EP 1468 Matthew Thornton - Managing Risk In Direct Trade Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

Welcome to the 3rd episode in a five-part podcast series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar.

Our guest on the podcast in this series is Arkena Coffee Market Founder, Matthew Thornton. Matthew has been based in Ethiopia for 13 years and has a rich history in the coffee supply chain in Ethiopia.

The focus of this series is "Responsible Direct Trade Coffee Relationships".

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Matthew discuss the intricacies of risk distribution in the coffee industry.

The discussion highlights the differences between traditional commercial supply chains and direct trade, emphasizing the importance of transparency and communication.

They explore the various risks faced by coffee farmers and buyers, and propose that responsible direct trade, when managed effectively, can mitigate these risks and build stronger industry relationships.

Lee also shares practical advice for coffee business owners on aligning their investments in marketing with their supply chain strategies.

Tune in to gain valuable insights on how to navigate and thrive in the ever-evolving coffee market.

EP 1467 Matthew Thornton - Benefits of Direct Trade Coffee Relationships - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

Welcome to the 2nd episode in a five-part podcast series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar.

Our guest on the podcast in this series is Arkena Coffee Market Founder, Matthew Thornton. Matthew has been based in Ethiopia for 13 years and has a rich history in the coffee supply chain in Ethiopia.

The focus of this series is "Responsible Direct Trade Coffee Relationships".

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Matthew discuss responsible direct trade coffee relationships.

Matthew, based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, explains how farmers selling direct have seen a significant increase in net profits and the positive impact on rural communities.

The conversation also covers the challenges of achieving these benefits, including market access, logistics, and finance, and how Arkena aims to address these hurdles.

This episode focuses on responsible direct trade, with insights into the intricacies of making these relationships work and the broader economic impacts.

EP 1466 Matthew Thornton - Responsible Direct Trade Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

Welcome to the first episode in a five-part podcast series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar.

Our guest on the podcast in this series is Arkena Coffee Market Founder, Matthew Thornton. Matthew has been based in Ethiopia for 13 years and has a rich history in the coffee supply chain in Ethiopia.

The focus of this series is "Responsible Direct Trade Coffee Relationships".

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Matthew highlight the significance of relationships in direct trade coffee and contrasts it with traditional commercial trade.

Matthew shares his journey from ecology to coffee, his Peace Corps experience in Ethiopia, and the inception of Arkena Coffee Market.

The episode touches on the roles of exporters and importers, the importance of transparency, and the diverse definitions of direct trade.

Tune in to explore the benefits and challenges of direct trade coffee, along with exciting new collaborations on the podcast.

EP 1465 Purity Wangare, Sai On, & Ran Gurung - Paving a Career Path in Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 5th of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, with Purity Wangare (Customer Experience Manager), Sai On (Visual Storyteller), and Ran Gurung (Roaster) from RAW Coffee Company in Dubai, UAE.

In this series, which first aired on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, Purity, Ran, and On, together with Map It Forward Founder and podcast host Lee Safar, explore how a coffee career in the Middle East changed the lives of these coffee professionals and what that journey was like for them.

The episode emphasizes the importance of not just chasing any job but finding a place where you can grow and be nurtured.

The guests share their personal journeys and offer advice for young baristas and coffee professionals.

They also touch on the value of people skills and the significance of being part of a supportive team.

The episode wraps up with a reflection on what they hope their future selves will gain from listening to this conversation. Don't miss the insights and practical advice shared in this heartfelt finale.

EP 1464 Purity Wangare, Sai On, & Ran Gurung - The Complex World of Coffee Competitions - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 4th of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, with Purity Wangare (Customer Experience Manager), Sai On (Visual Storyteller), and Ran Gurung (Roaster) from RAW Coffee Company in Dubai, UAE.

In this series, which first aired on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, Purity, Ran, and On, together with Map It Forward Founder and podcast host Lee Safar, explore how a coffee career in the Middle East changed the lives of these coffee professionals and what that journey was like for them.

In this episode of the podcast, we dive into the complexities and impacts of coffee competitions with Purity, On, and Ran, and discuss the personal and financial challenges involved, the emotional toll on competitors, and the quest for validation.

The discussion also highlights the lack of fairness in international competitions, especially for those from regions with visa restrictions.

Join us as we explore whether these competitions are worth the effort and how they influence careers in the coffee industry.

EP 1463 Purity Wangare, Sai On, & Ran Gurung - A Multicultural Coffee Community - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 3rd of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, with Purity Wangare (Customer Experience Manager), Sai On (Visual Storyteller), and Ran Gurung (Roaster) from RAW Coffee Company in Dubai, UAE.

