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Fairfield Mom 'Fuels' Organic Beverage Company

FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- Amy Barnouw is on a mission. 

Fairfield resident Amy Barnouw, founder of Trumbull-based Planet Fuel.

Fairfield resident Amy Barnouw, founder of Trumbull-based Planet Fuel.

Photo Credit: Submitted
Some of the Planet Fuel options.

Some of the Planet Fuel options.

Photo Credit: Submitted

Driven by a desire to provide healthier beverages for her three kids, Barnouw and her husband launched Planet Fuel Beverage Company with a line of organic, lower-sugar juices.

Never a fan of sodas, Barnouw found there was a thirst in the marketplace for healthy organic beverages crafted with tweens and teens in mind. “Most options contain artificial ingredients and stimulants, yet are positioned as 'cool' and 'hip' for teens," said the Fairfield resident.

Planet Fuel offers the ideal in-between by featuring beverages which combine organic juices with a splash of water to naturally lower sugar content without sacrificing the taste. Even better: There are no added refined sugars, preservatives or artificial sweeteners. And, the company sources products from domestic organic farms that are certified USDA organic and naturally GMO-free.

In addition, the business is equally passionate about moving the needle on environmental issues by educating and motivating consumers. In 2016, they established the Planet Fuel Charitable Fund (PFCF) with a combination of private donations as well as the on-going dedication of five percent of sales revenues, to provide financial support to conservation groups working to protect wild places and wild animals. 

So far, PFCF has given $50,000 to Save the Sound to help restore native fish runs in Long Island Sound and another $50,000 to The Ocean Conservancy to support their initiatives to reduce ocean plastics through a “Skip the Straw” campaign. Barnouw's background is in the environmental non-profit sector; for years she worked to protect public lands and wildlife habitat, so this "fuels" --pardon the pun -- both sides of her passions.

Barnouw said in the few years they've been in business, they've built a local, loyal following. And not just among her core demographic. "Folks of all ages enjoy our refreshing, clean label beverages," she said.

There are currently three flavors: Apple Grape, Cherry Lemonade and Mango Pear Lime with more in the works. The company, based in Trumbull, is working to expand its line of non-carbonated juices and exploring lightly carbonated flavors as well. Barnouw expects to debut them later this year.

"The fact that I've found a way to combine my passion for healthy eating along with creating awareness about important environmental causes is a long-held dream of mine," she said.

"I want people to know we're as committed to a clean, simple, healthy product as we are to being a socially responsible company."

Go to www.planetfuel.com for more information.

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