OUR MISSION
We’re on a mission to create systemic change in coffee by adding value to the fruit.
Founded by Lachlan Powell and Vanessa Murillo, the Coffee Fruit Bar is a product of I Am Grounded, a disruptive health and wellness social enterprise based in Australia.
Our Impact Shop BoxesOUR IMPACT
RETHINK
We have a plan to create impactful snacks that are not only healthy and all natural but also purpose driven. First, we aim to RETHINK coffee by showcasing the fruit and shedding light on byproducts.
RETHINK
We create impactful snacks that are not only healthy and all natural but also purpose driven. First, we RETHINK coffee by showcasing the fruit and shedding light on byproducts.
UPCYCLE
Next, we work to UPCYCLE the coffee fruit into a antioxidant-packed concentrate to save the fruit from waste & contaminating river systems.
UPCYCLE
Next, we work to UPCYCLE the coffee fruit into a food grade extract to save the fruit from rotting & contaminating river systems.
EMPOWER
And finally, we EMPOWER people along the coffee chain such as farmers, buyers, roasters, cafes and coffee drinkers to start conversations around commercialisng the byproducts of coffee.
Without a market, farmers are not incentivised to upcycle, that's why we must all do our part to rethink and upcycle in order to empower.
EMPOWER
And finally, we EMPOWER people along the coffee chain such as farmers, buyers, roasters, cafes and coffee drinkers to start conversations around commercialisng the byproducts of coffee.
THE NUMBERS
Every gram of fruit upcycled makes a difference.
Since March 2019, I Am Grounded have upcycled just over 33,000 kilos of coffee fruit from Colombia.
100% Natural Snack Bars
Made with Coffee Fruit.
VISION
Our first product the Coffee Fruit Bar, harnesses the power of upcycling the natural by-product of the coffee cherry, to contribute positive environmental and social change in coffee producing and coffee drinking communities.
Through championing eco-innovation, I Am Grounded aims to lessen environmental loading on the planet and further the ‘closed loop’ approach in coffee production.
We are focused on social empowerment and providing economic opportunities for impoverished coffee producing communities.
MEET THE FOUNDERS
MEET LACHLAN POWELL
“The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.”
- Paulo Coelho.
Hi, I am Lachlan, a Civil Engineer with a Masters in Project Management. I am passionate about environmental sustainability in both the built environment and in food and nutrition. I grew up in a household with triathletes. My stepfather is an Ironman triathlon coach, and between him and my mother they have competed in over 60 Ironman triathlons, including 21 Hawaii Ironman's. I grew up appreciating the power of healthy eating from a young age and have always believed in fuelling yourself right and naturally.
Today, I am excited to be able to make a small contribution to reducing my carbon footprint through eating consciously and naturally and supporting regenerative food systems that utilise byproducts of fruits and vegetables.
When I found out about coffee fruit and its incredible health benefits I began to develop an energy bar for people like me. I love cooking, rock climbing and surfing!
I run all the finance, operations and product development for I Am Grounded.
MEET VANESSA MURILLO
“You are more powerful than you think you are. Act accordingly.”
- Seth Godin.
Hi, I am Vanessa, a journalist turned digital marketer. Originally from Colombia, I grew up in a family of coffee entrepreneurs.
Holding a Bachelor in Journalism and Communications, and Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) from The University of Queensland as well as a Postgraduate Certificate in Integrated Marketing Communications from QUT, I have worked as a digital/ content marketer and love taking consumer goods into the digital age via e-commerce.
I became passionate about building business for purpose, people and the planet after learning to grow coffee in Colombia back in 2015. But my coffee journey began at 13, when I completed my Barista Masters course and fell in love with espresso preparation. I've been involved in the coffee industry ever since and love working with its byproducts.
10 years ago, I started practicing yoga and meditation and am very intrigued by the power of the conscious mind. In my spare time I love to rock climb and go on trail runs!
I manage all the Marketing and Communications for I Am Grounded and am your go to for any day-to-day operations questions.
FOOD THAT'S MINDFUL
01
Natural Ingredients
Our bars prioritise healthy, good fats with natural sugars to help you avoid the ‘rollercoaster’ highs and lows of conventional snacks.
Plus, the high concentration of Polyphenols (Plant Micronutrients) in the coffee fruit contributes to fighting nasty free radicals, repairing muscle damage, boosting your immune system and much more.
02
Committed To Sustainability
Upcycling coffee fruit empowers our coffee farmers to earn additional income in one of the most volatile agri-food sectors in the world.
I Am Grounded intentionally sources its coffee fruit from a small number micro-lot farms in Colombia. Our mission is to provide an additional revenue stream to the farmer along with a waste removal alternative.
03
Upcycled Goodness
Considered to be a waste product, coffee fruit is usually left in piles to spoil where it produces undesirable compounds called mycotoxins.
If left untreated, these piles eventually contaminate local river systems causing damage to local flora and fauna. Each Coffee Fruit Bar reduces coffee cherry waste loading on the planet by 50g.
Invest in a sustainable food chain
If you are interested in chatting further, request a meeting with us by dropping us an email.