In this series, which first aired on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, Purity, Ran, and On, together with Map It Forward Founder and podcast host Lee Safar, explore how a coffee career in the Middle East changed the lives of these coffee professionals and what that journey was like for them.

In this episode of the podcast series, Purity, Ran, and On, professionals from different cultural backgrounds who have found a career in Dubai's dynamic coffee industry, discuss the challenges and benefits of working in a multicultural environment, including communication barriers and the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence.

The conversation also touches on how diversity enriches the workplace and the unique experience of adapting to different cultural norms and hospitality standards in the Middle East.

Tune in to understand the complexities and beauties of the coffee community in Dubai.

EP 1462 Purity Wangare, Sai On, & Ran Gurung - A Coffee Career in the Middle East - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 2nd of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, with Purity Wangare (Customer Experience Manager), Sai On (Visual Storyteller), and Ran Gurung (Roaster) from RAW Coffee Company in Dubai, UAE.

In this series, which first aired on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, Purity, Ran, and On, together with Map It Forward Founder and podcast host Lee Safar, explore how a coffee career in the Middle East changed the lives of these coffee professionals and what that journey was like for them.

In this episode of the podcast series, Purity, On, and Ran discuss how their careers in the coffee industry have evolved in the Middle East, the rapid growth and innovations in Dubai's coffee scene, and the challenges and opportunities they face.

Learn about the unique cultural melting pot in Dubai's coffee community and how Raw Coffee Co. stands out as a remarkable example of long-term success.

This episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in the coffee industry, especially in the dynamic environment of the Middle East.

EP 1461 Purity Wangare, Sai On, & Ran Gurung - Choosing a Career in Coffee? - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the first of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, with Purity Wangare (Customer Experience Manager), Sai On (Visual Storyteller), and Ran Gurung (Roaster) from RAW Coffee Company in Dubai, UAE.

In this series, which first aired on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, Purity, Ran, and On, together with Map It Forward Founder and podcast host Lee Safar, explore how a coffee career in the Middle East changed the lives of these coffee professionals and what that journey was like for them.

In this first Episode of the podcast series, we delve into the inspiring journeys of Purity Wangare, Sai On, and Ran Gurung from Raw Coffee Company.

Hear how they transitioned from various professions into the world of coffee, the challenges and triumphs they faced along the way, and how the vibrant coffee scene in the Middle East has transformed their lives.

This episode highlights their individual paths, from starting as waitresses or baristas to becoming key figures in customer service, roasting, and visual storytelling.

Discover the human connections and cultural shifts that make coffee a powerful force in their lives and in this fast-evolving market. Don't miss their motivational stories and invaluable insights in this must-watch series.

EP 1460 Alejandro Cadena - The Next 18 Months in Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

Welcome to the 5th episode of a five-part series with Alejandro Cadena from Caravela Coffee on The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward Podcast, hosted by Map It Forward founder, Lee Safar.

Alejandro Cadena, CEO of Caravela Coffee, is a globally recognized green coffee exporter out of Latin America and an importer into consuming regions around the world.

In this discussion, Lee and Alejandro discuss how 2025 is playing out for the coffee supply chain as the uncertainty continues to unfold.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Alejandro dive deep into the future of coffee over the next 18 months.

They discuss the potential volatility in the coffee market, especially considering the impact of Brazil's weather conditions and supply chain disruptions.

They highlight the potential of high prices, the importance of simplifying business operations, and the resilience of coffee demand.

The episode also explores the possible ramifications of geopolitical tensions on the coffee industry.

Don't miss this comprehensive discussion that offers valuable predictions and advice for coffee industry stakeholders.

EP 1459 Alejandro Cadena - Reassessing The Value Proposition of Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

Welcome to the 4th episode of a five-part series with Alejandro Cadena from Caravela Coffee on The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward Podcast, hosted by Map It Forward founder, Lee Safar.

Alejandro Cadena, CEO of Caravela Coffee, is a globally recognized green coffee exporter out of Latin America and an importer into consuming regions around the world.

In this discussion, Lee and Alejandro discuss how 2025 is playing out for the coffee supply chain as the uncertainty continues to unfold.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Alejandro talk about shifting strategies in the coffee industry.

Topics include Starbucks' return to their cafe experience roots, the reassessment of coffee's value proposition, and the impact of fluctuating coffee prices on various stakeholders.

They also explore challenges around regenerative agriculture and discuss the launch of a monthly video discussion group for coffee professionals.

