tr><tr><td>Recipes</td><td>4</td></tr><tr><td>Customer lists and other customer related intangibles</td><td>7-10</td></tr><tr><td>Lease agreement</td><td>7</td></tr><tr><td>Trade names</td><td>15</td></tr><tr><td>Formula</td><td>10</td></tr><tr><td>Customer relationships</td><td>12</td></tr></table>

## Income taxes

Deferred income taxes are the result of temporary differences that arise from income and expense items reported for financial accounting and tax purposes in different periods. Deferred taxes are classified as current or non-current, depending on the classification of the assets and liabilities to which they relate. Deferred taxes arising from temporary differences that are not related to an asset or liability are classified as current or non-current depending on the periods in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse.

The principal sources of temporary differences are different depreciation and amortization methods for financial statement and tax purposes, unrealized gains or losses related to investments, capitalization of indirect costs for tax purposes, purchase price adjustments, and the recognition of an allowance for doubtful accounts and discounts for financial statement purposes.



# LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2011 and 2010

## Note 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – Continued

The Company has analyzed filing positions in all of the federal and state jurisdictions where it is required to file income tax returns, as well as all open tax years in these jurisdictions. The only periods subject to examination for the Company’s federal return are the 2009 and 2010 tax years. The Company believes that its income tax filing positions and deductions would be sustained on audit and does not anticipate any adjustments that would result in a material change to its financial position. Therefore, no reserves for uncertain income tax positions have been recorded.

During the year ended December 31, 2010, the IRS completed a review of the Company’s 2007 and 2008 federal tax return filings, resulting in a liability of approximately $220,000 being recognized and paid during 2010. The Company’s policy for recording interest and penalties associated with audits is to record such items as a component of income before taxes. There were no such items during the periods covered in this report.

## Treasury stock

Treasury stock is recorded using the cost method.

## Advertising and promotional costs

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. For the year ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 total advertising expenses were $3,156,096 and $2,390,002, respectively.

## Earnings per common share

Earnings per common share were computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, diluted and basic earnings per share were the same, as the effect of dilutive securities options outstanding was not significant.

## Reclassification

Certain 2010 amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2011 presentation.

## Note 3 – ACQUISITIONS

On October 14, 2010, the Company purchased certain assets of First Juice, Inc., a producer of organic fruit and vegetable juice beverages designed for children. The consideration for substantially all of the assets was an aggregate of $770,000, consisting of a $500,000 previous investment in preferred stock and an additional $270,000 cash paid in 2010. Production was moved to Lifeway facilities upon closing of the acquisition. The acquisition was consummated to expand the Company’s presence in the children’s market, increase distribution channels for existing Lifeway products, and increase diversification of the Company’s products. There were no significant liabilities assumed. Acquisition costs for legal and professional fees have been included in General and Administrative costs and were not significant. The entire amount of goodwill resulting from the acquisition is tax deductible.

The estimated fair value of assets acquired, including the real property, and liabilities assumed consisted of the following:

<table><tr><td>Trade names</td><td>$</td><td>268,000</td></tr><tr><td>Other current assets</td><td></td><td>6,000</td></tr><tr><td>Customer lists</td><td></td><td>199,000</td></tr><tr><td>Fixed assets</td><td></td><td>35,000</td></tr><tr><td>Non amortizable goodwill and brand asset</td><td></td><td>262,000</td></tr><tr><td>Total fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed</td><td></td><td>770,000</td></tr></table>



# LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2011 and 2010

## Note 3 – ACQUISITIONS - Continued

Had the acquisition occurred on January 1, 2010, the impact on the gross revenue and net income of the Company would not have been significant and would have had no impact on earnings per share for the full year ended December 31, 2010.

## Note 4 – INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets, and the related accumulated amortization, consist of the following:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="2">December 31, 2011</td><td colspan="2">December 31, 2010</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Accumulated Amortization</td><td colspan="2">Accumulated Amortization</td></tr><tr><td>Recipes</td><td>Cost</td><td>Amortization</td><td>Cost</td><td>Amortization</td></tr><tr><td>Customer lists and other related intangibles</td><td>4,543,600</td><td>$ 43,600</td><td>$ 43,600</td><td>$ 43,600</td></tr><tr><td>Lease acquisition</td><td>87,200</td><td>87,200</td><td>87,200</td><td>79,941</td></tr><tr><td>Customer relationship</td><td>985,000</td><td>444,618</td><td>985,000</td><td>362,526</td></tr><tr><td>Trade names</td><td>2,248,000</td><td>728,601</td><td>2,248,000</td><td>585,267</td></tr><tr><td>Formula</td><td>438,000</td><td>237,250</td><td>438,000</td><td>193,450</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>$ 8,306,000</td><td>$ 3,087,940</td><td>$ 8,306,000</td><td>$ 2,304,107</td></tr></table>

Amortization expense is expected to be as follows for the years ending December 31:

<table><tr><td>2012</td><td>$</td><td>754,817</td></tr><tr><td>2013</td><td></td><td>671,254</td></tr><tr><td>2014</td><td></td><td>657,883</td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td></td><td>657,883</td></tr><tr><td>2016</td><td></td><td>657,883</td></tr><tr><td>Thereafter</td><td></td><td>1,818,340</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>$ 5,218,060</td></tr></table>

Amortization expense during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $783,833 and $724,537, respectively.

## Note 5 – INVESTMENTS

The cost and fair value of investments classified as available for sale are as follows:

<table><tr><td>December 31, 2011</td><td>Cost</td><td>Unrealized Gains</td><td>Unrealized Losses</td><td>Fair Value</td></tr><tr><td>Equities</td><td>$ 682,569</td><td>$ 55,244</td><td>$ (23,211)</td><td>$ 714,602</td></tr><tr><td>Mutual Funds</td><td>64,563</td><td>3,275</td><td>(713)</td><td>67,125</td></tr><tr><td>Preferred Securities</td><td>64,452</td><td>—</td><td>(17,702)</td><td>46,750</td></tr><tr><td>Corporate Bonds</td><td>899,298</td><td>1,019</td><td>(33,750)</td><td>866,567</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>$ 1,710,882</td><td>$ 59,538</td><td>$ (75,376)</td><td>$ 1,695,044</td></tr></table>



# LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2011 and 2010

## Note 5 – INVESTMENTS - Continued

<table><tr><td>December 31, 2010</td><td>Cost</td><td>Unrealized Gains</td><td>Unrealized Losses</td><td>Fair Value</td></tr><tr><td>Equities</td><td>$ 225,573</td><td>$ 16,173</td><td>$ (68,974)</td><td>$ 172,772</td></tr><tr><td>Mutual Funds</td><td>202,108</td><td>4,661</td><td>(2,017)</td><td>204,752</td></tr><tr><td>Preferred Securities</td><td>228,514</td><td>—</td><td>(18,329)</td><td>210,185</td></tr><tr><td>Corporate Bonds</td><td>496,451</td><td>843</td><td>(5,771)</td><td>491,523</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>$ 1,152,646</td><td>$ 21,677</td><td>$ (95,091)</td><td>$ 1,079,232</td></tr></table>

