Posts by Lee Safar
EP 1400 Kelvin Ngow - Carbon and the Future the Coffee Industry - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

This is the 5th of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Malaysian-based 27-year coffee industry veteran Kelvin Ngow from Coffex Coffee and Mono Origine.

In this series, Map It Forward founder and podcast host Lee Safar explores how Kelvin is going about reducing the carbon footprint of his businesses in coffee and why this is imperative to the survival of his brands.

In this final episode of the series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast, Lee and Kelvin discuss innovative strategies for reducing the carbon footprint in the coffee industry, the impact of sustainability, and the role of technology like IoT and AI in their operations.

Kelvin shares insights into the challenges and benefits of transitioning to sustainable practices, hiring policies aimed at aligning values, and the potential future contributions of Gen Z and beyond.

The episode offers a hopeful vision for a more sustainable coffee industry.

Read More
EP 1399 Kelvin Ngow - The Cost of Sustainability in Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

This is the 4th of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Malaysian-based 27-year coffee industry veteran Kelvin Ngow from Coffex Coffee and Mono Origine.

In this series, Map It Forward founder and podcast host Lee Safar explores how Kelvin is going about reducing the carbon footprint of his businesses in coffee and why this is imperative to the survival of his brands.

In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Kelvin explore the impact of climate change on coffee farming, the need for ethical sourcing, and the economic pressures on farmers.

They also delve into the challenges of maintaining quality while competing on price and the moral responsibility of supporting sustainable practices.

Join the conversation on how we can reduce the carbon footprint of coffee and ensure the industry's future.

Read More
EP 1398 Kelvin Ngow - Reducing Carbon Emissions in Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

This is the 3rd of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Malaysian-based 27-year coffee industry veteran Kelvin Ngow from Coffex Coffee and Mono Origine.

In this series, Map It Forward founder and podcast host Lee Safar explores how Kelvin is going about reducing the carbon footprint of his businesses in coffee and why this is imperative to the survival of his brands.

In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Kelvin Ngow discuss various strategies for reducing the carbon footprint in the coffee industry.

Kelvin emphasizes the importance of data collection to establish a baseline for emissions, the use of renewable energy like solar panels, and the consolidation of coffee shipments to reduce carbon emissions.

He also highlights the benefits of working with farmers who use sustainable practices. Kelvin shares insights into the challenges of the coffee supply chain, including the rise in coffee-related theft and the significance of building strong relationships with partners.

Join us to learn about leadership in sustainability and practical ways to make the coffee industry more environmentally friendly.

Read More
EP 1397 Kelvin Ngow - The Longevity of Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

This is the 2nd of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Malaysian-based 27-year coffee industry veteran Kelvin Ngow from Coffex Coffee and Mono Origine.

In this series, Map It Forward founder and podcast host Lee Safar explores how Kelvin is going about reducing the carbon footprint of his businesses in coffee and why this is imperative to the survival of his brands.

In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Kelvin explore the critical issue of reducing the carbon footprint in the coffee industry.

Kelvin shares insights from his experiences and studies, highlighting the immediate threats posed by climate change, such as increased temperatures and droughts, particularly in Brazil.

He emphasizes the importance of accessing real-time information from the ground to make quicker, more accurate decisions.

Kelvin also discusses the impact of human industrialization on climate and suggests practical steps businesses and individuals can take to reduce their carbon footprint.

Read More
EP 1396 Kelvin Ngow - Trajectory for the Sustainability of Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

This is the first of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Malaysian-based 27-year coffee industry veteran Kelvin Ngow from Coffex Coffee and Mono Origine.

In this series, Map It Forward founder and podcast host Lee Safar explores how Kelvin is going about reducing the carbon footprint of his businesses in coffee and why this is imperative to the survival of his brands.

In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Kelvin shares his journey of transitioning to a more sustainable coffee business model after attending an impactful agroforestry seminar by Felipe Croce at FAF Coffees.

The discussion covers the early days of Kelvin's coffee career, his experiences in the Malaysian specialty coffee scene, and his efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of coffee.

Kelvin also talks about the importance of intentionality in building a brand and reveals the story and values behind Mono Origine.

Tune in to hear how Kelvin's involvement in sustainable practices aims to create lasting change in the coffee industry.

Read More
EP 1395 George Howell - Coffee Varietals and The Coffee Industry - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

This is the 5th of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Boston-based 50-year coffee industry legend and CoE Co-Founder, George Howell from George Howell Coffee and The Coffee Connection.