Tune in for an insightful look at the future of coffee from pricing to production.

EP 1458 Alejandro Cadena - Coffee Pricing and Financing - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

Welcome to the 3rd episode of a five-part series with Alejandro Cadena from Caravela Coffee on The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward Podcast, hosted by Map It Forward founder, Lee Safar.

Alejandro Cadena, CEO of Caravela Coffee, is a globally recognized green coffee exporter out of Latin America and an importer into consuming regions around the world.

In this discussion, Lee and Alejandro discuss how 2025 is playing out for the coffee supply chain as the uncertainty continues to unfold.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Alejandro discuss the challenges and strategies surrounding coffee pricing and financing in 2025.

Alejandro discusses the stability of their financing lines since 2019 and how they were strategically set up between 2012 and 2019 to grow with the business.

They explore the impact of market volatility on financing, how importers like Caravela finance roasters' inventories, and the complexities of margin calls in a fluctuating market.

Additionally, they delve into trends in specialty versus commercial coffee pricing and the shifting perspectives of roasters in reaction to the higher market prices.

The episode aims to provide insights into sustaining operations in an unpredictable coffee industry landscape.

EP 1457 Alejandro Cadena - Volatility, Markets, and Coffee Dynamics - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

Welcome to the 2nd episode of a five-part series with Alejandro Cadena from Caravela Coffee on The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward Podcast, hosted by Map It Forward founder, Lee Safar.

Alejandro Cadena, CEO of Caravela Coffee, is a globally recognized green coffee exporter out of Latin America and an importer into consuming regions around the world.

In this discussion, Lee and Alejandro discuss how 2025 is playing out for the coffee supply chain as the uncertainty continues to unfold.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Alejandro discuss the volatility of the coffee market in 2025.

The conversation covers key forces driving this volatility, such as unpredictable weather in Brazil, low certified coffee stocks, and geopolitical trade conflicts.

They explore the strategic shifts businesses in the coffee industry are making, from focusing on niche markets to crowding out the middle market.

Finally, they discuss the potential long-term impacts of current market conditions and strategies for coffee businesses to thrive in these uncertain times.

Join us for insights on navigating the complexities of the 2025 coffee market.

EP 1456 Alejandro Cadena - The Year of Uncertainty for Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

Welcome to the first episode of a five-part series with Alejandro Cadena from Caravela Coffee on The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward Podcast, hosted by Map It Forward founder, Lee Safar.

Alejandro Cadena, CEO of Caravela Coffee, is a globally recognized green coffee exporter out of Latin America and an importer into consuming regions around the world.

In this discussion, Lee and Alejandro discuss how 2025 is playing out for the coffee supply chain as the uncertainty continues to unfold.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Alejandro discuss the tumultuous year that is 2025. They describe it as the most serious year in a decade, a year of reckoning filled with unprecedented challenges and uncertainties.

Alejandro shares insights into how the various stakeholders in the coffee supply chain, from traders to roasters, have been affected.

The episode also explores the significant role of geopolitics and tariffs in shaping the year.

Join them as they dive deep into the complexities and opportunities that 2025 has presented.

EP 1455 Wayel Al Wohaibi - How to do Good Business In Coffee - 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 Wayel Al Wohaibi, co-founder of Sulalat based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In this series, Map It Forward Founder, Lee Safar, and Wayel discuss the genesis of the Saudi specialty coffee market and it's future. This series first aired on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast.

In this final episode of a five-part series, Lee and Wayel discuss key strategies for building a successful specialty coffee business.

Wayel shares insights on the importance of not competing with your customers, offering support and financial consulting, and maintaining high standards of quality.

He highlights the challenges faced in the coffee industry, such as imitation products, and the necessity of collaborating with trusted distributors.

The episode underscores the significance of creating a holistic premium experience for consumers and not compromising on quality.

Tune in to gain valuable knowledge from Wayel's experiences and learn how to build a sustainable and respected coffee business.

EP 1454 Wayel Al Wohaibi - The Future of Saudi as an Origin Country - 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 Wayel Al Wohaibi, co-founder of Sulalat based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In this series, Map It Forward Founder, Lee Safar, and Wayel discuss the genesis of the Saudi specialty coffee market and it's future. This series first aired on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Wayel delve into the historical significance of coffee in Jazan, recent government initiatives like Vision 2030, and the challenges and potential of Saudi coffee as a burgeoning origin.

Wayel shares personal anecdotes, the importance of quality control, and comparison with Yemeni coffee.

