EP 1428 Reza Kosar - Quality, Hype, and Coffee Competitions - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with 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. This series, originally aired on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast a month earlier, follows the same series flow as our conversation with Ian Fretheim.

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 1427 Reza Kosar - How Do We Define Quality? - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with 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. This series, originally aired on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast a month earlier, follows the same series flow as our conversation with Ian Fretheim.

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

In this episode of the podcasts 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 1426 Reza Kosar - Tools for Assessing Coffee Quality - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

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. This series, originally aired on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast a month earlier, follows the same series flow as our conversation with Ian Fretheim.

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 1425 Ian Fretheim - Q Graders, Cuppers, and Technology - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 5th of a five-part series featuring Ian Fretheim, Director of Sensory Analysis at US-based coffee importer, Cafe Imports, on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, hosted by Map It Forward Founder Lee Safar.

In this series, Lee and Ian will explore the question, "What is Quality in the Coffee Industry?".

In this final episode of the series, Lee and Ian take a deep dive into the nuanced world of sensory science and specialty coffee.

This episode explores how science and technology influence coffee tasting, the role of human experience in sensory analysis, and the ethical implications in the coffee industry.

Lee shares her own background in sensory science and critiques the commercialization of sensory expert training.

The conversation also touches on the evolution of sensory machines and the importance of 'by humans, for humans' in maintaining the essence of specialty coffee.

Plus, insights on technology's limitations and potential in preserving human-centered coffee experiences. Don't miss this thoughtful conclusion to an engaging series!

EP 1424 Ian Fretheim - The CVA Won't Fix Anything In Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 4th of a five-part series featuring Ian Fretheim, Director of Sensory Analysis at US-based coffee importer, Cafe Imports, on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, hosted by Map It Forward Founder Lee Safar.

In this series, Lee and Ian will explore the question, "What is Quality in the Coffee Industry?".

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Ian discuss the concept of quality in the coffee industry, emphasizing the challenges with defining 'distinctive attributes' and the limitations of the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA) in resolving transparency issues.

Ian criticizes the CVA for potentially increasing opacity rather than clarity and argues that it fails to address fundamental issues around quality and cupping forms.

Tune in to understand why the industry might not benefit from the CVA and how true transparency can be achieved.

EP 1423 Ian Fretheim - Quality, Hype, and Coffee Competitions - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with 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 Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, hosted by Map It Forward Founder Lee Safar.

In this series, Lee and Ian will explore the question, "What is Quality in the Coffee Industry?".

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 1422 Ian Fretheim - How Do We Define Quality? - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with 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 Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, hosted by Map It Forward Founder Lee Safar.

In this series, Lee and Ian will explore the question, "What is Quality in the Coffee Industry?".

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 1421 Ian Fretheim - Tools for Assessing Coffee Quality - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with 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 Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, hosted by Map It Forward Founder Lee Safar.

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 1420 Nora Burkey - The Future of Coffee and Development - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 5th of a five-part series featuring Nora Burkey, Executive Director of the US-based Nonprofit, The Chain Collaborative, on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, hosted by Map It Forward Founder Lee Safar.

Throughout this series, Lee and Nora attempt to answer the question, "Will the Development Sector in Coffee Survive?" and explore all the layers that come with it.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Nora discuss the complex issues surrounding the coffee development sector, including the impact of reducing development funds and the potential future of the coffee industry.

They touch on topics like migration, economic disparity, and the challenges and hopes of running a nonprofit organization in the current volatile climate.

Additionally, the episode introduces an upcoming mastermind group for aspiring coffee business owners.

Tune in for an insightful conversation about the future of coffee and its interconnected sectors.

EP 1419 Nora Burkey - Myths and Realities of Coffee Development Sector - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 4th of a five-part series featuring Nora Burkey, Executive Director of the US-based Nonprofit, The Chain Collaborative, on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, hosted by Map It Forward Founder Lee Safar.

Throughout this series, Lee and Nora attempt to answer the question, "Will the Development Sector in Coffee Survive?" and explore all the layers that come with it.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Nora discuss the misconceptions surrounding the development sector within the coffee industry.

The discussion addresses issues such as corruption in nonprofits, the real impact of corporate social responsibility, and the need for fair compensation for coffee farmers.

They also explore the limited understanding businesses have about the actual contributions and roles of nonprofits and the essential need to invest in agriculture broadly.

