Oatly supports deaf communities with barista initiative

Oatly, the Swedish firm that specializes in plant-based "milk" made from oats, has launched a vocational training program to offer more possibilities for people from the deaf and hard of hearing community to get employment in the coffee business in China.

The program, named "Hey Barista", will offer people with hearing loss vocational training, vocational certification and career advice for certain physically disadvantaged citizens who aspire to become professional baristas, and support them to become qualified baristas. Oatly's initiative is a response to the government's call to create more job opportunities and stimulate consumption, to further put the country's economic growth on a firmer footing.

To maintain solid economic fundamentals, the government has emphasized the importance of focusing on six priorities: safeguarding employment, people's livelihoods, the development of market entities, food and energy security, the stable operation of industrial and supply chains and the smooth functioning of society.

This program is part of the Oatly's Barista Growth Plan. Along with teaching the professional skills required to work as a barista, it also recommends career development directions for them, said David Zhang, Oatly's president for Asia.

He said the launch of this program will play a role in allowing the public to understand more about the hearing impaired, and help advocate for equality, diversity and inclusiveness to encourage the hearing-impaired community to live more colorful and sustainable lives.

The well-being of physically disadvantaged groups requires social attention. Occupational diseases caused by long-term standing and repetitive work operations need professional health guidance, he said, adding they also look forward to more opportunities for communication and professional empowerment.

Founded in the 1990s, the company is based on original scientific research from Sweden's Lund University. It currently offers a broad range of nutritious and sustainable oat-based products which utilize a patented enzyme technology that copies nature's own process, turning fiber-rich oats into nutritional liquid food.