EP 1495 Samo Smrke - Innovation at Coffee Competitions - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 5th episode of this 5-part podcast series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar and guest Samo Smrke.

Samo is a Coffee Scientist and acting department head at the Coffee Excellence Centre at Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW).

In this series, we're exploring the question, "What is real innovation in coffee?"

In this final episode of the podcast series, Lee and Samo explore controversial topics in the coffee industry including the role of coffee competitions in driving innovation, co-fermented and infused coffees, and the ethical implications of flavored coffees.

The discussion covers the impact of consumer behavior on coffee trends, the potential risks associated with non-disclosed ingredients, and the importance of transparency in the industry.

EP 1494 Samo Smrke - Real Coffee Innovation Versus Marketing Hype - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 4th episode of this 5-part podcast series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar and guest Samo Smrke.

Samo is a Coffee Scientist and acting department head at the Coffee Excellence Centre at Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW).

In this series, we're exploring the question, "What is real innovation in coffee?"

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Samo delve into what constitutes real innovation in the coffee industry.

The discussion covers the evolution of coffee technology, particularly grinders and espresso machines, the influence of the home coffee market, and the potential future of alternative coffees.

They explore whether current technologies truly represent revolutionary innovation or if they are merely incremental improvements marketed under the guise of novelty.

Join us for a fascinating deep dive into the trends and innovations shaping the coffee world.

EP 1493 Samo Smrke - Mainstream Coffee Innovation vs Specialty - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 3rd episode of this 5-part podcast series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar and guest Samo Smrke.

Samo is a Coffee Scientist and acting department head at the Coffee Excellence Centre at Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW).

In this series, we're exploring the question, "What is real innovation in coffee?"

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Samo delve into the genetic homogeneity of Arabica varieties and their vulnerability to diseases and climate change.

Lee and Samo explore potential solutions through scientific innovations and hybrid breeding to enhance plant resilience while maintaining quality.

They also touch upon the economic and social factors impacting coffee farming, the role of corporate interests, and the importance of supporting sustainable practices.

Tune in to understand the future risks and innovations in the coffee industry.

EP 1492 Samo Smrke - What is Real Innovation in Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 2nd episode of this 5-part podcast series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar and guest Samo Smrke.

Samo is a Coffee Scientist and acting department head at the Coffee Excellence Centre at Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW).

In this series, we're exploring the question, "What is real innovation in coffee?"

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Samo delve into the complexities of defining 'good coffee' through the lens of science.

They discuss the impact of influencer marketing, the disappearance of independent testing, and the differences between commercial and specialty coffee industries.

The conversation also touches on the role of social media, the challenges of innovation in the coffee industry, and the importance of a scientific approach to product testing and development.

EP 1491 Samo Smrke - Good Coffee Science Versus Bad - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the first episode of this 5-part podcast series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar and guest Samo Smrke.

Samo is a Coffee Scientist and acting department head at the Coffee Excellence Centre at Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW).

In this series, we're exploring the question, "What is real innovation in coffee?"

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Samo deep dive into the complexities of good and bad science in the coffee industry.

They discuss the importance of proper interpretation of scientific results, the challenges of managing variables in coffee production, and the difference between correlation and causation.

Additionally, the episode highlights the role of research in driving innovation and quality control in both specialty and commercial coffee sectors.

Tune in to understand why true scientific rigor is crucial in the evolving world of coffee.

EP 1490 Saeed Al Blooshi - Trends in UAE Cafes - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 5th of a five-part series on the Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Saeed Al Blooshi, the Emirati founder of El Matador Coffee Roasters and Lama Cafe, based in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

This series first aired on the Map It Forward Middle podcast.

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.

The Daily Coffee ProLee Safar21 November 2025the daily coffee pro, Lee Safar, Arkena Coffee Market, saeed al blooshiComment

EP 1489 Saeed Al Blooshi - Owners and Staff in the UAE - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 4th of a five-part series on the Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Saeed Al Blooshi, the Emirati founder of El Matador Coffee Roasters and Lama Cafe, based in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

This series first aired on the Map It Forward Middle podcast.

