Kefir specialist Lifeway Foods has booked a jump in full-year sales, which were up by a fifth.

The US company said full-year net sales increased 20% to US$97.6m. Gross sales were up 21% in the year to end-December.

“We are extremely pleased with another year of record sales growth,” said Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway Foods. “Distribution of Lifeway’s kefir products continues to grow in new and existing markets, and we believe the strategic investments made in 2013 will enable us to further increase our capacity to meet the strong demand for kefir in 2014 and beyond.”

The company said it will report its full numbers in late March or early April.