Proceeds from the sale of investments were $1,810,816 and $5,669,158, during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Gross gains of $33,278 and $451,420 and gross losses of $62,534 and $200,940 were realized on these sales during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair value of the Company's investments with unrealized losses that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2011 and 2010:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2">December 31, 2011</td><td colspan="3">Less Than 12 Months</td><td colspan="3">12 Months or Greater</td><td colspan="3">Total</td></tr><tr><td>Fair Value</td><td>Unrealized Losses</td><td>Fair Value</td><td>Unrealized Losses</td><td>Fair Value</td><td>Unrealized losses</td><td>Fair Value</td><td>Unrealized losses</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Equities</td><td>$ 176,966</td><td>$ (23,211)</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>$ 176,966</td><td>$ (23,211)</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Mutual Funds</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>10,585</td><td>(713)</td><td>10,585</td><td>(713)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Preferred Securities</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>46,750</td><td>(17,702)</td><td>46,750</td><td>(17,702)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Corporate Bonds</td><td>626,292</td><td>(24,000)</td><td>90,250</td><td>(9,750)</td><td>716,542</td><td>(33,750)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>$ 803,258</td><td>$ (47,211)</td><td>$ 147,585</td><td>$ (28,165)</td><td>$ 950,843</td><td>$ (75,376)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></table>

<table><tr><td rowspan="2">December 31, 2010</td><td colspan="3">Less Than 12 Months</td><td colspan="3">12 Months or Greater</td><td colspan="3">Total</td></tr><tr><td>Fair Value</td><td>Unrealized Losses</td><td>Fair Value</td><td>Unrealized Losses</td><td>Fair Value</td><td>Unrealized losses</td><td>Fair Value</td><td>Unrealized losses</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Equities</td><td>$ 48,202</td><td>$ (11,675)</td><td>$ 101,467</td><td>$ (57,299)</td><td>$ 149,669</td><td>$ (68,974)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Mutual Funds</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>85,061</td><td>(2,017)</td><td>85,061</td><td>(2,017)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Preferred Securities</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>210,185</td><td>(18,329)</td><td>210,185</td><td>(18,329)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Corporate Bonds</td><td>146,710</td><td>(2,296)</td><td>122,532</td><td>(3,475)</td><td>269,242</td><td>(5,771)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>$ 194,912</td><td>$ (13,971)</td><td>$ 519,245</td><td>$ (81,120)</td><td>$ 714,157</td><td>$ (95,091)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></table>

Equities, Mutual Funds, Preferred Securities, and Corporate Bonds - The Company's investments in equity securities, mutual funds, preferred securities, and corporate bonds consist of investments in common stock, preferred stock and debt securities of companies in various industries. As of December 31, 2011, there were seventeen equity securities, three mutual fund securities, one preferred security, and nine corporate bond securities that had unrealized losses. The Company evaluated the near-term prospects of the issuer in relation to the severity and duration of the impairment. Based on that evaluation and the Company's ability and intent to hold these investments for a reasonable period of time sufficient for a forecasted recovery of fair value, the Company did not consider any material investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2010.

We recorded other than temporary impairments related to investments in certain equities of $36,032 related to securities with a cost basis of $51,095 and a fair value of $15,063. The impairments recognized relate to securities that were in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2011 that we consider other than temporarily impaired due to the recent performance of the issuers of those securities.



# LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2011 and 2010

## Note 6 – INVENTORIES

Inventories consist of the following:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="2">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2011</td><td>2010</td></tr><tr><td>Finished goods</td><td>$ 1,976,050</td><td>$ 1,636,988</td></tr><tr><td>Production supplies</td><td>2,042,611</td><td>1,527,064</td></tr><tr><td>Raw materials</td><td>935,814</td><td>821,322</td></tr><tr><td>Total inventories</td><td>$ 4,954,475</td><td>$ 3,985,374</td></tr></table>

## Note 7 – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment consist of the following:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="2">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2011</td><td>2010</td></tr><tr><td>Land</td><td>$ 1,178,160</td><td>$ 1,178,160</td></tr><tr><td>Buildings and improvements</td><td>11,633,077</td><td>11,328,860</td></tr><tr><td>Machinery and equipment</td><td>14,697,024</td><td>13,713,649</td></tr><tr><td>Vehicles</td><td>1,334,628</td><td>976,745</td></tr><tr><td>Office equipment</td><td>383,099</td><td>352,135</td></tr><tr><td>Construction in process</td><td>17,410</td><td>96,990</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>29,243,398</td><td>27,646,539</td></tr><tr><td>Less accumulated depreciation</td><td>14,044,576</td><td>12,493,826</td></tr><tr><td>Total property and equipment</td><td>$ 15,198,822</td><td>$ 15,152,713</td></tr></table>

Depreciation expense during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $1,552,961 and $1,393,745, respectively.

## Note 8 – ACCRUED EXPENSES

Accrued expenses consist of the following:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="2">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2011</td><td>2010</td></tr><tr><td>Accrued payroll and payroll taxes</td><td>$ 209,395</td><td>$ 181,274</td></tr><tr><td>Accrued property tax</td><td>323,885</td><td>273,876</td></tr><tr><td>Other</td><td>20,445</td><td>54,309</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>$ 553,725</td><td>$ 509,459</td></tr></table>



# LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2011 and 2010

## Note 9 – NOTES PAYABLE

Notes payable consist of the following:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2011</td><td>2010</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Note payable to Private Bank in monthly installments of $42,222, plus variable interest rate, currently at 2.7963%, with a balloon payment of $5,066,667 due February 6, 2014. Collateralized by substantially all assets of the Company.</td><td>$ 5,914,445</td><td>$ 6,628,889</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Line of credit with Private Bank at variable interest rate, currently at 3.25%. The agreement has been extended with terms allowing borrowings up to $2.0 million, maturing on May 31, 2012. Collateralized by substantially all assets of the Company.</td><td>1,000,000</td><td>—</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Line of credit with Morgan Stanley for borrowings up to $2.8 million at variable interest rate, currently at 3.00% due on demand. Collateralized by investments with a fair value of $1,212,873, and cash and CD&#x27;s totaling $449,967 at December 31, 2011.</td><td>—</td><td>2,344,946</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Notes payable to Ford Credit Corp. payable in monthly installments of $1,778.23 at 5.99%, due July 2015, secured by transportation equipment.</td><td>68,509</td><td>—</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Note payable to Fletcher Jones of Chicago, Ltd LLC in monthly installments of $1,768.57 at 6.653%, due May 24, 2017, secured by transportation equipment.</td><td>97,598</td><td>—</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total notes payable</td><td>7,080,552</td><td>8,973,835</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Less current maturities</td><td>1,540,716</td><td>2,851,610</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total long-term portion</td><td>$ 5,539,836</td><td>$ 6,122,225</td><td></td></tr></table>

In accordance with the Private Bank agreements referenced above, the Company is subject to minimum fixed charged ratio and tangible net worth thresholds. At December 31, 2011, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.



# LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2011 and 2010

## Note 9 – NOTES PAYABLE – Continued

Maturities of notes payables are as follows:

For the Year Ended December 31,

<table><tr><td>2012</td><td>$ 1,540,716</td></tr><tr><td>2013</td><td>541,669</td></tr><tr><td>2014</td><td>4,938,421</td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>30,787</td></tr><tr><td>2016</td><td>19,875</td></tr><tr><td>Thereafter</td><td>9,084</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>$ 7,080,552</td></tr></table>

## Note 10 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company leases four stores for its Starfruit subsidiary. Total expense for these leases was approximately $240,723 and $212,466 for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company is also responsible for additional rent equal to real estate taxes and other operating expenses. Future minimum base rental payments for the leases as of December 31, 2011 are as follows:

<table><tr><td>2012</td><td>$ 181,200</td></tr><tr><td>2013</td><td>147,159</td></tr><tr><td>2014</td><td>56,204</td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>45,034</td></tr><tr><td>2016</td><td>46,384</td></tr><tr><td>Thereafter</td><td>159,884</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>$ 635,865</td></tr></table>

## Note 11 – PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes consists of the following:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="2">For the Years Ended</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>Current:</td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td></tr><tr><td>Federal</td><td>$ 1,059,336</td><td>$ 2,269,819</td></tr><tr><td>State and local</td><td>850,284</td><td>651,085</td></tr><tr><td>Total current</td><td>1,909,620</td><td>2,920,904</td></tr><tr><td>Deferred</td><td>68,217</td><td>(96,918)</td></tr><tr><td>Provision for income taxes</td><td>$ 1,977,837</td><td>$ 2,823,986</td></tr></table>

A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes and the income tax computed at the statutory rate is as follows:

<table><tr><td rowspan="3"></td><td colspan="4">For the Years Ended</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">2011</td><td colspan="2">2010</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Amount</td><td>Percentage</td><td>Amount</td><td>Percentage</td></tr><tr><td>Federal income tax expense computed at the statutory rate</td><td>$ 1,643,308</td><td>34.0%</td><td>$ 2,180,228</td><td>34.0%</td></tr><tr><td>State and local tax expense, net</td><td>561,187</td><td>11.6%</td><td>429,716</td><td>6.7%</td></tr><tr><td>Permanent differences</td><td>(122,837)</td><td>(2.5%)</td><td>(117,247)</td><td>(1.8%)</td></tr><tr><td>Change in tax estimate</td><td>(103,821)</td><td>(2.2%)</td><td>331,289</td><td>5.1%</td></tr><tr><td>Provision for income taxes</td><td>$ 1,977,837</td><td>40.9%</td><td>$ 2,823,986</td><td>44.0%</td></tr></table>



# LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2011 and 2010

## Note 11 – PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES - Continued

Amounts for deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="2">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2011</td><td>2010</td></tr><tr><td>Non-current deferred tax assets (liabilities) arising from:</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Temporary differences -</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Accumulated depreciation and amortization from purchase accounting adjustments</td><td>$ (3,671,285)</td><td>$ (3,673,296)</td></tr><tr><td>Capital loss carry-forwards</td><td>167,690</td><td>271,568</td></tr><tr><td>Total non-current net deferred tax liabilities</td><td>(3,503,595)</td><td>(3,401,728)</td></tr><tr><td>Current deferred tax assets arising from:</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Unrealized losses on investments</td><td>6,890</td><td>30,320</td></tr><tr><td>Impairment of investments</td><td>15,673</td><td>4,232</td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td>220,408</td><td>168,875</td></tr><tr><td>Allowance for doubtful accounts and discounts</td><td>4,350</td><td>125,043</td></tr><tr><td>Capital loss carry-back</td><td>91,369</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Total current deferred tax assets</td><td>338,690</td><td>328,470</td></tr><tr><td>Net deferred tax liability</td><td>$ (3,164,905)</td><td>$ (3,073,258)</td></tr></table>

## Note 12 – SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

The Company applied a previous investment in First Juice, Inc. of $500,000 toward the acquisition during 2010. The impact on the acquisition and intangible assets has been omitted from the investing section of the cash flow statement.

Cash paid for interest and income taxes are as follows:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="2">For the Years Ended</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>2011</td><td>2010</td></tr><tr><td>Interest</td><td>$ 232,429</td><td>$ 375,347</td></tr><tr><td>Income taxes</td><td>$ 1,169,334</td><td>$ 2,824,824</td></tr></table>

## Note 13 – STOCK AWARD AND STOCK OPTION PLANS

The Company has a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with a Consulting Service Compensation Plan covering up to 1,200,000 of the Company’s common stock shares. Pursuant to such Plan, the Company may issue common stock or options to purchase common stock to certain consultants, service providers, and employees of the Company. The option price, number of shares, grant date, and vesting terms are determined at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors.

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, there were no stock options outstanding or exercisable. There were approximately 940,000 shares available for issuance under the Plan at December 31, 2011.



# LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2011 and 2010

## Note 13 – STOCK AWARD AND STOCK OPTION PLANS - Continued

On May 28, 2009, Lifeway's Board of Directors approved awards of an aggregate amount of 18,000 shares to be awarded under its Employee and Consulting Services and Compensation Plan to certain key employees and consultants for services rendered to the Company. The stock awards were made on May 28, 2009 and have vesting periods of one year. The expense for the awards is measured as of July 14, 2009 at $14.69 per share for 18,000 shares, or a total stock award expense of $264,420. This expense was recognized as the stock awards vested in 12 equal portions of $22,035, or 1,500 shares per month for one year.

## Note 14 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Generally accepted accounting principles define fair value as the exchange price in an orderly transaction between market participants to sell an asset or transfer a liability at the measurement date. The standards emphasize that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement and establish the following fair value hierarchy used in fair value measurements:

Level 1 – Inputs use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access.

Level 2 – Inputs use other inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly. These inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and other inputs such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals.

Level 3 – Inputs are unobservable inputs, including inputs that are available in situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the related asset or liability.

In instances where inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels in the above fair value hierarchy, fair value measurements in their entirety are categorized based on the lowest level input that is significant to the valuation. The Company’s assessment of the significance of particular inputs to these fair measurements requires judgment and considers factors specific to each asset or liability.

The Company has available for sale investment securities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. All categories of investment securities noted in Note 5 were valued using Level 1 inputs as described above, in 2011 and 2010. There were no other assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2011 or 2010.

## Note 15 – RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. FASB ASU 2010-06 amends the fair value disclosure guidance to include new disclosures and changes to clarify existing disclosure requirements. ASU 2010-06 was effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements of Level 3 fair value measurements. Those disclosures are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. The impact of ASU 2010-06 on the Company’s disclosures was not significant to the consolidated financial statements.



# LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2011 and 2010

## Note 15 – RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS - Continued

In September 2011 the FASB issued ASC Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. FASB ASC Topic 250 amends the existing standards related to annual and interim goodwill impairment tests by allowing companies to consider qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely or not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount before performing the two step impairment review process. It also amends the examples of events or circumstances that would be considered in a goodwill impairment evaluation. The amendment is effective for interim periods and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011; however, early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this new accounting guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements or results of operations.



None.

## ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

## Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure material information required to be disclosed in our reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial and Accounting Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required financial disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, we recognized that a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.

As of December 31, 2011, we carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial and Accounting Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial and Accounting Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective at the reasonable assurance level as of December 31, 2011 in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by us under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified under the Exchange Act rules and forms due to the material weakness described below. As a result, we performed additional analysis and other post-closing procedures to ensure our consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Accordingly, management believes the consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K fairly present, in all material respects, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.

## Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term is identified in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f). Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial & Accounting Officer, and effected by the Board of Directors, management, and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. A company’s control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

• pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect our transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company;

• provide reasonable assurance that our transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of our financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that our receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and our directors of the company; and

• provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting has inherent limitations which may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or because the level of compliance with related policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011. In making the assessment, management used the framework in “Internal Control –Integrated Framework” promulgated by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, commonly referred to as the “COSO” criteria. Based on that assessment, our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that our internal controls over financial reporting were not effective as of December 31, 2011 for the reason set forth below. As a result, we performed additional analysis and other post-closing procedures to ensure our consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Accordingly, management believes the consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K fairly present, in all material respects, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.

The Company and its auditors determined during the audit of the Company’s financial statements that certain post-closing adjustments were required with respect to the Company’s accruals for customer allowances from sales promotional discounts given to current customers. Although the Company believed that its remediation efforts eliminated all material weaknesses previously identified in the Company’s reports filed with the SEC, the Company believes that such post-closing adjustments may indicate that a material weakness continues to exist with respect to internal controls relating to the recording of such accruals. As a result of the material weakness described above, the Company’s management was unable to conclude that the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting were effective. The Company is continuing its efforts to remediate this material weakness as further described below.

## Remediation of Material Weakness

In the Company’s Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2010, management identified the following four material weaknesses:

(1) incomplete and undocumented systems for tracking current programs for advertising and sales promotional discounts with current customers;

(2) inadequate monitoring of the systems used to generate financial statements including controls over the identification, recording and review of period end activity pertaining to accounts receivable, accounts payable transactions, fixed assets and inventory;

(3) inadequate controls over the computation of deferred income tax accounts; and

(4) inadequate systems in place to review the disclosures for acquisitions required to be included in the financial statements under generally accepted accounting principles.

During the first three quarters of 2011, the Company’s management implemented remediation activities to improve the quality of its internal control over financial reporting. The most significant component of the changes in the internal control over financial reporting was the implementation of accounting software to provide



additional entity level controls over advertising and sales promotional discounts with customers, controls over the identification, recording and review of period end activity for accounts receivable, accounts payable, fixed assets and inventory. Additional procedures also were put in place to strengthen the internal control over financial reporting. The Company, together with a professional services firm, tested the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

In the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company continued implementation of additional remediation activities to improve the quality of its internal control over financial reporting. The most significant component of these changes in the internal control over financial reporting was the implementation of more frequent review of account activity and an increase of the review performed by the outsourced general ledger at period ends. The cumulative effect of the changes made in 2011 was to eliminate the material weaknesses set forth in (2), (3) and (4) above.

Despite its belief that all material weaknesses were remediated in 2011, the Company, in an ongoing effort to continue to improve its control environment, began a search in the fourth quarter of 2012 for a controller with the appropriate skills, training and experience around whom the Company plans to build additional controls, including among other things further segregation of duties and additional monitoring controls. An appropriate candidate was hired in March 2012. The Company believes that the addition of a controller and the processes that will be developed around the controller function will remediate the material weakness identified above.

Management is committed to continuous improvement of the Company’s internal control processes. Under the direction of the Audit Committee, management will continue to review and make changes it deems necessary to the overall design of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, including implementing further improvements in policies and procedures and taking additional measures to address any control deficiencies.

## Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Except as described above, there have been no changes during the quarter ended December 31, 2011 in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(d) and 15d-15(d) that have material affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over our financial reporting.

## ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.

None.



## PART III

## ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

## DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.

LUDMILA SMOLYANSKY, 61, was appointed as a Director by the Board to fill a vacancy created by an increase of the maximum number of Directors up to seven and unanimously elected as the Chairperson of the Board in November 2002. For more than 20 years, Mrs. Smolyansky has been the operator of several independent delicatessen, gourmet food distributorship businesses and imported food distributorships. In 2002, prior to the commencement of her tenure as a Director, she was hired by the Company as its General Manager. Mrs. Smolyansky devotes as much time as necessary to the business of the Company and currently holds no other directorships in any other reporting company. Mrs. Smolyansky is the mother of Julie Smolyansky (the President, Chief Executive Officer, and a Director of the Company) and Edward P. Smolyansky (the Company Treasurer and Chief Financial and Accounting Officer). Mrs. Smolyansky brings many years of food industry experience to the Board.

JULIE SMOLYANSKY, 36, was appointed as a Director, and elected President, CEO, CFO and Treasurer of the Company by the Board of Directors to fill the vacancies in those positions created by the death of her father, Michael Smolyansky, in June 2002. She is a graduate with a Bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Prior to her appointment, Ms. Smolyansky spent six years as the Company's Director of Sales and Marketing. She devotes as much time as necessary to the business of the Company and currently holds no other directorships in any other reporting company. Ms. Smolyansky is the daughter of Ludmila Smolyansky, the Chairperson of the Board. In 2004, Ms. Smolyansky resigned as CFO and Treasurer and Edward Smolyansky, Ms. Smolyansky's brother, was appointed to such positions. Ms. Smolyansky brings historical and operational expertise and experience to the Board.

POL SIKAR, 63, has been a Director of the Company since its inception in February 1986. He is a graduate with a Master's degree from the Odessa State Institute of Civil Engineering in Russia. For more than 12 years, he has been President and a major shareholder of Montrose Glass & Mirror Co., a company providing glass and mirror products to the wholesale and retail trade in the greater Chicago area. Mr. Sikar devotes as much time as necessary to the business of the Company. Mr. Sikar holds no other directorships in any other reporting company. Mr. Sikar has been a Director since inception and brings a historical perspective to the Board.

RENZO BERNARDI, 59, has been a Director of the Company since 1994. Mr. Bernardi is the president and founder of Renzo & Sons, Inc., a Dairy and Food Service Company which has been in business since 1969 (formerly, Renzo-Milk Distribution Systems). He has over 30 years of experience in the dairy distribution industry. Mr. Bernardi is a graduate of Instituto Teonico E Commerciale of Macomer, Sardinia. Mr. Bernardi devotes as much time as necessary to the business of the Company. Mr. Bernardi holds no other directorships in any other reporting company. Mr. Bernardi brings deep industry experience to the Board.

GUSTAVO CARLOS VALLE, 47, has been a Director of the Company since June 19, 2009. He is an Argentine citizen and was appointed President and CEO of the Dannon Company, Inc. effective April 1, 2009. Mr. Valle joined Danone Argentina in 1996 as Vice President Finance where he became CEO of Danone Waters Argentina in 2002. Two years later, he was appointed CEO of Danone Brazil. Mr. Valle graduated in Economics from Buenos Aires University in Argentina. Mr. Valle holds no other directorships in any other reporting company. Mr. Valle has been designated by DS Waters, L.P. (as the related successor to The Dannon Company, Inc.) to be its representative to the Board in accordance with the terms of that certain Stockholder's Agreement, as amended, between the Company and Dannon. Mr. Valle brings deep industry experience to the Board.

EUGENE B. KATZ, 35, was elected as a Director of the Company at the Company's annual meeting held on June 17, 2011. Mr. Katz is a Senior Vice President of Hovde Financial in Inverness, IL, an investment banking firm focused on the financial services industry, and has been employed there since 1997. Mr. Katz advises financial institutions in the identification and implementation of strategic alternatives including structuring and negotiating mergers, acquisitions, sale assignments, branch acquisitions and divestitures, and raising capital. He is actively involved in growing his firm's international client practice with cross-border transactions and a special focus on emerging markets. Mr. Katz serves on the Board of Directors of MRL Industries in Itasca, Illinois. Mr. Katz holds no directorship in any reporting company. Mr. Katz earned his undergraduate degree in Finance and Investments with a concentration in International Studies from Babson College in Massachusetts. Mr. Katz brings financial and strategic experience to the Board.