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.

The Daily Coffee ProLee Safar20 November 2025the daily coffee pro, Lee Safar, Arkena Coffee Market, saeed al blooshiComment

EP 1488 Saeed Al Blooshi - Business Owners and the Coffee Supply Chain - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 3rd of a five-part series on the Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Saeed Al Blooshi, the Emirati founder of El Matador Coffee Roasters and Lama Cafe, based in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

This series first aired on the Map It Forward Middle podcast.

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 challenges faced by cafe owners in the UAE's coffee industry.

They explore the lack of involvement from owners in their businesses, issues arising from poor supply chain understanding, and the impact of inconsistent sourcing decisions.

The episode highlights the importance of understanding the coffee supply chain, building strong relationships with suppliers, and involving staff in the business for long-term success.

Tune in to learn more about the complexities of managing a coffee business in the UAE.

The Daily Coffee ProLee Safar19 November 2025the daily coffee pro, Lee Safar, Arkena Coffee Market, saeed al blooshiComment

EP 1487 Saeed Al Blooshi - The UAE and the Coffee Crisis - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 2nd of a five-part series on the Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Saeed Al Blooshi, the Emirati founder of El Matador Coffee Roasters and Lama Cafe, based in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

This series first aired on the Map It Forward Middle podcast.

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 coffee crisis in the UAE.

They explore the booming demand for quality coffee and the intense competition in the market.

Saeed shares insights on starting and growing a coffee business, the importance of clear identity and long-term vision, and the challenges around staffing and green coffee supply.

The Daily Coffee ProLee Safar18 November 2025the daily coffee pro, Lee Safar, Arkena Coffee Market, saeed al blooshiComment

EP 1486 Saeed Al Blooshi - Changes in the UAE Coffee Industry - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

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

This series first aired on the Map It Forward Middle podcast.

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.

The Daily Coffee ProLee Safar17 November 2025the daily coffee pro, Lee Safar, Arkena Coffee Market, saeed al blooshiComment

EP 1485 Susie Spindler - The Challenges ahead for CoE - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 5th episode of a 5-part podcast series with Susie Spindler on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, hosted by Lee Safar.

Susie is the co-founder of Cup of Excellence (CoE) and the founder of Alliance for Coffee Excellence (ACE).

The focus of this podcast series is the impact that CoE has had on the coffee industry since its establishment.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Susie discuss the various challenges faced by the Cup of Excellence program and the coffee industry.

They delve into issues like innovation in coffee processing, maintaining coffee quality, logistical problems, and the impact of tariffs.

They also highlight the importance of industry support and membership for sustaining and growing the program.

Learn about the complexities and mission of Cup of Excellence, and the pivotal role it plays in the specialty coffee industry.

The Daily Coffee ProLee Safar14 November 2025the daily coffee pro, Lee Safar, Arkena Coffee MarketComment

EP 1484 Susie Spindler - CoE with the Supply Chain - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 4th episode of a 5-part podcast series with Susie Spindler on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, hosted by Lee Safar.

Susie is the co-founder of Cup of Excellence (CoE) and the founder of Alliance for Coffee Excellence (ACE).

The focus of this podcast series is the impact that CoE has had on the coffee industry since its establishment.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Susie discuss George Howell's experience with discovering an exceptional coffee in Peru and the broader challenges faced in the coffee industry, including the complexities in connecting extraordinary coffees with consumers.

They explore the historical and current obstacles faced by both coffee farmers and buyers. The conversation highlights the importance of infrastructure, politics, and consistent quality in transforming the coffee industry.

The Daily Coffee ProLee Safar13 November 2025the daily coffee pro, Lee Safar, Arkena Coffee MarketComment

EP 1483 Susie Spindler - The Role of Buyers with CoE - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 3rd episode of a 5-part podcast series with Susie Spindler on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, hosted by Lee Safar.

Susie is the co-founder of Cup of Excellence (CoE) and the founder of Alliance for Coffee Excellence (ACE).

