Fruitbelt Sparkling Tonic has hired Carol Mueller as its VP of sales and marketing.
“One sip of Fruitbelt Sparkling Tonic and I knew I wanted to join the team,” says Mueller. “I am passionate about food that nurtures the body and the environment, and Fruitbelt’s focus on flavor and farmers makes this the perfect fit. I am honored to begin working with the Fruitbelt family and know the larger market will fall in love with this product the same way I have.”
Prior to joining Fruitbelt, Mueller spent her career at a variety of foodservice brands. With more than 25 years of experience in the food and sales fields, Mueller says she is excited to use her wealth of knowledge to grow the brand by introducing it to chefs and mixologists across the country.
Fruitbelt was founded in 2012 by Michele Gazzolo and Beth Denton, friends with experience in fruit-growing, bee-keeping, branding and social activism. They set out to invent a drink made with ingredients from their own backyard, leading to the creation of the brand’s signature tonic. Beyond formulating fruit and plant-based tonics, Fruitbelt aims to partner with midwestern fruit farmers and celebrate indigenous crops by restoring “forgotten fruits” to the Midwest. Not only can these fruits be appreciated for their unique taste and functionality, reviving “lost” fruit varieties can enhance biodiversity and restore nitrogen to soil depleted by decades of industrial farming, they say.
“We knew Carol was the perfect person for the role,” says Gazzolo, who serves as CEO. “We are proud of what we have achieved thus far and are confident Carol’s expertise will help exponentially to spread our message and product across the country.”
Fruitbelt is available in two flavors—Crisp Apple and Bright Cherry—and features 60 calories with no added sugar. Its tart-sweet taste makes it a refreshing beverage or mixer with an aromatic twist. Sampler and flavor-specific four-packs are available online for purchase.
Fruitbelt is a client of Elohi Strategic Advisors, a national, woman-owned advisory firm. Based in Marion, Illinois, Elohi assists natural and sustainable foodservice brands in distribution and growth. A percentage of all Elohi operating income is donated to organizations that support indigenous people and establish nutritious programs for children and seniors.
Fruitbelt P.B.C. is a public benefit company based in Sawyer, Michigan, committed to promote orchard ecology through the formulation and marketing of fruit and plant-based tonics.
