Drew Anderson, co-founder of Cleveland Kraut, cited for innovation in food and beverage industry

Drew Anderson grew up working for his mother’s farmer’s market and enjoying homemade Cleveland sauerkraut, a specialty of the city’s Eastern European neighborhoods. As an adult, the CSU business graduate has combined his passion for the food industry and his love of good kraut into a highly successful venture that is earning significant national recognition.

Anderson, the co-founder and president of Northeast Ohio-based gourmet sauerkraut maker Cleveland Kraut, has been named to Forbes Magazine’s 2017 30 under 30 list. The rankings highlight the top young innovators, entrepreneurs and business executives in the U.S. who will be our next generation of leaders.

Cleveland Kraut was founded in 2013 and launched its retail line in 2015. Focused on producing all natural foods from locally sourced farms, the company currently sells 6 varieties of sauerkraut in 13 states from Illinois to New York. 

"Anderson elevates the humble dish of fermented cabbage by thinking beyond sauerkraut's traditional caraway seasoning — and reaching instead for Indian spices, whiskey, dill and beets,” Forbes says in their profile of Anderson.

“We are immensely proud of Drew for his continued leadership and vision to grow our company and bring fermented foods to America’s plate,” adds Cleveland Kraut co-founder Luke Visnic. “We are honored to be recognized by such an institution as Forbes and hope to continue pushing the envelope and making healthy easy and delicious in 2017.”

Anderson, who graduated with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in 2009, has also continued to give back to CSU working with the Monte Ahuja College of Business’ student mentoring program to help current students learn more about starting a business, working in the food service industry and what life is like after graduation.

“Drew has given generously of his time and really developed a rapport with his mentees,” notes Anne Nelson, assistant dean of undergraduate programs and student services with the Monte Ahuja College of Business. “His experience and talents have been a great benefit to our students and the College as a whole.

Forbes selected 600 people nationally in 20 categories for this year’s 30 under 30 list. Over 15,000 individuals were nominated for the distinction and less than 4 percent were selected.

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