This series is the 2025 edition of our annual series, "The Coffee Industry According to George Howell," where we explore various aspects of the industry from the perspective of one of the founders of the specialty coffee movement.

In this engaging and insightful episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, with more than 50 years of experience in the coffee industry, George shares his reflections on the future of coffee varietals, sustainability in farming, and the ongoing challenges facing the coffee industry.

This episode also explores the evolution of coffee roasting, the impact of tariffs on the coffee market, and the importance of sharing and collaboration within the coffee community.

Tune in to hear George's passion for coffee and his hopes for the industry's future.

Don't miss an episode laden with wisdom, especially for those invested in specialty coffee and industry trends.

Read More
EP 1394 George Howell - The Role of Regenerative Agriculture in Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

This is the 4th of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Boston-based 50-year coffee industry legend and CoE Co-Founder, George Howell from George Howell Coffee and The Coffee Connection.

This series is the 2025 edition of our annual series, "The Coffee Industry According to George Howell," where we explore various aspects of the industry from the perspective of one of the founders of the specialty coffee movement.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and George engage in a deep conversation about regenerative agriculture's role in the future of coffee farming.

They discuss the challenges farmers face, including climate change, labor shortages, and the fear of failure in adopting new agricultural methods.

The conversation also highlights the importance of quality in regenerative coffee and the potential impact of advanced technologies like drones and robotics in coffee farming.

Additionally, they touch upon the consumer's perspective on regenerative coffee and what it means for the coffee industry.

Tune in to learn about the dynamic changes shaping coffee farming and the importance of sustainable practices.

Read More
EP 1393 George Howell - Passing on Price Increases to Customers - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

This is the 3rd of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Boston-based 50-year coffee industry legend and CoE Co-Founder, George Howell from George Howell Coffee and The Coffee Connection.

This series is the 2025 edition of our annual series, "The Coffee Industry According to George Howell," where we explore various aspects of the industry from the perspective of one of the founders of the specialty coffee movement.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and George discuss the impact of rising coffee prices on the industry and whether these increases should be passed on to consumers.

George shares insights from his experiences dating back to 1975, including how the black frost in Brazil affected coffee prices and the subsequent impact on his business, Coffee Connection.

He details the challenges faced by small cafes and roasters in balancing quality and price, as well as the evolving landscape of specialty coffee.

As part of a five-part series, this episode also touches on the broader implications for the future of coffee prices and quality.

Stay tuned for the next episode where they will delve into the role of regenerative agriculture in coffee.

Read More
EP 1392 George Howell - Should Coffee Be Priced Differently? - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

This is the 2nd of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Boston-based 50-year coffee industry legend and CoE Co-Founder, George Howell from George Howell Coffee and The Coffee Connection.

This series is the 2025 edition of our annual series, "The Coffee Industry According to George Howell," where we explore various aspects of the industry from the perspective of one of the founders of the specialty coffee movement.

In this episode of this series, Lee and George discuss the complexities of coffee pricing, differentiating between green and roasted coffee, and the challenges small companies face in a capitalistic market.

George shares his experiences with wholesale and retail coffee businesses and the impact of market trends on pricing.

They also explore regenerative coffee farming and strategies to improve coffee quality and sustainability amidst ecological challenges.

Read More
EP 1391 George Howell - What is Quality? - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

This is the first of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Boston-based 50-year coffee industry legend and CoE Co-Founder, George Howell from George Howell Coffee and The Coffee Connection.

This series is the 2025 edition of our annual series, "The Coffee Industry According to George Howell," where we explore various aspects of the industry from the perspective of one of the founders of the specialty coffee movement.

In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and George explore the concept of quality in coffee, emphasizing its importance both in taste and ethical cultivation.

George shares his journey from art to coffee, examining how his focus on authenticity and excellence has shaped his approach to the coffee business.

The conversation delves into cultural differences in coffee preferences, the evolution of quality over time, and the potential future of coffee amid growing challenges.

Tune in to gain valuable insights into what truly defines quality coffee.

Read More
EP 1390 Darrin Daniel - How to do Good Business - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

This is the 5th of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with coffee industry expert Darrin Daniel from Cityful Press Coffee Consulting.

Throughout this series, Lee and Darrin lay out the landscape of how the specialty coffee ecosystem eventuated and the landscape of coffee politics pre- and post-Houston.

In this episode of this podcast series, Lee and Darrin engage in a candid discussion about the critical issues plaguing the coffee industry today.

