EP 852 Yozo Otsuki - The Japanese Coffee Industry - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

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This is the 2nd of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Yozo Otsuki from Kurasu.

In this series, we're exploring the journey that Yozo went on, starting, building, growing, and expanding Kurasu within Japan and around the world with a franchise model.

In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Yozo dive deep into the unique aspects of the Japanese coffee industry, drawing fascinating comparisons between Japanese and global coffee cultures.

Yozo shares insights about his journey from a finance professional to a coffee entrepreneur, the influence of Japanese mastery on coffee brewing, and the meticulous, ritualistic nature of Japanese coffee craftsmanship.

The discussion also covers the significant role of external influences in shaping Japan's coffee scene, the impact of omakase in coffee, and the delicate balance of sustaining business amidst tourism and local patronage.

Lastly, they touch on the exchange of barista talent between Japan and Australia and its impact on both coffee cultures.

Join us for a rich exploration of coffee passion, dedication, and the art of brewing.

MIFME25 Yozo OtsukiLee Safar14 July 2025Lee Safar, Map It Forward, Map It Forward Middle East, Yozo Otsuki, kurasuComment

EP 851 Yozo Otsuki - Becoming a Japanese Coffee Entrepreneur - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the 1st of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Yozo Otsuki from Kurasu.

In this series, we're exploring the journey that Yozo went on, starting, building, growing, and expanding Kurasu within Japan and around the world with a franchise model.

In this episode of a new five-part series, Lee and Yozo explore Kurasu’s evolution from its origins in Japan to becoming a global coffee brand.

Yozo shares his journey from working in finance to entering the coffee industry and discusses the unique characteristics of the Japanese coffee market.

They also delve into the importance of sustainable business practices and maintaining brand authenticity in a global market.

Lee announces the launch of 'Map It Forward Japan,' an initiative to make their content accessible to the Japanese coffee community.

You can find out more about Map It Forward Japan at https://mapitforward.coffee/japan and https://instagram.com/mapitforwardjapan

MIFME25 Yozo OtsukiLee Safar13 July 2025Lee Safar, Map It Forward, Map It Forward Middle East, Yozo Otsuki, kurasuComment

EP 850 Angela Barrero - Will there be coffee and cacao in 25 years? - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the 5th of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with this week's guest, Colombian Regenerative Coffee and Cacao Farmer, Angela Barrero.

In this series, Angela and podcast host Lee Safar explore the complicated question "Will We Have Coffee and Cacao in the Future?" and the equally complicated solutions.

In the final episode of this series, Lee and Angela discuss the dire state and uncertain future of coffee and cacao farming.

The episode covers the aging plantations, economic difficulties, climate change impacts, and the shift towards illegal crops like coca.

Angela shares her experiences with regenerative agriculture and the importance of stable, long-term business relationships.

Learn about the urgent need for coffee industry stakeholders to adapt to ensure sustainability and protect the income of future generations.

EP 849 Angela Barrero - Other Solutions We Need To Fix Coffee - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the 4th of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with this week's guest, Colombian Regenerative Coffee and Cacao Farmer, Angela Barrero.

In this series, Angela and podcast host Lee Safar explore the complicated question "Will We Have Coffee and Cacao in the Future?" and the equally complicated solutions.

In episode four of our five-part series with Angela, we explore the volatile pricing in the coffee and cacao markets. Lee and Angela discuss the impact of inflation on coffee prices, the historical and current issues affecting cacao supply, and the economic difficulties faced by farmers.

Despite high global demand, many farmers are struggling to sustain their operations due to low market prices and high production costs, driving some to reconsider their livelihoods.

This episode sheds light on the challenges and the uncertain future of coffee and cacao farming.

EP 848 Angela Barrero - The Role of Regenerative Agriculture in Coffee - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the 3rd of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with this week's guest, Colombian Regenerative Coffee and Cacao Farmer, Angela Barrero.

