Tell us about your background and what led you to becoming a producer on the Central Coast?

Eastcoast Beverages was born in 1965 when my grandfather, Salvatore Lentini, began picking and packing fresh fruit from his Central Coast orchards to supply to Australia’s famous Flemington Markets. Years later, when tariffs on imported juice concentrate were removed, producing juice solely from fresh fruit became less profitable.

That’s when Nonno’s three sons—my father, Sam, and my uncles Mick and Frank—along with their wives, spotted an opportunity. They decided to squeeze 100% fresh citrus juice, made entirely from Australian fruit, and bring it to market.

Today, my two cousins and I make up the third generation of Eastcoast, and we are still very much a family operation, living and working on our farm in Kulnura, NSW—the very same land where my grandfather first picked oranges all those years ago, and continue to manufacture beverages on our vertically integrated farm and factory.

What do you enjoy most about connecting with visitors to your business?

I really enjoy pulling back the curtain and educating visitors about what it truly means to be a vertically integrated business. From the orchards where our citrus fruit is grown, to the machinery and equipment that transforms it into the fresh juices you know and love, and to the innovation we apply in reducing and reusing our waste to lighten our footprint. It’s an invaluable opportunity for us to show how our hands-on approach ensures the highest quality, from tree to table, while also highlighting the people and technology that make it all possible.

I also love connecting with visitors through telling our story – nearly 60 years of passion for crafting fresh, locally made juices and drinks – and seeing people light up when they taste the difference. It’s also about celebrating the region and community we’re proud to call home, hearing stories from visitors, and fostering a connection that goes beyond just our products. There’s nothing quite like seeing someone leave with not just a bottle of juice, but also a sense of the care and tradition that goes into every single drop.

What makes your products unique?

Our unwavering commitment to quality, freshness, and authenticity makes us unique. As a family and farmer-owned business, we oversee every step of the process, from growing and sourcing premium fruit, to crafting our juices and drinks here on the Central Coast. Because we’re not a conglomerate, this allows us to be nimble with decision making that might otherwise take time to pass through higher-ups for others. This hands-on approach allows us to deliver products that are not only delicious, but also brimming with the natural goodness you would expect from freshly squeezed juice.

Our connection to the land and community gives each bottle a story – a blend of tradition, care, and innovation that sets us apart. You’ll taste the difference in every sip!

What should people expect when they visit your venue? 

When you visit Eastcoast, people should expect an experience that’s as refreshing as the juices we create! We always suggest visitors start their journey at Bambino’s, our newly launched on-site café dedicated to the upcoming fourth generation of the Eastcoast family. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee, a bite to eat, or one of our signature fresh juices, all with a welcoming, family-focused vibe.

Expect to be greeted with a smile from our friendly team who are always willing to share the story behind our nearly 60 years of crafting exceptional beverages. A tour of our factory is also a highlight for many visitors, showcasing our state-of-the-art juice and water lines, a cutting-edge fruit extractor, and all the machinery that brings our products to life. You’ll also see evidence of our sustainability practices in action, from how we source and process fruit to how we minimise waste and care for the environment.

Are you able to give us a preview of any innovative projects (e.g., new products, experiences, promotions or collaborations) that you are working on?

Our New Product Development team are always coming up with fresh and trending ideas to present to retailers with the hopes of introducing to the market. One of our latest creations is an exciting twist on our famed Country Style Lemonade – we’re adding a refreshing hint of mint! We are also going to be releasing still spring water and sparkling water in a can as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative that aligns with our commitment to the environment.

Bambino’s café is now hosting private parties and corporate events that offers a unique and welcoming space for celebrations or team gatherings. Guests can enjoy special treats like our signature Lentini Lemon Gelato that is served in a lemon peel, which not only tastes incredible, but also highlights our innovative approach to sustainability by reusing natural materials.

We have also created a designated event space within our orchard. There are many ideas in the pipeline for how we plan to expand our events offering. Watch this space!

What do you think makes the Central Coast such a great place for people to establish a food or beverage business?

The Central Coast is a fantastic place to establish a food or beverage business because it offers the perfect balance of natural abundance, community support, and strategic location. The region is home to a wealth of fresh, high-quality produce, making it easier for businesses to source exceptional ingredients locally. There’s also a deep appreciation for homegrown products here, with a community that genuinely supports local brands and values sustainability.

Its location is another big draw—positioned conveniently between Sydney and Newcastle, the Central Coast provides easy access to major markets while maintaining the charm and pace of a regional area. This blend of proximity and lifestyle creates an environment where creativity and innovation can thrive.

Add to that the Coast’s natural beauty, which not only inspires but also attracts visitors from all over, making it an ideal spot to build a brand and create experiences that resonate far beyond the region. It’s a place where businesses can grow roots, literally and figuratively!

What would you recommend as other ‘must try’ food / drink producers on the Central Coast?

The Central Coast is home to so many incredible food and drink producers, and we’re proud to be part of such a vibrant community, as well as collaborate with some of them! A few of my must-try recommendations would be Six String Brewing Co, Little Creek Cheese, Steinbok Brands, and Distillery Botanica.

What do you think is the best kept secret on the Central Coast?

One of the best-kept secrets on the Central Coast has to be the hidden gems tucked away in our region’s natural beauty. Beyond the popular beaches, there are serene spots like Patonga Beach and Brisbane Water National Park, where you can escape the crowds and enjoy some quiet time in nature.

And, of course, I’d say Bambinos Café at Eastcoast Beverages is a secret worth sharing—a place where you can unwind with fresh juices, specialty coffee, and unique treats in the heart of our orchard, surrounded by nature. It’s the perfect mix of good food, local flavour, and a relaxed atmosphere—a hidden gem for sure!

When you’re not making awesome food / drink, what do you love doing in your spare time?

When I’m not at work, you’ll most likely to find me spending time with family, or checking out a new restaurant and pretending to be a wine connoisseur.