WHAT IS HOMEGROWN BARISTAS?

At Vitasoy, our relationship with regional communities is at the heart of everything we do.

In regional Australia, the proportion of young people engaged in employment is lower than those in major cities*, with access to training and education in rural areas being more limited. So we decided to do something about it. That’s why we’ve teamed up with our long-time partners StreetSmart and Australian Barista Champion Matt Lewin to create the Homegrown Baristas training program. This initiative aims to bring world-class barista training to youth in regional communities.

Through this program, students will not only master the practical skills needed to succeed in any cafe environment but also gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities that the world of coffee can offer. More than that, it’ll help build their confidence and set them up for success in whatever they choose to pursue in the future.

*In May 2020, the proportion of young people aged 15–24 who were fully engaged (in education or employment) was higher for those living in Major cities than those living in Inner regional areas

EPISODE 1

Join Australian Barista Champion Matt Lewin as he embarks on a transformative journey to Ballarat to launch the first-ever Homegrown Baristas training program. This episode follows four students from Phoenix P-12 Community College, diving into their world as they go from coffee novices to world-class baristas under Matt’s expert guidance.

EPISODE 2

Follow Matt as he reconnects with the students months after their Homegrown Baristas journey, and how they’re using their newfound skills to turn their school coffee van into a total success story.

WATCH MORE HOMEGROWN BARISTAS

Dive deeper into the Homegrown Baristas journey.

OFFICIAL HOMEGROWN BARISTAS AFFILIATES

Homegrown Baristas was only made possible with the help and support from our affiliates at StreetSmart, Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre and Phoenix P-12 Community College.

OUR AFFILIATES
OUR PROFESSIONAL TRAINERS

Led by our Head trainer Matt Lewin and supporting trainer Rhys Woods.

GET INVOLVED AND BE PART OF THIS REWARDING JOURNEY

Inspired to make a difference? We welcome community partners to reach out and join our mission. Together, we can create more opportunities for our youth in regional communities, one Homegrown Barista at a time.

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    THE CONSCIOUS CHOICE FOR AUSSIE CAFES

    Barista’s Choice by Vitasoy is plant milk crafted for professional baristas. Made in Wodonga VIC from 100% Australian-grown oats, almonds, and soybeans, it’s a blend that actively supports Aussie farmers in communities across the country. We’re also on a mission to lower our environmental impact – our new Tetra Craft cartons are made from over 85% renewable materials, which together with its plant-based caps, reduce its carbon emissions by 17%. This means that every time you pour with Barista’s Choice, you can be sure you’re using an Aussie-grown, Aussie-made and planet-friendly milk, inside & out.