5THWAVE - The Business of Coffee and Hospitality

Following on from our Antipodean brunch episode, today we’re speaking with Adam White, Founder of Riding House Cafés – a pioneering all-day dining operator in central London.After a career managing pubs for Mitchells & Butlers and success with his own venture, The Garrison in edgy Bermondsey, Adam opened The Riding House Café in Fitzrovia in 2010. Since then, Riding House has established itself as a forerunner in the city's brunch scene and has grown to three bustling neighbourhood restaurants across London.In this conversation, Adam reflects on his career, sharing his thoughtful and local approach that has been instrumental to Riding House’s success. He also discusses the importance of creative collaboration and being adaptable in a competitive marketplace when building an enduring restaurant brand.Credits music: "Summer" by Maddie King in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today's episode, we're diving into the world of plant-based beverages to explore the rapid rise of non-dairy options in coffee shops and what's next for this dynamic category.We'll first speak with Sam Henderson, Group Beverage Development Manager at Starbucks EMEA and Mia Hartwell, Head of Food, Hubbub to find out how the dairy alternative category has developed in recent years and why more consumers are choosing plant-based options. We'll also speak with Declan Mackle, Global Head of Coffee, Alpro / Silk and Pip O’Neill, Brand Manager and Nicole Chan, Coffee Community Manager at MOMA Foods, to understand the different waves of plant-based adoption around the world and unpack the phenomenal success of oat.Credits music: "Carolina Gold" by Dani in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today’s episode, we’re speaking with a true industry legend - Todd Carmichael, specialty coffee pioneer and Co-founder of La Colombe Coffee Roasters.From humble beginnings, Todd founded La Colombe with his business partner JP Iberti in Philadelphia in 1994 and together, they grew the business into one of the most influential coffee brands in North America. In 2023 La Colombe was fully acquired by yoghurt giant Chobani for an incredible $900m.In addition to being a successful entrepreneur, Todd is an inventor, philanthropist, TV personality and fearless adventurer. His latest project Loftiwater is a ground-breaking non-carbon gas sparkling beverage that infuses water, natural flavourings and blended gasses into a refreshing beverage.In this candid conversation, Todd shares how relentless creativity, innovation and risk-taking drove La Colombe to success. He also reflects on his childhood and the profound impact coffee has had in shaping his resilient and creative mindset.Credits music: "If I Fall" by Christie Huff in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today's episode we're exploring the Antipodean influence on London's brunch culture and finding out how this unique style of hospitality made its mark in the UK capital’s fiercely competitive casual dining scene. We'll be speaking with the founders behind three of London’s iconic Antipodean-inspired all-day restaurants to find out how brunch culture has evolved across the city, and how they design and develop their mouth-watering menus. We'll hear from Miles Kirby, Co-founder and Chef Director, Caravan Restaurants and Caravan Coffee Roasters, Shelagh Ryan, Co-founder and Food Director, Lantana, and Elliot Milne, Founder, Milk Beach.Credits music: "Hold on to Us" by The Dunwells, Daisy Chute and Hollie Rogers in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today’s episode we’re speaking with one of the most innovative pioneers within the global coffee equipment market, Kees van der Westen. Since designing his first machine in 1984, Kees has been an industry trailblazer, known for an unwavering commitment to quality, boundary-pushing design and innovation. Today Kees focuses on research and development, while the core business operations are run by his wife and three daughters.In this conversation, Kees is joined by his daughter Yvette van der Westen to unpack the family story behind the eponymous brand and discuss recent growth opportunities in Asia. Kees also shares his design philosophy and the importance of maintaining human touch and craftsmanship in an increasingly automated world.Credits music: "Practice What You Preach" by Russo & Co. in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today’s episode we’re speaking with Hans Tietema, Founder of the highly-respected Dutch retail and coffee bar chain Kaldi Koffie & Thee.With over 30 years of experience in the coffee industry, Hans has grown Kaldi from a single shop to a thriving franchise business with 25 sites across the Netherlands plus a recent partnership in Saudi Arabia.In this conversation Hans shares insight on his expansion strategies, the challenges in finding the right franchise partners and his decision to enter the Saudi market. He also highlights the value in cultural understanding when entering new markets and the importance of always staying true to your core concept.Credits music: "Clouds" by PIEN in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