The conversation focuses on the 'dark side of the cycle' the industry is entering, emphasizing the survival challenges amidst controversies and distractions like the CVA.

They dissect the compounding crises in coffee production due to price fluctuation, logistics, labor shortages, and climate change.

Darrin shares his insights on potential future consolidations and mergers, the economic pressures faced by small roasters, and the grim predictions for coffee's future if immediate action isn't taken.

The episode closes on a hopeful note, urging the coffee community to acknowledge these pressing issues and strive for solutions.

Don't miss this final installment of a thought-provoking series.

Read More
EP 1389 Darrin Daniel - The Potential For Impact In Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

This is the 4th of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with coffee industry expert Darrin Daniel from Cityful Press Coffee Consulting.

Throughout this series, Lee and Darrin lay out the landscape of how the specialty coffee ecosystem eventuated and the landscape of coffee politics pre- and post-Houston.

In this episode of the series, Lee and Darrin discuss the complex politics within the coffee industry both pre and post-Houston, reflecting on potential opportunities to impact coffee positively.

The episode delves into the contentious comments made by Garfield Kerr, the president of the global SCA, and the implications it has for the coffee industry, particularly around the adoption of the CVA form and the Evolve Q program.

They also highlight pertinent issues such as the economic viability for coffee producers, the role of NGOs, and the importance of creating legitimate market bridges.

This engaging discussion further unpacks the crucial need for pragmatic solutions to elevate the coffee industry during volatile times.

Read More
EP 1388 Darrin Daniel - The Roots of SCA and CQI - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

This is the 3rd of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with coffee industry expert Darrin Daniel from Cityful Press Coffee Consulting.

Throughout this series, Lee and Darrin lay out the landscape of how the specialty coffee ecosystem eventuated and the landscape of coffee politics pre- and post-Houston.

In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Darrin discuss the history and evolution of key coffee organizations: the Specialty Coffee Institute (SCI), the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), and the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI).

They delve into the initial goals and standards set by these organizations, their impact on the coffee industry, and the changes they have undergone over time.

The conversation also touches on the recent controversies and challenges, providing insights into how these organizations have shaped and been shaped by the global coffee scene.

Read More
EP 1387 Darrin Daniel - Do Coffee NonProfits/NGO's Help Producers? - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

This is the 2nd of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with coffee industry expert Darrin Daniel from Cityful Press Coffee Consulting.

Throughout this series, Lee and Darrin lay out the landscape of how the specialty coffee ecosystem eventuated and the landscape of coffee politics pre- and post-Houston.

In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Darrin discuss the disparity in profitability and margins in the coffee industry.

They delve into the crucial roles of NGOs and nonprofits in supporting coffee producers, despite a commodified market and stagnating margins in producing countries.

The conversation explores the definitions and missions of such organizations, and highlights the importance of financial and technical support from entities like USAID.

The episode addresses the ongoing challenges faced by coffee producers and questions the sustainability of the current model, urging a reassessment of industry relationships and support mechanisms.

Join us for this insightful discussion on the impact and necessity of nonprofit interventions in the coffee sector.

Read More
EP 1386 Darrin Daniel - The Evolution of Specialty Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

This is the first of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with coffee industry expert Darrin Daniel from Cityful Press Coffee Consulting.

Throughout this series, Lee and Darrin lay out the landscape of how the specialty coffee ecosystem eventuated and the landscape of coffee politics pre- and post-Houston.

In this episode of the series, Lee and Darrin Daniel discuss the evolution of the specialty coffee industry over the past 30 years.

They explore the early days of specialty coffee, the key figures like Alfred Peet and George Howell, and how the industry has grown from a niche market to a mainstream phenomenon complete with competitions and commercial endeavors.

They also touch on the various economic challenges faced by coffee producers and set the stage for deeper discussions on the role of nonprofits and NGOs in the coffee sector.

Read More
EP 1385 Isabela Raposeiras - The Sins of the Past for Brazilian Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

This is the 5th of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with 25-year coffee industry veteran Isabela Raposeiras from Coffee Lab in Brazil.

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

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.

Read More
EP 1384 Isabela Raposeiras - Converting Brazilians to Specialty Coffee Drinkers - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

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

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 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.

Read More
EP 1383 Isabela Raposeiras - The Role Of Specialty Coffee In Brazil - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

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

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.

Read More
EP 1382 Isabela Raposeiras - Brazil's Specialty Coffee Market - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

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

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.

Read More
EP 1381 Isabela Raposeiras - Misconceptions About Brazil's Coffee Industry - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

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

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 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.

Read More