The focus of this podcast series is the impact that CoE has had on the coffee industry since its establishment.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Susie discuss the significant impact CoE has had on the coffee industry, particularly for coffee roasters.

They discuss how rewarding farmers for high-quality coffee leads to a better consumer experience and loyal customers.

The episode also highlights the importance of roasters telling the story behind the coffee, fostering genuine connections within the supply chain, and the role of CoE in advancing specialty coffee and bringing people together.

Tune in for an insightful conversation about how CoE has shaped the coffee landscape over the decades.

The Daily Coffee ProLee Safar12 November 2025the daily coffee pro, Lee Safar, Arkena Coffee MarketComment

EP 1482 Susie Spindler - Cup of Excellence's Impact at Origin - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 2nd episode of a 5-part podcast series with Susie Spindler on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, hosted by Lee Safar.

Susie is the co-founder of Cup of Excellence (CoE) and the founder of Alliance for Coffee Excellence (ACE).

The focus of this podcast series is the impact that CoE has had on the coffee industry since its establishment.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee talks with Susie about the significant impact the Cup of Excellence has had on coffee farmers at origin.

They discuss the transition from blended coffees to recognizing high-quality individual lots, how CoE competitions lead to increased premiums and long-term relationships between farmers and roasters, and the indirect benefits that have revolutionized local coffee industries.

They also touch on CoE's rigorous, blind-judged process and the inner workings of national and international juries.

Learn more about how innovative practices in farming are rewarded and how CoE has contributed to substantial economic development in coffee-producing regions.

The Daily Coffee ProLee Safar11 November 2025the daily coffee pro, Lee Safar, Arkena Coffee MarketComment

EP 1481 Susie Spindler - Forming Cup of Excellence - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the first episode of a 5-part podcast series with Susie Spindler on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, hosted by Lee Safar.

Susie is the co-founder of Cup of Excellence (CoE) and the founder of Alliance for Coffee Excellence (ACE).

The focus of this podcast series is the impact that CoE has had on the coffee industry since its establishment.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Susie discuss the CoE program's inception and its transformative impact on the specialty coffee industry.

Susie shares fascinating insights into the early days of CoE, including the initial competitions, challenges overcome, and how the platform helped discover unknown high-quality coffees.

The conversation also delves into how CoE fostered transparency and direct trade between coffee farmers and global roasters, offering unprecedented recognition and premiums to small-scale farmers.

The Daily Coffee ProLee Safar10 November 2025the daily coffee pro, Lee Safar, Arkena Coffee MarketComment

EP 1480 George Howell and Tim Wendelboe - The Future of Coffee, Roasteries, and Cafes - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 5th episode of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar and series guests, George Howell and Tim Wendelboe.

George Howell is a 50-year legend in the coffee industry and the founder of George Howell Coffee and Coffee Connection. George is based in Boston, USA.

Tim Wendelboe is a 20+ year industry legend, coffee farmer, world barista champion, and founder of Tim Wendelboe Coffee. Tim is based in Oslo, Norway.

In this series, Lee, George, and Tim explore a number of subjects, including the WBC, understanding the impact of the climate crisis on the coffee value chain, the coffee crisis, and whether Chemex makes the best coffee.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee wraps up a captivating series with Marianella as they delve into the challenges of coffee market volatility from the perspective of small holder producers, the impact of middlemen and low-priced future contracts, and the struggles and hopes of co-ops and farmers seeking just relationships through direct trade.

The discussion highlights the emergence of new direct trade models, geopolitical shifts in coffee trading, and the vital connections between small farmers and roasters.

Marianella also shares the inspiring success of the Coffee Camp and encourages collaboration for a thriving coffee community.

Learn more about sustainable, ethical coffee practices and how you can support these efforts.

EP 1479 George Howell and Tim Wendelboe - Causes of Instability in Coffee Today - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 4th episode of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar and series guests, George Howell and Tim Wendelboe.

George Howell is a 50-year legend in the coffee industry and the founder of George Howell Coffee and Coffee Connection. George is based in Boston, USA.

