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.

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.

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