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

In this series, which first aired on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast in June 2025, Host Lee Safar, Kim, and Matt discuss the journey of the specialty coffee shop that started it all 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.

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

In this series, which first aired on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast in June 2025, Host Lee Safar, Kim, and Matt discuss the journey of the specialty coffee shop that started it all in the Middle East - RAW Coffee Company.

In this episode of the 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.

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

In this series, which first aired on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast in June 2025, Host Lee Safar, Kim, and Matt discuss the journey of the specialty coffee shop that started it all in the Middle East - RAW Coffee Company.

In this episode of the 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.

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This is the 2nd of a 5-part series with Kim Thompson and Matt Toogood from RAW Coffee Company in Dubai on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward.

In this series, which first aired on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast in June 2025, Host Lee Safar, Kim, and Matt discuss the journey of the specialty coffee shop that started it all in the Middle East - RAW Coffee Company.

In this episode, they discuss the crucial role that relationships play in the specialty coffee industry. From direct trade with producers to community building in Dubai, discover how Raw Coffee Company navigates business challenges and prioritizes integrity and sustainability over trade shows.

Learn about their personal journeys, the value of business mentorship, and the evolving coffee scene in the Middle East.

Whether you're a new or seasoned coffee business owner, this episode offers invaluable insights into building enduring, trust-based relationships in the industry.

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This is the first of a 5-part series with Kim Thompson and Matt Toogood from RAW Coffee Company in Dubai on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward.

In this series, which first aired on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast in June 2025, Host Lee Safar, Kim, and Matt discuss the journey of the specialty coffee shop that started it all in the Middle East - RAW Coffee Company.

In this episode of the podcast, Lee welcomes Kim and Matt from RAW Coffee Company to discuss the myths and realities of building a successful coffee business in the UAE.

The founders share their journey from New Zealanders to establishing RAW as a sustainable, Emirati business.

They debunk common myths about their funding, specialty coffee status, and relationships within the industry.

The episode sheds light on RAW's commitment to quality, community, and values-driven business practices. Tune in to gain insights into the challenges and triumphs of the specialty coffee industry in the Middle East.

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