EP 894 Brendan Adams - The Truth About Origin - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 4th of a five-part series featuring Brendan Adams, Founder of the Canada-based green trading company Semilla Coffee, on The Map It Forward Middle East Podcast.

In this series, which first aired on the global podcast, host Lee Safar and Brendan explore whether the idea to "make coffee better" is a realistic endeavour in today's coffee industry.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Brendan discuss the complexities and diverse realities of coffee trade and origin.

They delve into the misconceptions about Colombian coffee, the importance of visiting coffee origins, and understanding the true experiences of coffee producers.

Adams shares insights on how conventional markets and specialty coffee markets operate differently, and the significant impact of local economies and traditional practices on coffee trade.

Don't miss out on this eye-opening conversation about the truths behind your cup of coffee.

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EP 893 Brendan Adams - The Questions We Should Be Asking In Coffee - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 3rd of a five-part series featuring Brendan Adams, Founder of the Canada-based green trading company Semilla Coffee, on The Map It Forward Middle East Podcast.

In this series, which first aired on the global podcast, host Lee Safar and Brendan explore whether the idea to "make coffee better" is a realistic endeavour in today's coffee industry.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Brendan discuss the struggles faced by coffee producers, the broken promises within the specialty coffee industry, and the financial and emotional burdens on both producers and roasters.

The conversation emphasizes the need for true relationships, responsible business practices, and a shift away from focusing solely on quality towards understanding the real issues at origin.

If you're a coffee producer, roaster, or cafe owner looking to adapt and thrive, don't miss this episode.

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EP 892 Brendan Adams - The Discussion Around Quality Coffee - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 2nd of a five-part series featuring Brendan Adams, Founder of the Canada-based green trading company Semilla Coffee, on The Map It Forward Middle East Podcast.

In this series, which first aired on the global podcast, host Lee Safar and Brendan explore whether the idea to "make coffee better" is a realistic endeavour in today's coffee industry.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Brendan explore the complexities of coffee quality and sourcing.

They delve into the murky realities of how wealth and products in the coffee industry have been misappropriated and the often hidden dynamics of the supply chain.

Brendan shares anecdotes and insights from his experiences, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of quality beyond just taste and price.

This conversation also sets the stage for the next episode, where they discuss critical questions we should be asking about the supply chain.

Join us as we unpack the real challenges and opportunities in the world of specialty coffee.

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EP 891 Brendan Adams - Specialty Coffee, Then and Now - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the first of a five-part series featuring Brendan Adams, Founder of the Canada-based green trading company Semilla Coffee, on The Map It Forward Middle East Podcast.

In this series, which first aired on the global podcast, host Lee Safar and Brendan explore whether the idea to "make coffee better" is a realistic endeavour in today's coffee industry.

In this episode of the podcast, Lee and Brendan discuss the evolution and current state of specialty coffee.

They explore how consumers' interests are shifting towards supporting producers in meaningful ways, and how the industry has evolved from focusing solely on coffee quality to embracing principles of sustainability and justice.

The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities in the specialty coffee supply chain, the importance of community-wide commitment, and the growing influence of financial interests.

Tune in to gain valuable insights and join the discussion on the future of the coffee industry.

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EP 890 Michael Sheridan - The Long-Term Focus for CQI - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 4th of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Michael Sheridan from the CQI. Michael has joined us on the podcast to discuss the changes recently announced at SCA Expo in Houston regarding the licensing agreement of the Q grader program to the SCA and what it means moving forward.

This series originally aired on the Map It Forward global podcast in June and we felt it relevant to air it on the Middle East Podcast now as the as the Q-Grader program is sunset.

You can now listen to this podcast overdubbed in most languages on our YouTube channel https://YouTube.com/mapitforward by selecting the audio options in the bottom right-hand corner of the video.

In the final episode of this intensive series, Lee and Michael discuss the significant changes and future direction of CQI, amidst the various crises set to impact the coffee industry by 2025.

Michael provides insights into how CQI plans to navigate these challenges and maintain trust within the community.

This episode unpacks the critical role of quality in the coffee trade and what CQI is doing to uphold its mission despite the hurdles.

Don't miss this closing chapter filled with vital industry insights.

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EP 889 Michael Sheridan - What's Next For The CQI - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 4th of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Michael Sheridan from the CQI. Michael has joined us on the podcast to discuss the changes recently announced at SCA Expo in Houston regarding the licensing agreement of the Q grader program to the SCA and what it means moving forward.

This series originally aired on the Map It Forward global podcast in June and we felt it relevant to air it on the Middle East Podcast now as the as the Q-Grader program is sunset.