In this series, Angela and podcast host Lee Safar explore the complicated question "Will We Have Coffee and Cacao in the Future?" and the equally complicated solutions.

In this episode of the Map It Forward Middle East podcast, Lee and Angela discuss the challenges of growing coffee and cacao due to climate change and the decrease in the agricultural workforce.

She introduces regenerative agriculture as a solution to enhance soil life, ensure better yields, and create sustainable farming practices.

Angela explains the essential role of microbiology in soil and how techniques like biochar and compost tea contribute to healthy plant growth.

She emphasizes the importance of creating optimal conditions for plants to thrive and the long-term investment in soil health.

Learn about practical applications of regenerative agriculture and how it can be implemented worldwide, including in arid regions like Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

EP 847 Angela Barrero - The Many Barriers to Coffee Farmer's Success - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the 2nd of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with this week's guest, Colombian Regenerative Coffee and Cacao Farmer, Angela Barrero.

In this series, Angela and podcast host Lee Safar explore the complicated question "Will We Have Coffee and Cacao in the Future?" and the equally complicated solutions.

In this episode of the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, Lee and Angela discuss the transition to regenerative agriculture on her coffee and cacao farm, the challenges faced by coffee farmers, and the importance of creating a sustainable business model.

Learn about cash crops, the critical role of knowledge in farming, and how innovative practices can lead to a thriving farming ecosystem.

This episode is part of a five-part series aimed at addressing the future of coffee farming amidst rising costs and climate change.

EP 846 Angela Barrero - Why is it Getting Harder To Grow Coffee? - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the first of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with this week's guest, Colombian Regenerative Coffee and Cacao Farmer, Angela Barrero.

In this series, Angela and podcast host Lee Safar explore the complicated question "Will We Have Coffee and Cacao in the Future?" and the equally complicated solutions.

In this first episode of the series, Lee and Angela discuss the significant challenges facing coffee and cacao farming today compared to five years ago, highlighting the impact of climate change, high mortality rates of coffee trees, and deforestation.

The episode also covers Angela's family's legacy in coffee farming and their shift towards regenerative agriculture.

Tune in to understand the risks, the history, and the future of coffee and cacao farming.

EP 845 Wayel Al Wohaibi - How to do Good Business - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the 5th of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Wayel Al Wohaibi, co-founder of Sulalat based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In this series, Map It Forward Founder, Lee Safar, and Wayel discuss the genesis of the Saudi specialty coffee market and its future.

In this final episode of a five-part series, Lee and Wayel discuss key strategies for building a successful specialty coffee business.

Wayel shares insights on the importance of not competing with your customers, offering support and financial consulting, and maintaining high standards of quality.

He highlights the challenges faced in the coffee industry, such as imitation products, and the necessity of collaborating with trusted distributors.

The episode underscores the significance of creating a holistic premium experience for consumers and not compromising on quality.

Tune in to gain valuable knowledge from Wayel's experiences and learn how to build a sustainable and respected coffee business.

EP 844 Wayel Al Wohaibi - The Future of Saudi as an Origin Country - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the 4th of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Wayel Al Wohaibi, co-founder of Sulalat based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In this series, Map It Forward Founder, Lee Safar, and Wayel discuss the genesis of the Saudi specialty coffee market and its future.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Wayel delve into the historical significance of coffee in Jazan, recent government initiatives like Vision 2030, and the challenges and potential of Saudi coffee as a burgeoning origin.

Wayel shares personal anecdotes, the importance of quality control, and comparison with Yemeni coffee.

The episode emphasizes the growth of specialty coffee in Saudi Arabia and the vision for its future on the world stage.

EP 843 Wayel Al Wohaibi - Running a Business in Saudi - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the 3rd of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Wayel Al Wohaibi, co-founder of Sulalat based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In this series, Map It Forward Founder, Lee Safar, and Wayel discuss the genesis of the Saudi specialty coffee market and its future.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Wayel delve into the unique coffee culture of Saudi Arabia.