EDWARD P. SMOLYANSKY, 32, was appointed as Chief Financial and Accounting Officer and Treasurer of Lifeway in November 2004. He had served as the Controller of the Company from June 2002 until such time. He received his baccalaureate degree in finance from Loyola University of Chicago in December 2001. Edward P. Smolyansky is the brother of Company President and CEO Julie Smolyansky and the son of Lifeway's Chairperson of the Board, Ludmila Smolyansky.

## KEY EMPLOYEES.

VALERIY NIKOLENKO, 66, Vice President of Operations, has been VP of Operations for 15 years with Lifeway.



## SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Section 16(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company’s Officers and Directors, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Officers, Directors, and greater than 10% shareholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on its review of copies of such reports received or representations from certain reporting persons, the Company believes that, during the year ended December 31, 2011, all other Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its officers, Directors and 10% shareholders were timely met except that (1) Edward Smolyansky did not timely file two Form 4s regarding one transaction each, (2) Ludmila Smolyansky did not timely file one Form 4 regarding nine transactions and one Form 4 regarding three transactions and (3) Eugene Katz did not timely file a Form 3.

## FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

Julie Smolyansky, the President, CEO and Director of Lifeway is the daughter of Ludmila Smolyansky, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Lifeway and the sister of Edward P. Smolyansky. Edward P. Smolyansky, the Chief Financial and Accounting Officer and Treasurer of Lifeway is the son of Ludmila Smolyansky and the brother of Julie Smolyansky.

## CODE OF ETHICS

The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics applicable to all Officers which is included in this report as an exhibit hereto. Any person may, without charge, request a copy of such Code of Ethics by contacting the Company at (847) 967-1010 or by email at info@lifeway.net.

## CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Board does not have any formal policy regarding the consideration of director candidates recommended by shareholders; any recommendation would be considered on an individual basis. The Board believes this is appropriate due to the lack of such recommendations made in the past, and its ability to consider the establishment of such a policy in the event of an increase of such recommendations. Accordingly, there have been no material changes to the procedure by which any security holder may recommend nominees to the Board.

The Company’s Audit Committee consists of Mr. Sikar, Mr. Bernardi and Mr. Katz, each of whom has an understanding of finance and accounting and is able to read and understand fundamental financial statements. Audit Committee members are appointed by the full Board. The functions of the Audit Committee are to review the Company’s internal controls, accounting policies and financial reporting practices; to review the financial statements, the arrangements for and scope of the independent audit, as well as the results of the audit engagement; to review the services and fees of the independent auditors, including pre-approval of non-audit services and the auditors’ independence; and to recommend to the Board of Directors for its approval and for ratification by the shareholders the engagement of the independent auditors to serve the following year in examining the accounts of the Company. No member of the Audit Committee is a “financial expert,” as defined in Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC. The Board examined the qualifications of its Audit Committee members and determined that the present members of the Audit Committee, based on their prior education and professional experience, were sufficiently capable of performing the duties of the Audit Committee in 2011 without being “financial experts” within such definition.

## ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

Summary Compensation Table as of December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2011

<table><tr><td>Name</td><td>Year</td><td>Salary</td><td>Bonus</td><td>Stock Awards(a)</td><td>All other Comp.</td><td>Total</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2">Julie Smolyansky, CEO and President(1)</td><td>2011</td><td>$585,874</td><td>$75,000</td><td>$0</td><td>$27,126</td><td>$688,000</td></tr><tr><td>2010</td><td>$530,000</td><td>$75,000</td><td>$55,087</td><td>$22,726</td><td>$682,813</td></tr><tr><td>Edward P. Smolyansky, CFO Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer (2)</td><td>2011</td><td>$571,318</td><td>$100,000</td><td>$0</td><td>$29,832</td><td>$701,150</td></tr><tr><td>Valeriy Nikolenko, Vice President of Operations and Secretary (4)</td><td>2011</td><td>$91,800</td><td>$40,000</td><td>$0</td><td>$18,500</td><td>$150,300</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>2010</td><td>$122,000</td><td>$40,000</td><td>$5,508</td><td>$15,930</td><td>$183,438</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>(7)</td><td></td></tr></table>



## NOTES TO SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

(a) The amounts in this column reflect the aggregate grant date fair value for stock awards computed in accordance with FASBASC Topic 718. No stock awards were granted in 2011.

(1) The Board appointed Julie Smolyansky as the CEO, CFO, President and Treasurer of the Company on June 10, 2002. From September 21, 1998 until such appointments, she had been Director of Sales and Marketing of the Company. Since November 2004, Ms. Smolyansky has served solely as CEO and President.

(2) The Board appointed Edward Smolyansky as the CFO, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer of the Company in November 2004.

(3) The Company approves, on an annual basis, the payment to Ludmila Smolyansky of salary and bonus as other compensation for continuing advisory services to the Company and in light of her extensive experience. Ludmila Smolyansky devotes as much time as necessary to the business of the Company.

(4) The Board appointed Valeriy Nikolenko as the Vice President of Operations and Secretary of the Company in December 1993.

(5) Represents (i) the Company’s portion of the matching contributions to the Company’s 401(k) plan on behalf of the following named executive officer, Julie Smolyansky: $0 for 2011; and (ii) the following amounts related to personal usage of automobiles leased by the Company, and related insurance and fuel, for 2011: $13,126 for of lease payments, $12,000 for insurance premiums and $2,000 for fuel.

(6) Represents (i) the Company’s portion of the matching contributions to the Company’s 401(k) plan on behalf of the following named executive officer, Edward Smolyansky: $16,500 for 2011; and (ii) the following amounts related to personal usage of automobiles leased by the Company, and related insurance and fuel, for 2011: $7,132 for lease payments, $4,200 for insurance premiums and $2,000 for fuel.

(7) Represents (i) the Company’s portion of the matching contributions to the Company’s 401(k) plan on behalf of the following named executive officer, Val Nikolenko: $5,300 for 2011; and (ii) the following amounts related to personal usage of automobiles leased by the Company, and related insurance and fuel, for 2011: $7,080 for lease payments, $4,200 for insurance premiums and $2,000 for fuel.

The Company does not maintain any formal bonus or cash incentive plans or arrangements. However, the Board determines bonus awards, if any, on an annual basis.

Julie Smolyansky has an employment agreement (the "Employment Agreement") with the Company pursuant to which she serves as Chief Executive Officer. Pursuant to the Employment Agreement, Ms. Smolyansky is entitled to an annual base salary and an annual bonus subject to such incentive bonus targets and plans which the Company may adopt from time to time. The Company has not currently set any such targets in advance or adopted any such plans. In lieu thereof, the Board of Directors determines Ms. Smolyansky's salary and a discretionary bonus on an annual basis concurrently with determining amounts for other executive officers. In the event that (a) Ms. Smolyansky is terminated other than for Cause (as defined therein) or (b) Ms. Smolyansky terminates her employment for Good Reason (as defined therein) or death, then Ms. Smolyansky is entitled to a lump sum payment consisting of (y) twice her then-current base salary and (z) the aggregate of the annual bonus for which she is then eligible under the Employment Agreement and any plans.