You can now listen to this podcast overdubbed in most languages on our YouTube channel https://YouTube.com/mapitforward by selecting the audio options in the bottom right-hand corner of the video.

In this episode of the Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, host Lee Safar converses with Michael Sheridan about CQI's critical transition, immediate next steps after recent decisions, will the industry find a path back to trusting the CQI, and the broader impact on the coffee industry.

Sheridan details the four key processes involved in the transition phase, including the fast-track path for Q graders to the new Q system, the PHP program's curriculum review, and efforts to rebuild trust within the community.

They discuss organizational sentiments and the implications of the CQI-SCA relationship, while also touching on perceptions of the recent changes and the future roadmap.

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EP 888 Michael Sheridan - The Reaction to the Changes to the Q - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 3rd of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Michael Sheridan from the CQI. Michael has joined us on the podcast to discuss the changes recently announced at SCA Expo in Houston regarding the licensing agreement of the Q grader program to the SCA and what it means moving forward.

This series originally aired on the Map It Forward global podcast in June and we felt it relevant to air it on the Middle East Podcast now as the as the Q-Grader program is sunset.

You can now listen to this podcast overdubbed in most languages on our YouTube channel https://YouTube.com/mapitforward by selecting the audio options in the bottom right-hand corner of the video.

In this episode of the Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee engages in a heated and detailed discussion with Michael Sheridan from the CQI.

They delve into the reasons and aftermath of the recent changes in CQI's licensing agreement with the SCA.

Michael clarifies the decision-making process, the lack of community consultation, and the subsequent reaction from the Q grading community.

This candid conversation aims to address the feelings of betrayal and distrust while providing insights into the future steps for the CQI.

Join us as we explore the complexities and challenges faced by the organization in this pivotal moment.

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EP 887 Michael Sheridan - The Agreement Between the SCA and the CQI - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 2nd of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Michael Sheridan from the CQI. Michael has joined us on the podcast to discuss the changes recently announced at SCA Expo in Houston regarding the licensing agreement of the Q grader program to the SCA and what it means moving forward.

This series originally aired on the Map It Forward global podcast in June and we felt it relevant to air it on the Middle East Podcast now as the as the Q-Grader program is sunset.

You can now listen to this podcast overdubbed in most languages on our YouTube channel https://YouTube.com/mapitforward by selecting the audio options in the bottom right-hand corner of the video.

In this in-depth episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Michael from the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) discuss the significant changes at CQI, focusing on its mission to serve coffee producers and the implications of the recent agreement with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).

They explore the historical context, the challenges faced by CQI, the financial considerations, and the details of the new licensing and grant agreements that shape the future of coffee quality standards.

Michael provides insights into the roles of both organizations, the importance of development projects, and the potential impact on the coffee industry at large.

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EP 886 Michael Sheridan - The History and Mission of the CQI - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the first of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Michael Sheridan from the CQI. Michael has joined us on the podcast to discuss the changes recently announced at SCA Expo in Houston regarding the licensing agreement of the Q grader program to the SCA and what it means moving forward.

This series originally aired on the Map It Forward global podcast in June and we felt it relevant to air it on the Middle East Podcast now as the as the Q-Grader program is sunset.

You can now listen to this podcast overdubbed in most languages on our YouTube channel https://YouTube.com/mapitforward by selecting the audio options in the bottom right-hand corner of the video.

Welcome to the first episode of The Daily Coffee Pro's new series featuring Michael Sheridan from the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI).

Lee and Michael engage in a profound discussion about the challenges faced over the last few months, the importance of hard conversations, and the impact of CQI's work on the coffee industry.

They delve into Michael's 20-year journey in coffee, his passion for development work, and the significance of CQI's mission: to improve both the quality of coffee and the lives of coffee producers.

The episode sets the stage for understanding the complexities of coffee quality, the role of the Q program, and the transformative effects of post-harvest processing innovations.

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EP 885 Ian Fretheim - Q Graders, Cuppers, and Technology - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 5th of a five-part series featuring Ian Fretheim, Director of Sensory Analysis at US-based coffee importer, Cafe Imports, on The Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, hosted by Map It Forward Founder Lee Safar.

This series originally aired on the global podcast and is a companion series to our discussion with Reza Kosar on this Middle East Podcast that aired last month. Both series follow the same discussion flow.

In this final episode of the series, Lee and Ian take a deep dive into the nuanced world of sensory science and specialty coffee.

This episode explores how science and technology influence coffee tasting, the role of human experience in sensory analysis, and the ethical implications in the coffee industry.

Lee shares her own background in sensory science and critiques the commercialization of sensory expert training.