The episode emphasizes the growth of specialty coffee in Saudi Arabia and the vision for its future on the world stage.

EP 1453 Wayel Al Wohaibi - Running a Coffee Business in Saudi - 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 Wayel Al Wohaibi, co-founder of Sulalat based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In this series, Map It Forward Founder, Lee Safar, and Wayel discuss the genesis of the Saudi specialty coffee market and it's future. This series first aired on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Wayel delve into the unique coffee culture of Saudi Arabia.

They discuss the traditional methods of coffee preparation, the differences across the Middle Eastern region, and the impact of the specialty coffee industry.

Wayel shares personal anecdotes about his upbringing and the rituals of serving coffee, as well as insights into the specialty coffee market and Sulalat's approach to roasting and customer service.

They also talk about the entrepreneurial spirit in Saudi Arabia and the involvement of business owners in the coffee industry.

Stay tuned for the next episode where they will explore Saudi Arabia as an emerging coffee origin.

EP 1452 Wayel Al Wohaibi - Discovering The Saudi Cultural Palate - 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 Wayel Al Wohaibi, co-founder of Sulalat based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In this series, Map It Forward Founder, Lee Safar, and Wayel discuss the genesis of the Saudi specialty coffee market and it's future. This series first aired on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Wayel discuss the Saudi specialty coffee market and the unique challenges faced in catering to different cultural palates.

Wayel shares his journey from tasting specialty coffee abroad to establishing a successful coffee brand in Saudi Arabia.

They delve into the nuances of customer preferences, the impact of coffee auctions, the role of cultural and genetic differences in flavor profiles, and the importance of creating region-specific cupping forms.

This insightful conversation also touches on the differing views of quality within the global coffee industry.

EP 1451 Wayel Al Wohaibi - The Genesis of Saudi Specialty Coffee - 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 Wayel Al Wohaibi, co-founder of Sulalat based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In this series, Map It Forward Founder, Lee Safar, and Wayel discuss the genesis of the Saudi specialty coffee market and it's future. This series first aired on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Wayel discuss the journey of Saudi Arabia's specialty coffee industry from its inception to its promising future.

Wayel, a retired software engineer with a deep passion for coffee, shares how his hobby turned into a significant business, navigating challenges like coffee supply, infrastructure, and meeting customer demands.

Join us for an in-depth conversation about launching a specialty coffee business in Saudi Arabia, the importance of cultural palette, and building relationships with farmers.

EP 1450 Jonas Ferraresso - Expectations for Future Harvests in Brazil - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 5th episode of a five-part Map It Forward podcast series, hosted by Lee Safar and featuring guest Jonas Ferraresso.

Jonas is a Coffee Agronomist in Brazil and a long-time guest on the Map It Forward Podcast. In this series, Jonas will help us understand what's happened with the 2025 harvest that just wrapped up (earlier than expected) and what the current situation is already telling us about the 2026 harvest.

The LinkedIn article discussed in this series: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/new-harvest-approaching-how-climate-shaped-2025-what-leme-ferraresso-rp1cf

In this final episode of the podcast series, Lee and Jonas discuss the ongoing volatility in coffee production due to climate change.

The episode covers challenges farmers face, the future of coffee farming, and the impact of extreme weather patterns.

Learn how agronomists and farmers are adapting to these changes and what might lie ahead for the coffee industry.

Tune in for insights into the future of coffee cultivation, the importance of research, and the economic viability of coffee farming as climate challenges continue to rise.

EP 1449 Jonas Ferraresso - Coffee Varieties and Climate Change - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 4th episode of a five-part Map It Forward podcast series, hosted by Lee Safar and featuring guest Jonas Ferraresso.

Jonas is a Coffee Agronomist in Brazil and a long-time guest on the Map It Forward Podcast. In this series, Jonas will help us understand what's happened with the 2025 harvest that just wrapped up (earlier than expected) and what the current situation is already telling us about the 2026 harvest.

The LinkedIn article discussed in this series: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/new-harvest-approaching-how-climate-shaped-2025-what-leme-ferraresso-rp1cf

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Jonas dive deep into the robusta coffee varieties in Brazil, examining their high yields and significant resource requirements.

The conversation highlights the critical role of plant genetics and breeding in adapting to changing climate conditions to maintain coffee production.

They discuss the importance of efficient irrigation and how new varieties of Arabica and robusta are being tested for resilience.

Lastly, the episode emphasizes the balance needed between technological advancements and environmental conservation.

This insightful discussion is part of an annual series documenting the evolving landscape of coffee production in Brazil.

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