Founder of drench LLC, recognized as the MSU Product Center’s 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year
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EmailKaren Akouri of drench LLC, a Detroit-based salad dressing company, was recognized at the 2025 Making It In Michigan event for achieving entrepreneurial business success.
The 2025 Michigan State University Product Center Entrepreneur of the Year Award was presented to Karen Akouri, founder, owner and operator of drench LLC, a Detroit-based salad dressing and marinade business. The prestigious award was presented May 7 at the MSU Product Center’s Making It In Michigan Conference and Trade Show in recognition of a client that has achieved unique, innovative, and entrepreneurial business success.
According to Becky DeYoung, an MSU Product Center innovation counselor, “Karen is always trying to develop new recipes to bring to market and is a shining example of an entrepreneur.”
In her effort to eat healthier, Karen started making her own salad dressings which quickly caught the attention of family and friends. Encouraged by all who sampled the dressings, Karen embarked on the path of becoming a food entrepreneur. Today, the mission of drench is to craft delicious, clean, natural salad dressings using primarily olive and avocado oils and the finest ingredients. The dressings are free from common allergens, GMOs, and artificial additives. Drench products carry certifications from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, Non-GMO Project Verified and Kosher Michigan.
Since starting the business in 2018 with only two flavors, drench product sales have doubled year over year. Today, nine unique flavors, including the newest creamy pink goddess dressing, can be found in Michigan and nearly every state in the nation. The dressings are available in 3,500 stores including Meijer (all stores), Busch’s, Whole Foods Midwest, The Fresh Market, Wegmans Food Market, and Albertsons.
When asked how the MSU Product Center has assisted her company, Karen commented: “Working with the Product Center has been amazing. They have assisted with nutrition facts and process authority review for the products. Our counselor, Becky DeYoung, has been a great resource and she’s fun to work with.”
Congratulations Karen Akouri of Drench LLC, the 2025 MSU Product Center’s Entrepreneur of the Year! To find drench products, visit www.drenchitclean.com.
MSU Product Center
Michigan State University Extension and the MSU Product Center assist entrepreneurs and businesses to develop products and services in the food and agriculture markets. Its team of experts consults with clients on a one-on-one basis, helping new entrepreneurs navigate from concept development to launch and beyond. The MSU Product Center also offers specialized services such as labeling, packaging, and nutritional analysis. If you are interested in business counseling from the MSU Product Center, please visit our website.