The episode provides an in-depth look at the challenges facing the sector and calls for a more nuanced approach to development work.

EP 1418 Nora Burkey - How Money Flows in the Coffee Development Sector - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 3rd of a five-part series featuring Nora Burkey, Executive Director of the US-based Nonprofit, The Chain Collaborative, on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, hosted by Map It Forward Founder Lee Safar.

Throughout this series, Lee and Nora attempt to answer the question, "Will the Development Sector in Coffee Survive?" and explore all the layers that come with it.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Nora delve into the intricate dynamics of the development sector within the coffee industry.

They discuss the significant impact of USAID funding cuts, the disparities in compensation between the nonprofit and corporate sectors, and how these challenges affect coffee farmers.

The conversation also explores the broader implications of global trade, capitalism, and the resilience of farmers.

Stay tuned for valuable insights on whether the development sector can survive in the volatile coffee industry of 2025.

EP 1417 Nora Burkey - Do We Need Development Work In Coffee? - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 2nd of a five-part series featuring Nora Burkey, Executive Director of the US-based Nonprofit, The Chain Collaborative, on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, hosted by Map It Forward Founder Lee Safar.

Throughout this series, Lee and Nora attempt to answer the question, "Will the Development Sector in Coffee Survive?" and explore all the layers that come with it.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Nora explore the concept of 'poverty smoothing' activities carried out by nonprofits and discuss whether these efforts are changing the capitalist structures impacting coffee communities.

The conversation touches upon the efficacy of the development sector, the challenges of capitalism in the coffee industry, and how to evaluate the performance and trustworthiness of nonprofits.

Join us for an enlightening discussion on the sustainability and future of the coffee industry.

EP 1416 Nora Burkey - The Evolution of Development in Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the first of a five-part series featuring Nora Burkey, Executive Director of the US-based Nonprofit, The Chain Collaborative, on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, hosted by Map It Forward Founder Lee Safar.

Throughout this series, Lee and Nora attempt to answer the question, "Will the Development Sector in Coffee Survive?" and explore all the layers that come with it.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Nora explore the historical context and evolution of non-profits, certifications, and the role of government and corporate control in shaping the industry.

The conversation dives deep into whether the coffee sector's current structure necessitates the involvement of non-profits and NGOs and scrutinizes their impact on coffee producers and communities.

Tune in for an insightful discussion about the complexities and challenges facing the global coffee sector.

EP 1415 Brendan Adams - Is the future of coffee guaranteed? - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 5th 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 the final episode of this thought-provoking series, Lee and Brendan discuss the impact of pricing crises, tariffs, and climate change on small coffee producers and roasters.

The conversation highlights the urgent need for structural change, collective action, and innovative approaches to ensure the sustainability and growth of the coffee industry.

Tune in for an eye-opening discussion that could reshape your perspective on the coffee supply chain.

EP 1414 Brendan Adams - The Truth About Origin - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 4th 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 series, Lee and Brendan discuss the complexities and diverse realities of coffee trade and origin.

They delve into the misconceptions about Colombian coffee, the importance of visiting coffee origins, and understanding the true experiences of coffee producers.

Adams shares insights on how conventional markets and specialty coffee markets operate differently, and the significant impact of local economies and traditional practices on coffee trade.

Don't miss out on this eye-opening conversation about the truths behind your cup of coffee.

EP 1413 Brendan Adams - The Questions We Should Be Asking In Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 3rd 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 series, Lee and Brendan discuss the struggles faced by coffee producers, the broken promises within the specialty coffee industry, and the financial and emotional burdens on both producers and roasters.

The conversation emphasizes the need for true relationships, responsible business practices, and a shift away from focusing solely on quality towards understanding the real issues at origin.

If you're a coffee producer, roaster, or cafe owner looking to adapt and thrive, don't miss this episode.

EP 1412 Brendan Adams - The Discussion Around Quality Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 2nd 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 series, Lee and Brendan explore the complexities of coffee quality and sourcing.

They delve into the murky realities of how wealth and products in the coffee industry have been misappropriated and the often hidden dynamics of the supply chain.

Brendan shares anecdotes and insights from his experiences, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of quality beyond just taste and price.

This conversation also sets the stage for the next episode, where they discuss critical questions we should be asking about the supply chain.

Join us as we unpack the real challenges and opportunities in the world of specialty coffee.

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.

the daily

Coffee ProPodcast

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2018 MAP IT FORWARD