The conversation also touches on the evolution of sensory machines and the importance of 'by humans, for humans' in maintaining the essence of specialty coffee.

Plus, insights on technology's limitations and potential in preserving human-centered coffee experiences. Don't miss this thoughtful conclusion to an engaging series!

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EP 884 Ian Fretheim - The CVA Won't Fix Anything In Coffee - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 4th of a five-part series featuring Ian Fretheim, Director of Sensory Analysis at US-based coffee importer, Cafe Imports, on The Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, hosted by Map It Forward Founder Lee Safar.

This series originally aired on the global podcast and is a companion series to our discussion with Reza Kosar on this Middle East Podcast that aired last month. Both series follow the same discussion flow.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Ian discuss the concept of quality in the coffee industry, emphasizing the challenges with defining 'distinctive attributes' and the limitations of the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA) in resolving transparency issues.

Ian criticizes the CVA for potentially increasing opacity rather than clarity and argues that it fails to address fundamental issues around quality and cupping forms.

Tune in to understand why the industry might not benefit from the CVA and how true transparency can be achieved.

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EP 883 Ian Fretheim - Quality, Hype, and Coffee Competitions - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 3rd of a five-part series featuring Ian Fretheim, Director of Sensory Analysis at US-based coffee importer, Cafe Imports, on The Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, hosted by Map It Forward Founder Lee Safar.

This series originally aired on the global podcast and is a companion series to our discussion with Reza Kosar on this Middle East Podcast that aired last month. Both series follow the same discussion flow.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Ian discuss the role of coffee competitions in the industry and their relationship to coffee quality.

They delve into the recent Best of Panama auction, where a coffee scored 98 points and sold for $30,200 per kilo.

The conversation touches on the impact of such high prices on the market, the potential for bias in judging, and the pros and cons of these competitions for producers and the industry at large.

They also explore whether the hype around competition-winning coffees detracts from broader industry issues such as sustainable pricing for farmers.

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EP 882 Ian Fretheim - How Do We Define Quality? - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 2nd of a five-part series featuring Ian Fretheim, Director of Sensory Analysis at US-based coffee importer, Cafe Imports, on The Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, hosted by Map It Forward Founder Lee Safar.

This series originally aired on the global podcast and is a companion series to our discussion with Reza Kosar on this Middle East Podcast that aired last month. Both series follow the same discussion flow.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Ian deep into the concept of quality in the coffee industry.

They explore how quality is defined, the subjective versus objective nature of sensory science, and the implications for the coffee industry.

They also discuss the role of industry norms, quality standards, and the influence of human biases in sensory evaluation.

Join the conversation and discover why defining quality in coffee is more complex than it seems.

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EP 881 Ian Fretheim - Tools for Assessing Coffee Quality - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the first of a five-part series featuring Ian Fretheim, Director of Sensory Analysis at US-based coffee importer, Cafe Imports, on The Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, hosted by Map It Forward Founder Lee Safar.

This series originally aired on the global podcast and is a companion series to our discussion with Reza Kosar on this Middle East Podcast that aired last month. Both series follow the same discussion flow.

In this series, Lee and Ian will explore the question, "What is Quality in the Coffee Industry?".

In this episode of the series, Lee and Ian discuss the tools used to assess coffee quality, including cupping forms, gadgets, and the essential role of people.

Ian shares insights from his extensive experience at Cafe Imports and highlights the industry's broader issues of defining and measuring coffee quality.

This episode also covers a discussion about the current state and effectiveness of the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA) in the specialty coffee industry.

Ian critiques the CVA for being inadequate in its claims and emphasizes the distinction between specialty coffee professionals and food technologists.

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EP 880 Purity Wangare, Sai On, and Ran Gurung - Paving a Career Path in Coffee - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 5th of a 5-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with Purity Wangare (Customer Experience Manager), Sai On (Visual Storyteller), and Ran Gurung (Roaster) from RAW Coffee Company in Dubai, UAE.

In this series, Purity, Ran, and On, together with Map It Forward Founder and podcast host Lee Safar, explore how a coffee career in the Middle East changed the lives of these coffee professionals and what that journey was like for them.

In this final episode of our five-part series, Purity, On, and Ran discuss how to be intentional about building a career in the coffee industry.

The episode emphasizes the importance of not just chasing any job but finding a place where you can grow and be nurtured.

The guests share their personal journeys and offer advice for young baristas and coffee professionals.

They also touch on the value of people skills and the significance of being part of a supportive team.

The episode wraps up with a reflection on what they hope their future selves will gain from listening to this conversation. Don't miss the insights and practical advice shared in this heartfelt finale.

