Standing out in the crowded specialty coffee market is no easy feat. But founded just 18 months ago, Lone Crow Coffee already sits on the shelves of over 800 Woolworths stores – testament to the sporting discipline of its founders.

Moving to France to join the Catalans Dragons hasn't dimmed Reimis Smith's passion for the uniquely Australian company he co-founded alongside his father Tyran Smith and family friend Ben Hams – both former sportsmen.

They're angling to establish the first Aboriginal-owned coffee plantation in Australia.

The journey from seedling to cup is a long one. Largely grown in tropical South America and equatorial Africa, high-quality beans are blended and roasted locally to achieve that perfect flavour profile.

But while locally grown beans score high among professional tasting circles, no Indigenous business has ever made the leap to be home grown.

That's set to change. In partnership with Bundjalung Tribal Society, a new plantation will seed in December and plant as early as November next year at Namabunda Farm, in Alstonville New South Wales.

The first Certified Indigenous member of the Australian Coffee Growers Association, Lone Crow currently offers two signature blends – Espresso Roast (dark) and Barista Roast (medium).

The dark roast carries rich burnt caramel and dark chocolate notes, while the medium roast is smoother, with toffee and malt undertones.

The process of developing the blends involved tasting "a lot of coffee," said Reimis – but "nothing else comes close."

"It's the taste – but also the story behind it – that sets us apart."

"It's so much more than just picking beans."

At the heart of Lone Crow Coffee is a commitment to culture and community.

Reimis, a proud Māori, Bundjalung, and Wiradjuri man, chose the crow as the brand's logo as it's the Wiradjuri totem.

"It's a part of me, it's who I am, and it's where I come from – my blood."

Lone Crow places a strong emphasis on giving back. It's now raised over $150,000 to support Indigenous youth mental health and runs a barista training program "to create a pathway for more representation in an industry where First Nations people are underrepresented."

As Lone Crow Coffee continues its growth, Smith hopes to inspire his community by blending entrepreneurship with cultural heritage: "If you're passionate, take that leap."

Lone Crow Coffee has done just that – serving world-class coffee with a bold vision for change, brewed from the heart of Australia.