There are no employment agreements with other executive officers (written or unwritten).

On June 9, 1995, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-8 with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the “Lifeway Foods, Inc. Consulting and Services Compensation Plan” (the “Plan”) covering 1,200,000, as adjusted, shares of its Common Stock. The Plan was adopted by the Company on June 5, 1995. Pursuant to such Plan, the Company may issue common stock or options to purchase common stock to certain consultants, service providers, and employees of the Company. There were a total of approximately 940,000 shares eligible for issuance under the Plan at December 31, 2011. The option price, number of shares, grant date, and vesting terms of awards granted under the Plan are determined at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors.



As of December 31, 2011, there were no stock options outstanding or exercisable and no unvested stock awards.

There are no agreements with the named executive officers that provide for payments in connection with resignation, retirement, termination of employment or change in control other than the Employment Agreement described above.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

<table><tr><td>Plan category</td><td>(a) Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights</td><td>(b) Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights</td><td>(c) Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))</td></tr><tr><td>Equity compensation plans approved by security holders</td><td>0</td><td>$0</td><td>940,000</td></tr><tr><td>Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders</td><td>0</td><td>$0</td><td>---</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>0</td><td>$0</td><td>---</td></tr></table>

 \( ^{*} \) All of Lifeway’s equity compensation plans have been approved by its shareholders. The only Securities remaining available for issuance are under the Plan the terms of which are described in the narratives following the Summary Compensation Table above.

Director Compensation as of December 31, 2011

<table><tr><td>Name</td><td>Fees Earned or Paid in Cash</td><td>All Other Compensation</td><td>Total</td></tr><tr><td>Ludmila Smolyansky</td><td>$693,440 (1)</td><td>$23,060 (2)</td><td>$716,500</td></tr><tr><td>Pol Sikar</td><td>$2,000</td><td>--</td><td>$2,000</td></tr><tr><td>Renzo Bernardi</td><td>$2,000</td><td>--</td><td>$2,000</td></tr><tr><td>Julie Oberweis</td><td>$0</td><td>--</td><td>$0</td></tr><tr><td>Eugene Katz</td><td>$1,000</td><td>--</td><td>$1,000</td></tr></table>

(1) Of the Fees Paid in Cash, $693,440 represents the annual fees paid to Ms. Smolyansky for her services as a consultant to the Company. Ms. Smolyansky did not receive any additional retainer fees or other meeting attendance fees in her capacity as a director.

(2) Represents (i) the Company’s portion of the matching contributions to the Company’s 401(k) plan on behalf of Ludmila Smolyansky: $16,860 for 2011; and (ii) $4,200 for insurance premiums and $2,000 for fuel.

During 2011, each outside (non-employee) director other than Ms. Ludmila Smolyansky was compensated at the rate of $500 per non-annual meeting attended. No employee director (Julie Smolyansky) nor any Director serving as the nominee of Danone (Gustavo Carlos Valle) was compensated as a Director during 2011. Ms. Oberweis resigned in the first quarter of 2012 and therefore did not attend any board meetings during 2011.

## ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

The following table sets forth certain information known to the Company regarding the beneficial ownership of the Company’s Common Stock, the Company’s only outstanding class of securities, as of March 9, 2012 by (a) each shareholder known by the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of the Company’s Common Stock, (b) each of the Company’s directors, (c) each of the Company’s executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table above and (d) all executive officers and directors of the Company as a group. The shareholders listed below have sole voting and investment power except as noted.



<table><tr><td>Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1)</td><td>Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership</td><td>Percent of Class(2)</td></tr><tr><td>Ludmila Smolyansky(3,6)</td><td>7,430,484</td><td>45.3%</td></tr><tr><td>Julie Smolyansky(3,7)</td><td>544,560</td><td>3.3%</td></tr><tr><td>Edward Smolyansky(3)</td><td>312,546</td><td>1.9%</td></tr><tr><td>Pol Sikar(3)</td><td>3,000</td><td>*</td></tr><tr><td>Renzo Bernardi(3)</td><td>14,900</td><td>*</td></tr><tr><td>Gustavo Carlos Valle (3,4)</td><td>0</td><td>*</td></tr><tr><td>Eugene B. Katz(3)</td><td>0</td><td>*</td></tr><tr><td>Val Nikolenko</td><td>5,000</td><td>*</td></tr><tr><td>All Directors and Officers of the Company as a Group (Seven persons in total)</td><td>8,310,490</td><td>50.7%</td></tr><tr><td>Danone Foods, Inc.</td><td>3,454,756</td><td>21.1%</td></tr><tr><td>Mario J. Gabelli(5)</td><td>831,805</td><td>5.1%</td></tr></table>

 \( ^{*} \) Less than .01%.

## NOTES TO BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP TABLE

(1) With the exception of Gustavo Carlos Valle and Danone Foods, Inc., the address for all Directors and shareholders listed in this table is 6431 Oakton St., Morton Grove, IL 60053. The address of Gustavo Carlos Valle and Danone Foods, Inc. is 100 Hillside Avenue, White Plains, NY 10603-2861.

(2) Based upon 16,391,909 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 9, 2011.

(3) A director or officer of the Company.

(4) Mr. Valle is also an officer of the Dannon Company, Inc., which is an affiliate of Danone Foods, Inc.

(5) Mr. Gabelli directly or indirectly controls or acts as the chief investment officer of Gabelli funds, LLC, GAMCO Asset Management, Inc. and Teton Advisors, Inc. The 831,805 shares of the Company's common stock that Mr. Gabelli may be deemed to beneficially own, include (i) 5,500 shares held directly by Mr. Gabelli, (ii) 326 shares held by Gabelli Funds, LLC, (iii) 286,305 shares held by GAMCO Asset Management, Inc., and (iv) 213,000 shares held by Teton Advisors, Inc.

(6) Includes (a) 15,000 shares held by the Smolyansky Foundation of which Ms. Smolyansky is a trustee and (b) 7,415,484 shares need by the Ludmila Smolyansky Trust 2/1/05, of which Ms. Smolyansky is the trustee.

(7) Includes 5,000 shares held by Ms. Smolyansky on behalf of minor children.

## ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.

## Related Transactions

We have determined that there are no related party transactions in excess of the lesser $120,000 or 1% of the average of the Company’s total assets for each of 2010 and 2011, since the beginning of 2010 or currently proposed, involving the Company.

## Director Independence

In evaluating director independence, the Company has adopted the definition set forth in Rule 4200 of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. The Company’s board of directors, taking into consideration the relationships described in the Certain Relationships and Related Transactions section above, has determined that of the Company’s current directors, Pol Sikar, Renzo Bernardi, and Eugene Katz were independent of management.

The Board of Directors does not have a standing nominating committee, compensation committee or any committees performing similar functions. As there are only six Directors serving on the Board, it is the view of the Board that a majority of the Directors should participate in the process for the nomination and review of potential Director candidates and for the review of the Company’s executive pay practices. Accordingly, Julie Smolyansky, Ludmila Smolyansky and Gustavo Carlos Valle, who are not considered independent, participate in the nominating process, in the review of executive employment contracts entered into during their tenure as directors and Julie Smolyansky and Ludmila Smolyansky, who are not considered independent, in review of the Company’s executive compensation practices, together with the independent directors.



## ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.

## AUDIT FEES

In 2011 and 2010, Plante & Moran, PLLC, billed Lifeway approximately $247,711 and $186,665, respectively, for professional services rendered for the audit of Lifeway's annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in Lifeway's Forms 10-Q or services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements in 2010 and 2011.

## AUDIT-RELATED FEES

None.

## TAX FEES

No professional services were rendered by Plante & Moran, PLLC to Lifeway regarding tax advice, tax compliance and tax planning during 2010 and 2011.

## ALL OTHER FEES

No other fees were billed to Lifeway by Plante & Moran, PLLC during 2010 and 2011 other than those described in this report.

No hours expended by Plante & Moran, PLLC in its engagement to audit Lifeway's financial statements for the most recent fiscal year were attributable to work performed by persons other than Plante's full-time permanent employees. The Audit Committee has approved 100% of all services performed by Plante for Lifeway and disclosed above.

## AUDIT COMMITTEE PRE-APPROVAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The Lifeway Audit Committee (the “Committee”), comprised of Messrs. Eugene Katz and Pol Sikar, pre-approved Plante & Moran, PLLC as the Company’s independent auditor for the year-ended December 31, 2011 and has adopted the following guidelines regarding the engagement of the Company’s independent auditor to perform services for the Company:

For audit services (including statutory audit engagements as required under local country laws), the independent auditor will provide the Committee with an engagement letter during the January-March quarter of each year outlining the scope of the audit services proposed to be performed during the fiscal year. If agreed to by the Committee, this engagement letter will be formally accepted by the Committee at its first or second quarter meeting.

The independent auditor will submit to the Committee for approval an audit services fee proposal after acceptance of the engagement letter.

For non-audit services, the Company’s management will submit to the Committee for approval (during the second or third quarter of each fiscal year) the list of non-audit services that it recommends the Committee engage the independent auditor to provide for the fiscal year. Company management and the independent auditor will each confirm to the Committee that each non-audit service on the list is permissible under all applicable legal requirements. In addition to the list of planned non-audit services, a budget estimating non-audit service spending for the fiscal year will be provided. The Committee will approve both the list of permissible non-audit services and the budget for such services. The Committee will be informed routinely as to the non-audit services actually provided by the independent auditor pursuant to this pre-approval process.

To ensure prompt handling of unexpected matters, the Committee delegates to either member thereof the authority to amend or modify the list of approved permissible non-audit services and fees. Either member will report action taken to the Committee at the next Committee meeting.

The independent auditor must ensure that all audit and non-audit services provided to the Company have been approved by the Committee. The Chief Financial Officer will be responsible for tracking all independent auditor fees against the budget for such services and report at least annually to the Committee.



## PART IV

## ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

A list of the Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules filed as part of this Report is set forth in Item 8, which list is incorporated herein by reference.

## EXHIBITS

2.1 Stock Purchase Agreement dated February 6, 2009 by and among Lifeway Foods, Inc., Iyla Mandel and Michael Edelson (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Lifeway’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 6, 2009 and filed February 13, 2009 (File No. 000-17363)).

3.1 Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.5 of Lifeway's Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed on December 10, 2002 (File No. 000-17363)).

3.2 Articles of Incorporation, as amended and currently in effect (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 of Lifeway's Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended June 30, 2000 and filed on August 8, 2000 (File No. 000-17363)).

4.1 Revolving Note dated February 6, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 on Lifeway’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 6, 2009 and filed on February 13, 2009 (File No. 000-17363)).

4.2 Term Note dated February 6, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 on Lifeway’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 6, 2009 and filed on February 13, 2009 (File No. 000-17363)).

10.1 Lifeway Foods, Inc. Consulting and Services Compensation Plan, dated June 5, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Lifeway’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, (File No. 333-93306).

10.2 Stock Purchase Agreement dated October 1, 1999 by and among Danone Foods, Inc., Lifeway Foods, Inc., Michael Smolyansky and certain other parties (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of Lifeway's Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 1, 1999, and filed October 12, 1999 (File No. 000-17363)).

10.3 Stockholders' Agreement dated October 1, 1999 by and among Danone Foods, Inc., Lifeway Foods, Inc., Michael Smolyansky and certain other parties (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of Lifeway's Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 1, 1999, and filed October 12, 1999 (File No. 000-17363)).

10.4 Letter Agreement dated December 24, 1999 (amending original Stockholders' Agreement with Danone Foods, Inc.) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of Lifeway's Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 24, 1999, and filed January 12, 2000 (File No. 000-17363)).

10.5 Employment Agreement, dated September 12, 2002, between Lifeway Foods, Inc. and Julie Smolyansky (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of Amendment No. 2 filed April 30, 2003 to Lifeway’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB/A for the quarter ended September 30, 2002 (File No. 000-17363)).

10.6 Loan and Security Agreement dated February 6, 2009 by and among Lifeway Foods, Inc., Fresh Made, Inc., LFI Enterprises, Inc., Helios Nutrition Limited, Pride Main Street Dairy, LLC and Starfruit, LLC and The Private Bank and Trust Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Lifeway’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 6, 2009 and filed on February 13, 2009 (File No. 000-17363)).

10.7 First Modification Agreement dated August 13, 2009 by and among The PrivateBank and Trust Company, Lifeway Foods, Inc., Fresh Made, Inc., Helios Nutrition Limited, Pride of Main Street Dairy, LLC and Starfruit, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of Lifeway's Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2009 and filed on March 31, 2010 (File No. 000-17363)).

10.8 Second Modification Agreement dated November 12, 2009 by and among The PrivateBank and Trust Company, Lifeway Foods, Inc., Fresh Made, Inc., Helios Nutrition Limited, Pride of Main Street Dairy, LLC and Starfruit, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of Lifeway's Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2009 and filed on March 31, 2010 (File No. 000-17363)).

10.9 Third Modification Agreement dated February 6, 2010 by and among The PrivateBank and Trust Company, Lifeway Foods, Inc., Fresh Made, Inc., Helios Nutrition Limited, Pride of Main Street Dairy, LLC and Starfruit, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 of Lifeway’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2009 and filed on March 31, 2010 (File No. 000-17363)).

10.10 Fourth Modification Agreement dated March 31, 2011 by and among The PrivateBank and Trust Company, Lifeway Foods, Inc., Fresh Made, Inc., Helios Nutrition Limited, Pride of Main Street Dairy, LLC and Starfruit, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of Lifeway's Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2010 and filed on March 31, 2011 (File No. 000-17363)).



14 Code of Ethics (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 on Lifeway's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2007 and filed on March 31, 2008 (File No. 000-17363)).