They discuss the traditional methods of coffee preparation, the differences across the Middle Eastern region, and the impact of the specialty coffee industry.

Wayel shares personal anecdotes about his upbringing and the rituals of serving coffee, as well as insights into the specialty coffee market and Sulalat's approach to roasting and customer service.

They also talk about the entrepreneurial spirit in Saudi Arabia and the involvement of business owners in the coffee industry.

Stay tuned for the next episode where they will explore Saudi Arabia as an emerging coffee origin.

EP 842 Wayel Al Wohaibi - Discovering The Saudi Cultural Palate - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the 2nd of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Wayel Al Wohaibi, co-founder of Sulalat based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In this series, Map It Forward Founder, Lee Safar, and Wayel discuss the genesis of the Saudi specialty coffee market and its future.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Wayel discuss the Saudi specialty coffee market and the unique challenges faced in catering to different cultural palates.

Wayel shares his journey from tasting specialty coffee abroad to establishing a successful coffee brand in Saudi Arabia.

They delve into the nuances of customer preferences, the impact of coffee auctions, the role of cultural and genetic differences in flavor profiles, and the importance of creating region-specific cupping forms.

This insightful conversation also touches on the differing views of quality within the global coffee industry.

EP 841 Wayel Al Wohaibi - The Genesis Saudi Specialty Coffee - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the first of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Wayel Al Wohaibi, co-founder of Sulalat based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In this series, Map It Forward Founder, Lee Safar, and Wayel discuss the genesis of the Saudi specialty coffee market and it's future.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Wayel discuss the journey of Saudi Arabia's specialty coffee industry from its inception to its promising future.

Wayel, a retired software engineer with a deep passion for coffee, shares how his hobby turned into a significant business, navigating challenges like coffee supply, infrastructure, and meeting customer demands.

Join us for an in-depth conversation about launching a specialty coffee business in Saudi Arabia, the importance of cultural palette, and building relationships with farmers.

EP 840 Osamah Alawwam - The Opportunities Ahead In Specialty Coffee - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the 5th of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Osamah Alawwam, co-founder of The Roasting House based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In this series, Osamah and Lee explore the challenges of running a business in the Middle East.

In this final episode of the series, Lee and Osamah discuss the critical challenges and opportunities faced by the coffee industry, particularly in the Middle East.

They address the alarming forecast that coffee may disappear by 2050 due to climate change and geopolitical issues.

They speak about the significant decrease in coffee production, the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices, and the role of innovative methods like co-fermentation in improving coffee quality.

The conversation also covers initiatives in Saudi Arabia to grow resilient coffee varieties and the potential for regenerative agriculture.

Osamah shares his hopes for the future and emphasizes the importance of solving the root causes threatening coffee production.

EP 839 Osamah Alawwam - Middle Eastern Culture and Business in Coffee - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the 4th of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Osamah Alawwam, co-founder of The Roasting House based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In this series, Osamah and Lee explore the challenges of running a business in the Middle East.

In this episode of the series, Lee and Osamah discuss the cultural barriers and challenges faced by business owners in the Middle Eastern specialty coffee industry.

They cover difficulties such as initiating customer interactions across genders, the impact of cultural awareness, and the importance of owner involvement in the success of businesses.

The episode also touches upon the role of social media in the coffee industry and delves into generational business dynamics and the complexities of entrepreneurship.

EP 838 Osamah Alawwam - The Challenges of Doing Business In The Middle East - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the 3rd of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Osamah Alawwam, co-founder of The Roasting House based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In this series, Osamah and Lee explore the challenges of running a business in the Middle East.

In this episode of the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, Lee Safar and Osamah discuss the multifaceted challenges and opportunities within the Middle Eastern business ecosystems.

They explore issues like saudiization, the global financial crisis, and the impact of COVID-19 on the coffee industry.

