# VR-Based Barista Training Programs Costa Coffee Taps Virtual Reality to Educate Its New Staff By Kalin Ned | Published 2019-02-19 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barista-training-program References: [hospitalityandcateringnews](https://www.hospitalityandcateringnews.com/2018/10/costa-coffee-trains-next-generation-baristas-using-virtual-reality/) & [costa](https://www.costa.co.uk/) [Costa Coffee](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coffee-expansion) boasts a new feature for its comprehensive barista training program. To enhance experience and participation, the beloved coffee chain includes a virtual reality-based component. This gives the business the opportunity to inspire new hires and "ensure education is consistent," as well. The VR component is dependent on the [Google](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-philippines) Cardboard headset, which renders this experience not too expensive. As of right now, the updated barista training program relates tips on making an Americano, as well as a Black Forest Hot Chocolate. Costa Coffee has plans on developing this feature further to include a "journey from bean to cup with footage from sustainable coffee farmers in Peru," as well as "a tour of the Costa Coffee Roastery in Basildon." All of these experiences are catered to provide new hires with more information about the business and excite them of the possibilities. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.2/10 - Popularity: 51% | Activity: 67% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Drinking](https://www.trendhunter.com/drinking) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Virtual-reality Training Programs:** More businesses may adopt VR-based components for training programs to provide a unique and engaging learning experience for employees. - **Low-cost VR Technology:** Companies that create affordable VR headsets for training programs may have a competitive edge in the market. - **Sustainable Sourcing Experiences:** Businesses could create innovative, interactive experiences that educate employees and customers about sustainable sourcing practices in their industry. ### Who This Affects Most - **Food and Beverage:** Restaurants and cafes can use VR technology to improve their training programs and provide engaging experiences for new hires. - **Manufacturing:** Manufacturing companies may benefit from creating low-cost VR training programs for employees to learn about safety procedures and manufacturing processes. - **Agriculture:** Agricultural companies could use VR technology to give employees and customers an immersive look into sustainable sourcing practices and farming processes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Coffee-Focused Education Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2025-educational-programming.md) - [GenAI Coffeehouse Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-green-dot-assist.md) - [Donut-Making AR Trainings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chewco-mochi-donut.md) - [AI-Powered Robotic Baristas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cookright-coffee.md) - [Collaborative Coffee Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coffee-expansion.md) - [AI-Enabled Coffee Monitoring Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miso.md) - [Employee VR Training Practices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/talespin.md) - [Hyper-Personalized Coffees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-free-coffee.md) - [Advanced Robotic Baristas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artly-ai.md)