Tim Wendelboe is a 20+ year industry legend, coffee farmer, world barista champion, and founder of Tim Wendelboe Coffee. Tim is based in Oslo, Norway.

In this series, Lee, George, and Tim explore a number of subjects, including the WBC, understanding the impact of the climate crisis on the coffee value chain, the coffee crisis, and whether Chemex makes the best coffee.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee, George, and Tim discuss the various forces impacting the coffee value chain beyond climate change.

They explore trends such as the shift from agricultural to manufactured coffee products, the importance of black coffee, and labeling strategies.

The conversation delves into the complexities of the coffee crisis, defining quality in coffee, and the challenges faced by new coffee businesses in today’s market.

They also touch upon the roles of flavored coffees, the concept of specialty coffee, and the influence of market forces like inflation and the rise of matcha in cafes.

EP 1478 George Howell and Tim Wendelboe - Coffee Communities and the Climate Crisis - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 3rd episode of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar and series guests, George Howell and Tim Wendelboe.

George Howell is a 50-year legend in the coffee industry and the founder of George Howell Coffee and Coffee Connection. George is based in Boston, USA.

Tim Wendelboe is a 20+ year industry legend, coffee farmer, world barista champion, and founder of Tim Wendelboe Coffee. Tim is based in Oslo, Norway.

In this series, Lee, George, and Tim explore a number of subjects, including the WBC, understanding the impact of the climate crisis on the coffee value chain, the coffee crisis, and whether Chemex makes the best coffee.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee, George, and Tim to discuss how climate change is affecting coffee farming communities.

They delve into challenges such as labor shortages, the impact on coffee quality, and the need for sustainable and resilient farming practices.

The conversation highlights specific experiences from Kenya, Guatemala, and Colombia, emphasizing the importance of community-driven approaches to farming sustainability.

Additionally, they discuss the evolving landscape of the global coffee industry and what the future holds.

Join us for a detailed insight into these pressing issues.

EP 1477 George Howell and Tim Wendelboe - Impact of Climate on Coffee Harvests - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 2nd episode of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar and series guests, George Howell and Tim Wendelboe.

George Howell is a 50-year legend in the coffee industry and the founder of George Howell Coffee and Coffee Connection. George is based in Boston, USA.

Tim Wendelboe is a 20+ year industry legend, coffee farmer, world barista champion, and founder of Tim Wendelboe Coffee. Tim is based in Oslo, Norway.

In this episode of the podcast series, we continue the insightful discussion with George and Tim about the profound impact of the climate crisis on coffee value chains.

Tim shares firsthand experiences of the adverse effects on coffee harvests, ranging from disease pressure to unpredictable weather patterns.

George and Lee highlight the urgency for innovative solutions, including regenerative farming and the potential role of technology.

Additionally, the episode delves into the future of coffee farming and the crucial need for adaptation to ensure sustainability.

Tune in to explore how the coffee industry can navigate these pressing challenges leading up to 2026 and beyond.

EP 1476 George Howell and Tim Wendelboe - The WBC, The Climate Crisis, and Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the first episode of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar and series guests, George Howell and Tim Wendelboe.

George Howell is a 50-year legend in the coffee industry and the founder of George Howell Coffee and Coffee Connection. George is based in Boston, USA.

Tim Wendelboe is a 20+ year industry legend, coffee farmer, world barista champion, and founder of Tim Wendelboe Coffee. Tim is based in Oslo, Norway.

In this series, Lee, George, and Tim explore a number of subjects, including the WBC, understanding the impact of the climate crisis on the coffee value chain, the coffee crisis, and whether Chemex makes the best coffee.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee, George, and Tim delve into the critical issue of climate change and its impact on the coffee industry.

The discussion spans from historical farming practices to current challenges at the origin, and the evolving role of barista competitions.

The conversation emphasizes the urgency for sustainable farming methods and the need for strategic industry shifts to counteract the adverse effects of climate change.

Tune in for a comprehensive exploration of how climate variability is reshaping coffee cultivation and the broader value chain.

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