Osamah shares insights on how the coffee business can navigate difficulties, adapt to logistical issues, and embrace local talent.

Additionally, they highlight the cultural challenges of employing locals in roles such as baristas and the immense professional growth available within the coffee industry.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics shaping the Middle Eastern coffee scene and valuable lessons on resilience and innovation.

EP 837 Osamah Alawwam - Building The Roasting House - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the 2nd of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Osamah Alawwam, co-founder of The Roasting House based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In this series, Osamah and Lee explore the challenges of running a business in the Middle East.

In this episode of the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, Lee and Osamah discuss how he built the Roasting House business with a vision to elevate coffee standards and spread specialty coffee culture.

From starting with a small shop to creating a community-driven coffee scene, Osamah shares insights on the role of education, market research, and the impact of the Saudi Vision 2030 on business development.

Join us as we explore the challenges and triumphs of establishing a successful coffee business in the Middle East.

EP 836 Osamah Alawwam - A Coffee Entrepreneur In Saudi Arabia - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the first of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Osamah Alawwam, co-founder of The Roasting House based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In this series, Osamah and Lee explore the challenges of running a business in the Middle East.

In this episode, Lee Safar introduces Osamah Alawwam from Roasting House, a significant figure in the Middle Eastern coffee industry.

Osamah shares his entrepreneurial journey, discussing how he transitioned from the corporate world to starting his own coffee business in Saudi Arabia.

He emphasizes the importance of finding the right financial and intellectual partners, and the challenges he faced in sourcing quality green beans.

The conversation also touches on the evolving business landscape in Saudi Arabia and the impact of global geopolitical events on the coffee industry.

EP 835 Mohamad Merhi - Growth In The Region During The Coffee Crisis - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the 5th of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Mohamad Merhi, founder of Cypher Urban Roasters, a company based in the UAE.

In this series, Mohamad and Lee discuss what it takes to grow a successful coffee brand in the Middle East.

In this episode, Lee and Mohamad discussion focuses on the impact of the ongoing coffee crisis on the growth of the coffee industry in the Middle East.

Topics include the challenges posed by climate change, supply chain issues, and economic instability.

The conversation also touches on the importance of transparency, sustainability, and risk management, as well as the potential for growth and innovation in the face of adversity.

Additionally, an exciting announcement is made about Map It Forward Japan, highlighting new resources for the Japanese coffee industry.

EP 834 Mohamad Merhi - Current Coffee Crisis In The Middle East - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the 4th of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Mohamad Merhi, founder of Cypher Urban Roasters, a company based in the UAE.

In this series, Mohamad and Lee discuss what it takes to grow a successful coffee brand in the Middle East.

In this episode, Lee and Mohamad discuss the significant impact of recent coffee price increases on different coffee brands in the Middle East.

Learn about the challenges faced by both mature and immature markets, the importance of direct relationships with producers, and how businesses are adjusting to price volatility.

Understand the new dynamics of the coffee market, including shifts in consumer behavior and strategy adjustments in response to the coffee crisis.

Ideal for anyone involved in or interested in the coffee industry, this episode offers critical insights and practical advice on thriving amidst market fluctuations.

EP 833 Mohamad Merhi - How To Build Your Coffee Business Right - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the 3rd of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Mohamad Merhi, founder of Cypher Urban Roasters, a company based in the UAE.

In this series, Mohamad and Lee discuss what it takes to grow a successful coffee brand in the Middle East.

In this episode, Lee and Mohamad dive into the key elements of building a successful coffee brand in the Middle East, with a focus on cultural fluency, consistency, and storytelling.

Discover the importance of maintaining brand values even during crises and how a values-driven approach can positively impact the entire value chain in the coffee industry.

Learn how Cypher Coffee Roasters exemplifies conscious capitalism and the significance of sticking to core principles for long-term success.

Don't miss out on practical insights and strategies to navigate the challenges in the coffee industry.