Sep 16, 2021

Schramm’s Mead awarded 2021 Ag Exporter Rising Star Award

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Gary McDowell presented the “2021 Michigan Agriculture Exporter Rising Star Award” to Schramm’s Mead on Sept. 16.

Schramm’s Mead, located in Ferndale, Michigan, is a leading producer of mead, the fermented beverage from honey.

“It’s tremendous to see come to fruition what I have known for a long time, which is Michigan’s entrepreneurial spirit mixed with food and ag know-how is a powerful combination,” McDowell said in a news release. “This unique company is poised to help showcase the diverse, quality products made here.”

Founded in 2012 by Ken Schramm, the company has already achieved significant growth in foreign and domestic markets over the past decade. The company’s product line focuses largely on styles containing richly flavored fruits, unique varietal honeys, and bold spices. Exported products include items with names like Michigan Apple, Erik the Red, The Statement, Raspberry, and more using Michigan ingredients.

Schramm’s Mead actively exports to the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Japan experiencing over 200 percent export sales growth year-over-year from 2019 to 2020. Demand for the products in several markets has been extremely high with some releases selling out within a matter of hours.

“Two words which express our corporate philosophy are quality and fidelity,” said Ken Schramm, president and founder. “Schramm’s Mead has always used quality as its most distinct and important means of establishing brand and product differentiation. The use of Michigan Balaton cherries a good example of a practice that serves that principle.”

The award review committee consisted of representatives from Michigan State University, the U.S. Commercial Service, Comerica Bank, Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith P.C., the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and the Van Andel Global Trade Center. The decision was made based on export growth in the past three years, job creation from exporting, and ability to enter new markets.

To be eligible for this award, more than 50 percent of a company’s product must be grown, processed, or manufactured in Michigan, and exports must have contributed a substantial amount to a company’s overall growth. For more information on past winners and MDARD’s International Marketing Program, visit here.