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EP 879 Purity Wangare, Sai On, and Ran Gurung - The Complex World of Coffee Competitions - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 4th of a 5-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with Purity Wangare (Customer Experience Manager), Sai On (Visual Storyteller), and Ran Gurung (Roaster) from RAW Coffee Company in Dubai, UAE.

In this series, Purity, Ran, and On, together with Map It Forward Founder and podcast host Lee Safar, explore how a coffee career in the Middle East changed the lives of these coffee professionals and what that journey was like for them.

In this episode of the podcast, we dive into the complexities and impacts of coffee competitions with Purity, On, and Ran, and discuss the personal and financial challenges involved, the emotional toll on competitors, and the quest for validation.

The discussion also highlights the lack of fairness in international competitions, especially for those from regions with visa restrictions.

Join us as we explore whether these competitions are worth the effort and how they influence careers in the coffee industry.

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EP 878 Purity Wangare, Sai On, and Ran Gurung - A Multicultural Coffee Community - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 3rd of a 5-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with Purity Wangare (Customer Experience Manager), Sai On (Visual Storyteller), and Ran Gurung (Roaster) from RAW Coffee Company in Dubai, UAE.

In this series, Purity, Ran, and On, together with Map It Forward Founder and podcast host Lee Safar, explore how a coffee career in the Middle East changed the lives of these coffee professionals and what that journey was like for them.

In this episode of the podcast series, Purity, Ran, and On, professionals from different cultural backgrounds who have found a career in Dubai's dynamic coffee industry, discuss the challenges and benefits of working in a multicultural environment, including communication barriers and the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence.

The conversation also touches on how diversity enriches the workplace and the unique experience of adapting to different cultural norms and hospitality standards in the Middle East.

Tune in to understand the complexities and beauties of the coffee community in Dubai.

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EP 877 Purity Wangare, Sai On, and Ran Gurung - A Coffee Career in the Middle East - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 2nd of a 5-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with Purity Wangare (Customer Experience Manager), Sai On (Visual Storyteller), and Ran Gurung (Roaster) from RAW Coffee Company in Dubai, UAE.

In this series, Purity, Ran, and On, together with Map It Forward Founder and podcast host Lee Safar, explore how a coffee career in the Middle East changed the lives of these coffee professionals and what that journey was like for them.

In this episode of the podcast series, Purity, On, and Ran discuss how their careers in the coffee industry have evolved in the Middle East, the rapid growth and innovations in Dubai's coffee scene, and the challenges and opportunities they face.

Learn about the unique cultural melting pot in Dubai's coffee community and how Raw Coffee Co. stands out as a remarkable example of long-term success.

This episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in the coffee industry, especially in the dynamic environment of the Middle East.

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EP 876 Purity Wangare, Sai On, and Ran Gurung - Why Have a Career in Coffee? - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the first of a 5-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with Purity Wangare (Customer Experience Manager), Sai On (Visual Storyteller), and Ran Gurung (Roaster) from RAW Coffee Company in Dubai, UAE.

In this series, Purity, Ran, and On, together with Map It Forward Founder and podcast host Lee Safar, explore how a coffee career in the Middle East changed the lives of these coffee professionals and what that journey was like for them.

In this first Episode of the podcast series, we delve into the inspiring journeys of Purity Wangare, Sai On, and Ran Gurung from Raw Coffee Company.

Hear how they transitioned from various professions into the world of coffee, the challenges and triumphs they faced along the way, and how the vibrant coffee scene in the Middle East has transformed their lives.

This episode highlights their individual paths, from starting as waitresses or baristas to becoming key figures in customer service, roasting, and visual storytelling.

Discover the human connections and cultural shifts that make coffee a powerful force in their lives and in this fast-evolving market. Don't miss their motivational stories and invaluable insights in this must-watch series.

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EP 875 David Zabinsky and Valeria Garcia - The Future of Specialty Coffee in the UAE - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 5th of a 5-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with David Zabinsky and Valeria Garcia, owners of the Kurasu UAE franchise.

In this series, David and Valeria help us understand the process they went through bringing a globally recognised franchise from Kyoto, Japan, to Dubai and the wider UAE.

In the final episode of the podcast series with Lee, Valeria, and David deep dive into the dynamics of the global coffee industry, the challenges faced by coffee farmers, and the evolving consumer behavior towards specialty coffee.

The conversation addresses the impacts of climate change, succession planning in coffee farming, and the technological advancements in the industry.

The episode also explores the future trajectory of coffee and tea consumption and the potential automation in coffee shops.

Tune in to understand why building a business like Kurasu, with a focus on customer experience and specialty products, can provide a competitive edge in the volatile coffee market.

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