EP 1411 Brendan Adams - Specialty Coffee, Then and Now - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the first of a five-part series featuring Brendan Adams, Founder of the Canada-based green trading company Semilla Coffee, on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward.

In this series, host Lee Safar and Brendan explore whether the idea to "make coffee better" is a realistic endeavour in today's coffee industry.

In this episode of the podcast, Lee and Brendan discuss the evolution and current state of specialty coffee.

They explore how consumers' interests are shifting towards supporting producers in meaningful ways, and how the industry has evolved from focusing solely on coffee quality to embracing principles of sustainability and justice.

The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities in the specialty coffee supply chain, the importance of community-wide commitment, and the growing influence of financial interests.

Tune in to gain valuable insights and join the discussion on the future of the coffee industry.

EP 1410 Kim Thompson and Matt Toogood - Remaining Relevant In Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

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.

EP 1409 Kim Thompson and Matt Toogood - The Complexity of Coffee Business - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

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.

EP 1408 Kim Thompson and Matt Toogood - The Truth About the Dubai Coffee Scene - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

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.

EP 1407 Kim Thompson and Matt Toogood - Relationships Matter In Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

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.

EP 1406 Kim Thompson and Matt Toogood - The OG Coffee Company of Dubai - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

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.

EP 1405 Mark Dundon - Technology and Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

This is the 5th episode of a 5-part series with Mark Dundon, Australian coffee industry legend and co-founder of iconic businesses such as 7 Seeds Coffee and St Ali Coffee. The most recent addition to the 7 Seeds family of businesses is the recently launched bakery, Suburbia, located in Melbourne, Australia.

In this series, Mark and Map It Forward Founder, host Lee Safar, explore the difference between opening coffee businesses pre- and post-2020.

In the final episode of the podcast series, Lee and Mark explore the role of technology in the specialty coffee supply chain over the next 5 to 10 years, discussing advancements such as digital contracts using blockchain, automation in farming, and the impact of e-commerce and delivery apps.

Mark also shares his thoughts on the evolution of coffee machinery, the importance of human interaction in cafes, and his hopes for the future of his business.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how technology can transform the coffee industry and enhance the coffee experience from producer to consumer.

EP 1404 Mark Dundon - Communicating Quality To Customers - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

This is the 4th episode of a 5-part series with Mark Dundon, Australian coffee industry legend and co-founder of iconic businesses such as 7 Seeds Coffee and St Ali Coffee. The most recent addition to the 7 Seeds family of businesses is the recently launched bakery, Suburbia, located in Melbourne, Australia.

In this series, Mark and Map It Forward Founder, host Lee Safar, explore the difference between opening coffee businesses pre- and post-2020.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Mark explore how the definition of quality in coffee is evolving.

Mark dives into the importance of understanding coffee origins, farmer relationships, and adapting to changing consumer demographics, particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

The discussion also touches on transparency in the industry, the concept of quality, and the impact of market changes on coffee production.

EP 1403 Mark Dundon - Roasters and the Coffee Crisis - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

This is the 3rd episode of a 5-part series with Mark Dundon, Australian coffee industry legend and co-founder of iconic businesses such as 7 Seeds Coffee and St Ali Coffee. The most recent addition to the 7 Seeds family of businesses is the recently launched bakery, Suburbia, located in Melbourne, Australia.

In this series, Mark and Map It Forward Founder, host Lee Safar, explore the difference between opening coffee businesses pre- and post-2020.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Mark discuss the current challenges facing the coffee industry, particularly the impact of the coffee crisis on roasters and the overall market.

They delve into the importance of industry collaboration, maintaining quality despite rising costs, and the concept of the 'race to the bottom' in coffee.

The episode provides valuable insights into how coffee businesses can navigate volatile times and the importance of building strong relationships.

EP 1402 Mark Dundon - Opening Cafes Pre and Post COVID - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

This is the 2nd episode of a 5-part series with Mark Dundon, Australian coffee industry legend and co-founder of iconic businesses such as 7 Seeds Coffee and St Ali Coffee. The most recent addition to the 7 Seeds family of businesses is the recently launched bakery, Suburbia, located in Melbourne, Australia.

In this series, Mark and Map It Forward Founder, host Lee Safar, explore the difference between opening coffee businesses pre- and post-2020.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Mark delve into the challenges and adaptations of opening a cafe in the post-2020 era.

They discuss business strategies, the impact of COVID-19 on the coffee industry, and insights into managing costs, machinery, and staffing in a transformed market.

They also reflect on the evolution of consumer behavior and the importance of maintaining quality amidst rising expenses.

Don't miss the nuances of running a modern cafe and future-proofing your business in these volatile times.

EP 1401 Mark Dundon - What Is Specialty Coffee? - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

This is the first episode of a 5-part series with Mark Dundon, Australian coffee industry legend and co-founder of iconic businesses such as 7 Seeds Coffee and St Ali Coffee. The most recent addition to the 7 Seeds family of businesses is the recently launched bakery, Suburbia, located in Melbourne, Australia.

In this series, Mark and Map It Forward Founder, host Lee Safar, explore the difference between opening coffee businesses pre- and post-2020.

In this episode of the podcast, host Lee and Mark discuss 7 Seeds evolution from 'specialty coffee' to 'curated coffee,' reflecting on how the term 'specialty' has lost its meaning and why it no longer fits today's coffee landscape.

Mark shares his journey from the early 2000s starting with a small Melbourne cafe to founding iconic spots like St. Ali and 7 Seeds.

They delve into the challenges of opening a new cafe post-COVID and why transparency and a holistic approach to coffee and the consumer experience are more crucial than ever.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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