Posts tagged Lee Safar
EP 861 Saeed Al Blooshi - Changes in the UAE Coffee Industry - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the first of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with Saeed Al Blooshi, the Emirati founder of El Matador Coffee Roasters and Lama Cafe, based in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

In this series, host Lee Safar and Saeed explore the insights of what it is to build a coffee business in the UAE.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Saeed discuss the evolution of the coffee industry in the UAE, emphasizing the shift from commercial to specialty coffee cultures, the rise of local roasters, and the increasing consumer knowledge and expectations.

Saeed shares his journey, from starting with a small coffee roasting setup to operating successful cafes and a roastery.

They also set the stage for future episodes in the series by hinting at upcoming discussions on the coffee crisis in the UAE.

Join us for an insightful look into the craft of coffee and the challenges of building a coffee business in the UAE.

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EP 860 Isabela Raposeiras - The Sins of the Past for Brazilian 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 25-year coffee industry veteran Isabela Raposeiras from Coffee Lab in Brazil.

This series first aired on the Map It Forward Global Podcast in June 2025.

In this final episode of the series, Lee concludes an enlightening conversation with Isabela from Coffee Lab in Brazil.

They delve into the historical and ongoing issues of colonization and exploitation in the coffee industry, the significance of the Q grading system, and the importance of quality in ethical coffee production.

Isabela shares her personal journey and insights as a barista and Q grader, emphasizing the need for fair compensation for producers.

The episode wraps up with a discussion on the future of coffee quality metrics and a heartfelt closing message from Isabela.

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EP 859 Isabela Raposeiras - Converting Brazilians to Specialty Coffee Drinkers - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This episode is brought to you by Raw Beverage Trading - Your hospitality supply chain partner. Connect at sale@rawcoffee.ae

This is the 4th of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with 25-year coffee industry veteran Isabela Raposeiras from Coffee Lab in Brazil.

This series first aired on the Map It Forward Global Podcast in June 2025.

In this series, Lee and Isabela explore the lesser-discussed aspects of Brazil as a coffee-producing country.

In this episode of the podcast, Lee and Isabela discuss the current state and future of the Brazilian coffee market.

They explore topics like the health benefits of coffee, the need for increased investment in Brazil’s coffee industry, the challenges in converting Brazilian consumers to specialty coffee, and the impact of Brazil's taxing policies on coffee businesses. Isabela also shares her insights into how associations like the SCA can better support the industry and the critical need for coffee education.

Additionally, the episode covers the importance of setting clear quality standards and the broader implications for the global coffee supply chain.

Don't miss this insightful conversation that touches on everything from business strategy to the social impacts of coffee production.

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EP 858 Isabela Raposeiras - The Role Of Specialty Coffee In Brazil - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the 3rd of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with 25-year coffee industry veteran Isabela Raposeiras from Coffee Lab in Brazil.

This series first aired on the Map It Forward Global Podcast in June 2025.

In this series, Lee and Isabela explore the lesser-discussed aspects of Brazil as a coffee-producing country.

In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Isabela discuss the significance of specialty coffee to the Brazilian economy, environment, and social well-being.

They discuss the need for consumer education, the challenges in shifting from staple to high-quality coffee, and the economic dynamics within the coffee industry.

Isabela provides insights into how specialty coffee is viewed in Brazil, both from producing and consuming perspectives, and emphasizes the importance of fostering relationships and educating consumers to drive the specialty coffee movement forward.

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EP 857 Isabela Raposeiras - Brazil's Specialty Coffee Market - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the 2nd of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with 25-year coffee industry veteran Isabela Raposeiras from Coffee Lab in Brazil.

This series first aired on the Map It Forward Global Podcast in June 2025.

In this series, Lee and Isabela explore the lesser-discussed aspects of Brazil as a coffee-producing country.

In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Isabela discuss the intricacies of Brazil's internal specialty coffee market, sharing stories about the challenges and successes of building fair and sustainable trade relationships with coffee producers.

Isabela talks about how paying fair prices and establishing long-term trust can positively impact producers and the coffee ecosystem.

The episode also sheds light on the importance of specialty coffee for Brazil's economy, the environment, and the social dignity of Brazilian coffee farmers.

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EP 856 Isabela Raposeiras - Misconceptions About Brazil's Coffee Industry - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the first of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with 25-year coffee industry veteran Isabela Raposeiras from Coffee Lab in Brazil.

This series first aired on the Map It Forward Global Podcast in June 2025.

In this series, Lee and Isabela explore the lesser-discussed aspects of Brazil as a coffee-producing country.

In this episode of the podcast, Lee and Isabela explore insights on the complexities of the Brazilian coffee industry.

Isabela sheds light on misconceptions about Brazil as an origin country, the challenges faced by small coffee producers, and the importance of cupping and quality to make better decisions.

The discussion also touches on the exploitation of producers by traders and cooperatives, and how Isabela's journey in the coffee world began.

A must-watch for anyone wanting to delve deeper into the realities of coffee production in Brazil.

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EP 855 Yozo Otsuki - Expanding Kurasu Globally - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the 5th 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 final episode of a five-part series, Lee and Yozo deep dive into the significance of maintaining integrity and values while expanding a global brand.

Yozo shares insights on the holistic approach that drives Kurasu, emphasizing customer experience, partner relationships, and the importance of staying true to one's core values.

They discuss the challenges and considerations of global growth, the impact of franchise models, and the complexities of integrating investors.

The episode concludes with reflections on past journeys and advice to future selves, encapsulating the essence of intentional business growth in the specialty coffee industry.

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EP 854 Yozo Otsuki - Growing Kurasu Beyond Homewares - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the 4th 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 discuss the intricacies of building, growing, and expanding a Japanese coffee brand while striking the right balance between expansion and maintaining a conscious supply chain.

Yozo shares insights on the franchise model, how Kurasu compares to % Arabica, and the importance of transparency and intention in the coffee business.

Additionally, the episode announces the launch of Map It Forward Japan, which aims to bring new perspectives to the Japanese coffee industry.

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EP 853 Yozo Otsuki - Building a Coffee Concept - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the 3rd 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 episode three of this series, Lee and Yozo discuss the importance of building a strong brand before expanding globally.

Discover how Kurasu started with coffee equipment and home brewing education, their focus on merging Japanese and international perspectives, and the complexities of the coffee industry.

Yozo shares his vision for sustainable growth and the unique challenges faced by Japanese roasters.

Stay tuned for more insights on building and growing a successful coffee brand.

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