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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

EP 874 David Zabinsky and Valeria Garcia - Unexpected Challenges Launching in Dubai - 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 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 this episode of the podcast series, Lee, David, and Valeria delve into issues such as customs complications, merchandise delays, and the impact of the coffee crisis on the industry.

The conversation also touches upon the matcha craze, the importance of water filtration for quality coffee, and the broader implications for the coffee trade.

Don't miss this insightful discussion on the hurdles of starting a coffee business in a new market.

EP 873 David Zabinsky and Valeria Garcia - Launching the First Kurasu in Dubai - 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 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 this episode of the podcast series, Lee, David, and Valeria discuss the challenges, the unexpected viral success, and the emotional and physical toll of opening their first store.

Learn about their experience of building a dedicated team and the importance of being hands-on owners.

Join us for insights into the hard work and rewarding moments that come with bringing a beloved coffee brand to the UAE.

EP 872 David Zabinsky and Valeria Garcia - Preparing To Launch a Coffee Franchise in Dubai - 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 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 this episode of the podcast series, Lee, David and Valeria discuss the critical steps of team building, including hiring criteria focused on experience, confidence, and a genuine appreciation for the Kurasu brand.

The conversation also explores the challenges of finding the right location in a competitive market like Dubai, the unique aspects of the Dar Wasl area, and Kurasu's distinct culture of minimalistic and high-quality customer experience.

Additionally, David and Valeria share their personal experiences, fears, and inspirations in bringing Kurasu to Dubai.

For more insights and details, watch the full episode.

EP 871 David Zabinsky and Valeria Garcia - Bringing a Global Coffee Brand to Dubai - 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 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 this episode of the podcast series, Lee, Valeria, and David discuss how their admiration for the Japanese coffee brand Kurasu led to their venture of bringing it to Dubai.

From discovering Kurasu on YouTube to making the first contact with the founder Yozo Otsuki, and eventually visiting Kyoto to solidify their partnership, David and Valeria share their journey in detail.

Topics include the saturated coffee market in Dubai, the couple's background, and their steps in opening the Kurasu franchise in the UAE.

Stay tuned to learn the intricacies of navigating a new coffee business in a competitive environment.

EP 870 Reza Kosar - The Future Technology of Coffee - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 5th of a 5-part series with Reza Kosar, Co-Founder/Managing Partner of Slick Coffee Co. in Oman, on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward.

In the final episode of this podcast series, Lee and Reza explore the future of the coffee industry and impact of advancing technology on roles like baristas, Q graders, and cuppers.

They also touch on the emergence of brands like Luckin in the U.S. market and how social media could redefine coffee quality.

With insights on technology, industry trends, and business advice, this episode offers a comprehensive look at what's ahead for coffee professionals.

EP 869 Reza Kosar - The CVA Isn't Solving Problems - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 4th of a 5-part series with Reza Kosar, Co-Founder/Managing Partner of Slick Coffee Co. in Oman, on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward.

In this episode of the podcast, Lee and Reza delve into the complexities of quality assessment in the coffee industry.

They critically analyze the new Coffee Value Assessment (CVA) and its impact on the industry, questioning whether it resolves issues relating to centralized power, inequality, and the focus on the consumer side over producers.

The conversation also touches on sensory science, the disparity in pay within the coffee supply chain, and the challenges posed by dynamic perceptions of quality.

Tune in to explore these pressing issues and their implications for coffee producers and industry professionals.

EP 868 Reza Kosar - Coffee Competition and Coffee Quality - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 3rd of a 5-part series with Reza Kosar, Co-Founder/Managing Partner of Slick Coffee Co. in Oman, on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward.

In this series, host Lee Safar and Reza (originally from Iran) explore what quality is in coffee.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Reza discuss the intricacies and impact of coffee competitions on the industry.

They delve into how these competitions influence perceptions of quality, the limitations and challenges they introduce, and the bias that can occur during judging.

The conversation also touches on the broader implications for baristas, the significance of these events within the industry, and why some professionals dedicate their resources to competitions.

Additionally, the episode explores the controversial aspects surrounding the business side of these competitions and their actual benefit to the coffee community.

Join us for an insightful discussion about the dynamic world of coffee competitions.

EP 867 Reza Kosar - Defining Quality in the Coffee Industry - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 2nd of a 5-part series with Reza Kosar, Co-Founder/Managing Partner of Slick Coffee Co. in Oman, on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward.

In this series, host Lee Safar and Reza (originally from Iran) explore what quality is in coffee.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Reza explore the complex topic of defining quality in the coffee industry.

The discussion delves into the various perspectives scientific, philosophical, and psychological on what constitutes quality.

Reza shares insights on the struggles at Origin, the importance of recognizing the broader context of quality, and how cultural and personal biases come into play.

They also touch on the necessity of multiple quality systems for different stakeholders in the coffee supply chain.

Don't miss this compelling conversation as they unpack the intricate layers of quality in coffee.

EP 866 Reza Kosar - The Tools That Assess Coffee's Quality - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the first of a 5-part series with Reza Kosar, Co-Founder/Managing Partner of Slick Coffee Co. in Oman, on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward.

In this series, host Lee Safar and Reza (originally from Iran) explore what quality is in coffee.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Reza delve into the topic of quality in the coffee industry.

In this episode, they discuss the various tools and methodologies used to assess coffee quality, from physical attributes to sensory evaluations.

They also explore the subjective nature of quality and the challenges faced by coffee professionals in different regions.

Learn about the importance of education and the role of human perception in defining coffee quality.

EP 865 Saeed Al Blooshi - Trends in UAE Cafes - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the 5th 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 final episode of the podcast series, Lee Safar and Saeed discuss the impact of trends on the coffee industry in the UAE, highlighting how social media-driven trends like hot chocolate, matcha, and Labubu toys can significantly boost business.

Saeed shares insights on the challenges and opportunities in the evolving coffee market, and they explore future trends like infused coffees and cold brew.

Subscribe to the podcast to hear inspiring stories from values-driven entrepreneurs in the Middle East.

EP 864 Saeed Al Blooshi - Owners and Staff in the UAE - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast

This is the 4th 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 disconnect between coffee shop owners and their staff in the UAE.

Saeed shares stories about successful staff development, including the inspiring journey of Jerry from cleaner to barista.

They also touch upon the importance of communication, vision, and investment in employee growth.

Additionally, they discuss the unique staffing and cultural challenges in the UAE coffee industry and how fostering a good team culture can transform a business.

The episode wraps up with a sneak peek into the final episode of this series, focusing on the role of trends in the coffee industry.

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