EP 1474 Marianella Baez Jost - Barriers to Direct Trade - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 4th episode of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar and series guest, Marianella Baez Jost.

Marianella is a coffee farmer (Cafe con Amor) based in Costa Rica and the co-founder of direct coffee trade project, The Farmers Project.

This series is focused on coffee market volatility from the perspective of a smallholder coffee farmer in Costa Rica.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Marianella discuss the complex topic of coffee market volatility and dive into what truly defines direct trade, explore the challenges and benefits of developing direct relationships in the coffee industry, and analyze the emerging access issues as we move towards 2026.

Join the conversation to better understand the future of the coffee industry and the importance of building strong, responsible business relationships.

EP 1473 Marianella Baez Jost - Not a Short Term Coffee Crisis - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 3rd episode of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar and series guest, Marianella Baez Jost.

Marianella is a coffee farmer (Cafe con Amor) based in Costa Rica and the co-founder of direct coffee trade project, The Farmers Project.

This series is focused on coffee market volatility from the perspective of a smallholder coffee farmer in Costa Rica.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Marianella discuss coffee market volatility and delve into the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, the importance of forecasting and long-term planning, the impact of tariffs, and the evolving roles within the coffee supply chain.

The conversation highlights the imperative of proactive communication and diversification for sustained success in the coffee industry.

EP 1472 Marianella Baez Jost - Coffee Farmers Are Adapting to the Coffee Crisis - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 2nd episode of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar and series guest, Marianella Baez Jost.

Marianella is a coffee farmer (Cafe con Amor) based in Costa Rica and the co-founder of direct coffee trade project, The Farmers Project.

This series is focused on coffee market volatility from the perspective of a smallholder coffee farmer in Costa Rica.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Marianella talk about the volatility in the coffee market from the perspective of smallholder farmers.

They discuss how market demands influence farming practices, the impact of climate change and labor issues, and the importance of adapting to consumer trends.

They also highlight the significance of direct trade relationships and the upcoming challenges and opportunities for the coffee industry as it approaches a defining year in 2026.

EP 1471 Marianella Baez Jost - Coffee Farming In Costa Rica in 2025 - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the first episode of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar and series guest, Marianella Baez Jost.

Marianella is a coffee farmer (Cafe con Amor) based in Costa Rica and the co-founder of direct coffee trade project, The Farmers Project.

This series is focused on coffee market volatility from the perspective of a smallholder coffee farmer in Costa Rica.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Marianella discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in the coffee market in 2025, including the shift to a seller's market, price volatility, and the impact of tariffs on direct trade.

Marianella shares her journey into coffee farming, the disparities in income between different roles in the coffee supply chain, and her optimistic yet realist view on the future.

Tune in to gain invaluable insights and learn how you can support sustainable coffee farming.

EP 1470 Matthew Thornton - The Goals Of Direct Trade Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

Welcome to the 5th 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 final episode of this podcast series, Lee and Matthew explore the evolving landscape of the coffee industry, discussing the importance of responsible direct trade relationships and the role of blockchain technology in achieving transparency and fair compensation for farmers.

Matthew shares insights on the challenges and opportunities within the coffee supply chain amidst a global coffee crisis.

Don't miss Matthew's return in a few months to discuss the latest harvest updates from Ethiopia. If you're interested in ethical coffee trade and innovative supply chain solutions, this episode is a must-watch.

EP 1469 Matthew Thornton - Technology and Direct Trade Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

Welcome to the 4th 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 explore the transformative role of technology in the coffee industry, covering topics such as NFTs, AI, blockchain, and various types of tech like farm tech, FinTech, usability tech, and social tech.

The conversation highlights how these technologies are enhancing efficiencies, promoting transparency, and reshaping direct trade coffee relationships.

The episode also discusses crucial issues like data integrity, the risks and benefits of crypto payments, and the potential of AI to revolutionize the certification process.

Follow along as they envision a future where technology empowers both farmers and buyers for a more equitable industry.

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.

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