21 List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant

23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Julie Smolyansky

31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Edward P. Smolyansky

32.1 Section 1350 Certification of Julie Smolyansky

32.2 Section 1350 Certification of Edward P. Smolyansky

101 Interactive Data Files



## SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

## LIEWAY FOODS, INC.

Date: March 30, 2012

By: /s/ Julie Smolyansky
Julie Smolyansky
Chief Executive Officer, President, and
Director

Date: March 30, 2012

By: /s/ Edward P. Smolyansky
Edward P. Smolyansky
Chief Financial and Accounting Officer
and Treasurer

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each individual whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Julie Smolyansky and Edward P. Smolyansky, and each of them individually, his or her true and lawful agent, proxy and attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to (i) act on, sign and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission any and all amendments to this Report together with all schedules and exhibits thereto, (ii) act on, sign and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission any and all exhibits to this Report and any and all exhibits and schedules thereto, (iii) act on, sign and file any and all such certificates, notices, communications, reports, instruments, agreements and other documents as may be necessary or appropriate in connection therewith and (iv) take any and all such actions which may be necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, granting unto such agents, proxies and attorneys-in-fact, and each of them individually, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate to be done, as fully for all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, and hereby approving, ratifying and confirming all that such agents, proxies and attorneys-in-fact, any of them or any of his, her or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Date: March 30, 2012

Date: March 30, 2012

Date: March 30, 2012

Date:

Date: March 30, 2012

Date:

/s/ Julie Smolyansky
Julie Smolyansky
Chief Executive Officer, President, and Director

Ludmila Smolyansky
Chairperson of the Board of Directors

/s/ Pol Sikar
Pol Sikar
Director

Gustavo Carlos Valle
Director

/s/ Renzo Bernardi
Renzo Bernardi
Director

Eugene B. Katz
Director



## INDEX OF EXHIBITS

2.1 Stock Purchase Agreement dated February 6, 2009 by and among Lifeway Foods, Inc., Iyla Mandel and Michael Edelson (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Lifeway’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 6, 2009 and filed February 13, 2009 (File No. 000-17363)).

3.1 Amended and Restated By-laws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.5 of Lifeway's Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed on December 10, 2002 (File No. 000-17363)).

3.2 Articles of Incorporation, as amended and currently in effect (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 of Lifeway's Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended June 30, 2000 and filed on August 8, 2000 (File No. 000-17363)).

4.1 Revolving Note dated February 6, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 on Lifeway’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 6, 2009 and filed on February 13, 2009 (File No. 000-17363)).

4.2 Term Note dated February 6, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 on Lifeway’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 6, 2009 and filed on February 13, 2009 (File No. 000-17363)).

10.1 Lifeway Foods, Inc. Consulting and Services Compensation Plan, dated June 5, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Lifeway’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 File No. 333-93306).

10.2 Stock Purchase Agreement dated October 1, 1999 by and among Danone Foods, Inc., Lifeway Foods, Inc., Michael Smolyansky and certain other parties (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of Lifeway's Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 1, 1999, and filed October 12, 1999 (File No. 000-17363)).

10.3 Stockholders' Agreement dated October 1, 1999 by and among Danone Foods, Inc., Lifeway Foods, Inc., Michael Smolyansky and certain other parties (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of Lifeway's Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 1, 1999, and filed October 12, 1999 (File No. 000-17363)).

10.4 Letter Agreement dated December 24, 1999 (amending original Stockholders' Agreement with Danone Foods, Inc.) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of Lifeway's Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 24, 1999, and filed January 12, 2000 (File No. 000-17363)).

10.5 Employment Agreement, dated September 12, 2002, between Lifeway Foods, Inc. and Julie Smolyansky (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of Amendment No. 2 filed April 30, 2003 to Lifeway’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB/A for the quarter ended September 30, 2002 (File No. 000-17363)).

10.6 Loan and Security Agreement dated February 6, 2009 by and among Lifeway Foods, Inc., Fresh Made, Inc., LFI Enterprises, Inc., Helios Nutrition Limited, Pride Main Street Dairy, LLC and Starfruit, LLC and The Private Bank and Trust Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Lifeway’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 6, 2009 and filed on February 13, 2009 (File No. 000-17363)).

10.7 First Modification Agreement dated August 13, 2009 by and among The PrivateBank and Trust Company, Lifeway Foods, Inc., Fresh Made, Inc., Helios Nutrition Limited, Pride of Main Street Dairy, LLC and Starfruit, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of Lifeway’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2009 and filed on March 31, 2010 (File No. 000-17363)).

10.8 Second Modification Agreement dated November 12, 2009 by and among The PrivateBank and Trust Company, Lifeway Foods, Inc., Fresh Made, Inc., Helios Nutrition Limited, Pride of Main Street Dairy, LLC and Starfruit, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of Lifeway's Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2009 and filed on March 31, 2010 (File No. 000-17363)).

10.9 Third Modification Agreement dated February 6, 2010 by and among The PrivateBank and Trust Company, Lifeway Foods, Inc., Fresh Made, Inc., Helios Nutrition Limited, Pride of Main Street Dairy, LLC and Starfruit, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 of Lifeway's Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2009 and filed on March 31, 2010 (File No. 000-17363)).

10.10 Fourth Modification Agreement dated March 31, 2011 by and among The PrivateBank and Trust Company, Lifeway Foods, Inc., Fresh Made, Inc., Helios Nutrition Limited, Pride of Main Street Dairy, LLC and Starfruit, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of Lifeway's Annual Report on Form 10-K dated December 31, 2010 and filed on March 31, 2011 (File No. 000-17363)).

14 Code of Ethics (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 on Lifeway’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2007 and filed on March 31, 2008 (File No. 000-17363)).

21 List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant

23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Julie Smolyansky

31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Edward P. Smolyansky

32.1 Section 1350 Certification of Julie Smolyansky

32.2 Section 1350 Certification of Edward P. Smolyansky

101 Interactive Data Files



## Subsidiaries of Lifeway Foods, Inc.:

Helios Nutrition, Ltd. — a Minnesota corporation, 100% owned

Pride of Main Street Dairy, L.L.C. — a Minnesota limited liability company, 100% owned by Helios Nutrition, Ltd.

Fresh Made, Inc. — a Pennsylvania corporation, 100% owned

Starfruit, L.L.C. — an Illinois limited liability company, 100% owned

Starfruit Franchisor, L.L.C — an Illinois limited liability company, 100% owned

Lifeway First Juice, Inc. — an Illinois corporation, 100% owned

First Juice, Inc. — a Delaware corporation, 100% owned by Lifeway First Juice, Inc.



## CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference into the Registration Statement filed June 9, 1995 on Form S-8 of our report dated March 30, 2012 relating to the consolidated financial statements of Lifeway Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 which appear in this Form 10-K of Lifeway Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2011.

/s/ Plante & Moran, PLLC
Chicago, IL

March 30, 2012



# SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF C.E.O.

# CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Julie Smolyansky, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Lifeway Foods, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 30, 2012

By: /s/ Julie Smolyansky

Julie Smolyansky

Chief Executive Officer, President and Director



# SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF C.F.O.

# CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Edward P. Smolyansky, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Lifeway Foods, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 30, 2012

By: /s/ Edward P. Smolyansky

Edward P. Smolyansky

Chief Financial and Accounting Officer and Treasurer



# SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION OF C.E.O.

# CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SABANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Lifeway Foods, Inc. (the "Company") for the period ended December 31, 2011 as filed with the SEC (the "Report"), the undersigned, in the capacity and on the date indicated below, hereby certifies pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to her knowledge:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operation of the Company.

Date: March 30, 2012

By: /s/ Julie Smolyansky

Julie Smolyansky

Chief Executive Officer, President and Director



# SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION OF C.F.O.

# CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SABRANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Lifeway Foods, Inc. (the "Company") for the period ended December 31, 2011 as filed with the SEC (the "Report"), the undersigned, in the capacity and on the date indicated below, hereby certifies pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to his knowledge:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operation of the Company.

Date: March 30, 2012

By: /s/ Edward P. Smolyansky

Edward P. Smolyansky

Chief Financial and Accounting Officer and Treasurer