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.

EP 832 Mohamad Merhi - What We're Getting Wrong Building Coffee Brands - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the 2nd 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, they discuss the nuances of building a successful coffee brand in the Middle East.

Among the key topics are the uniqueness of the region's diverse consumer behaviors and regulatory frameworks, the importance of authenticity and community connection, and the pitfalls brands face when importing Western business models without customization.

They also touch upon the collaboration versus competition debate and the significant role of trust and relationships in business success.

Contact sales@rawcoffee.ae for partnerships and check the show notes for more details.

EP 831 Mohamad Merhi - Middle East Coffee Brands Are Innovating - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the first 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 the first episode of the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast series, host Lee and Mohamad discuss the evolution and identity of coffee culture in the Middle East, the diverse approaches to branding in the region, and how brands like Cypher can communicate a unique story that resonates with local and global audiences.

Mohamad shares his personal journey from a finance career to building a unique coffee brand influenced by his Palestinian roots, his experiences in Montreal, and a passion for coffee.

They also touch on how different markets within the Middle East have varying preferences and the importance of respecting local culture while introducing new ideas.

EP 830 Kim Thompson and Matt Toogood - How To Remain Relevant In Coffee - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the 5th of a 5-part series with Kim Thompson and Matt Toogood from RAW Coffee Company in Dubai on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast.

In this series, Lee, Kim, and Matt discuss the journey of the specialty coffee shop that started it all here in the Middle East - RAW Coffee Company.

In this final episode of our five-part series with Kim and Matt from Raw Coffee Company, Lee delves into how Raw Coffee Company has evolved from a specialty coffee shop to a multifaceted business entity, particularly focusing on their successful venture into Raw Beverage Trading.

The conversation explores their strategies for remaining relevant in an ever-changing market, the importance of maintaining ethics and relationships, and the burgeoning role of matcha in the beverage industry.

The discussion also touches on the broader coffee crisis, the impact of global supply chain issues, and shifts observed in the Middle Eastern market.

Tune in for insights on sustainability, growth, and the balance between innovation and tradition in the coffee industry.

EP 829 Kim Thompson and Matt Toogood - Coffee Business Is Complex - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the 4th of a 5-part series with Kim Thompson and Matt Toogood from RAW Coffee Company in Dubai on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast.

In this series, Lee, Kim, and Matt discuss the journey of the specialty coffee shop that started it all here in the Middle East - RAW Coffee Company.

In this episode of the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, Lee talks with Kim and Matt from Raw Coffee Company about the true cost of coffee production and the challenges of running a profitable café.

They discuss the importance of understanding fully loaded costs, the stark difference between aesthetics and profitability in café design, and the reality of operating a successful coffee business in Dubai and the broader Middle East.

Additionally, the conversation touches on the business models prevalent in the UAE, the significance of owner involvement, and the impact of meticulous detail in operations.

This episode offers valuable insights for anyone involved in the coffee industry or looking to understand it better.

EP 828 Kim Thompson and Matt Toogood - The Reality of the Dubai Coffee Scene - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the 3rd of a 5-part series with Kim Thompson and Matt Toogood from RAW Coffee Company in Dubai on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast.

In this series, Lee, Kim, and Matt discuss the journey of the specialty coffee shop that started it all here in the Middle East - RAW Coffee Company.

In this episode of the Map It Forward Middle East podcast, Lee, Kim, and Matt discuss the true challenges faced by specialty coffee shops in Dubai.

The conversation highlights the financial pressures of operating in the city, from high air conditioning costs to expensive sewage removal, and the unique obstacles such as a nine-month business season due to extreme heat and Ramadan.

The episode also addresses common misconceptions about Dubai's coffee scene, emphasizing the importance of business fundamentals over mere brand building.

Tune in for an eye-opening discussion on what it really takes to run a successful coffee business in one of the world's most dynamic cities.