Today we’re rounding off our series on the business of coffee roasting by finding out how leading roasters establish and nurture their wholesale partnerships.We'll speak with Colin Morrison, Managing Director, Small Batch Coffee Roasters, Petr Kvasnička, Owner, Father's Coffee Roastery and Alex Spruce, Sales Director, Löfbergs UK, to understand how they market their brand and generate new business, and the ongoing support they provide their wholesale clients.Credits music: "Měsíc" by David Pomahač in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In this episode we’re speaking with David Steingard, CEO and co-founder of New York-based coffee business, Laughing Man.David founded Laughing Man in 2009 with his business partners, united by a vision to foster connection, positivity and community through coffee. The company has also set up a related charitable initiative The Laughing Man Foundation and more recently, the content creation space Laughing Man Studios.In this conversation, David shares incredible insight and wisdom from his years building and scaling a boutique business and discusses his upcoming plans for expanding via franchising. He also shares Laughing Man’s mission to improve the lives of coffee growing communities, supporting better housing, education scholarships and women-led cooperatives.Credits music: "Aurora" by Matt Kent in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

Following on from our last episode on the world of green coffee, today we’re releasing the complete interview with John Gibson, Head Roaster at Danish specialty coffee and bakery chain, La Cabra.In this conversation, John walks us through La Cabra’s approach to sourcing green coffee, how he selects growers to work with and the importance of nurturing those relationships at origin. He also unpacks the definition of direct trade, highlighting the need to use green coffee partners to facilitate seamless transportation and logistics and ensure fair prices for farmers.Credits music: "Rise" by The Elidas in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

Today we’re continuing our series on the business of coffee roasting and exploring the world of green coffee supply.We'll speak with Jordan Hooper, Head of Green Coffee Trading, Sucafina and Line Cosmidis, Head of Specialty Sales, Falcon Coffees, to learn more about the green coffee supply chain, the role of the trader and how this has evolved in the digital era.We'll also speak with John Gibson, Head Roaster, La Cabra, about his approach to direct sourcing and why building relationships at origin is so important to the business.Credits music: "Miraculous" by Riya Gadher - the winning song of The Coffee Music Project 2024 Planet Earth competition in association with SEB Collective Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today’s episode we’re returning to our funding mini series and speaking with entrepreneur Ed Barry about scaling and ultimately selling a coffee business.Ed is the former owner of London-based independent cafe chain Over Under Coffee. Ed founded and grew Over Under to a formidable eight-strong chain, plus a franchise in the Middle East, before selling the business to ambitious New York-based start-up Blank Street in 2022.Following the acquisition, Ed has set up hospitality tech platform Edify Systems.In this candid conversation, Ed shares his experience of the M&A process, from preparing the business for sale and lengthy due diligence to managing the transition period. He also highlights the importance of meticulous planning and ensuring continued financial performance throughout the sales process.Credits music: "Cry Don’t You" by IONA SKY in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

The London Coffee Festival 2024 is less than 2 weeks away and with it comes a four-day celebration of London’s vibrant coffee scene and its dedicated community.Since its inception in 2011 , The London Coffee Festival has attracted tens of thousands of hospitality professionals and coffee connoisseurs, fostering deep connections among those with a shared passion for coffee in London.And so in celebration of this remarkable event and to get us in the mood for this year’s festivities, we’re catching up with a few exhibitors and loyal participants about their favourite moments and also to hear what they are excited for this years’ event.We'll speak with Camilla Morgan, Head of Business Development & Customer Relationships, Eversys UK, Alex Spruce, Sales Director, Lofbergs UK, Lori Latham, Chief Commercial Office, Sproud, latte art champion Dhan Tamang, Coffee Masters London 2023 winner Jānis Podiņš and Harry Goddin, Commercial Director, William Reed.Credits music: "Fire" by Ruby Confue in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today’s episode we’re swapping our coffee beans for tea leaves and speaking with Nathan Kosky, Executive Vice President, for Rishi Tea & Botanicals.Founded in 1997 by Joshua Kaiser, Rishi Tea was a pioneer in bringing premium loose-leaf tea to the North American market. Today the brand supplies a wide range of high-quality teas, powders and infusions to coffee shops, restaurants and consumers across the US.In this conversation, Nathan shares the latest tea drinking trends in the US and how consumer preferences have evolved in recent years. He also highlights how hospitality businesses can increase tea sales through storytelling and ceremony to deliver an elevated customer experienceCredits music: "Something New" by Kirstie Kraus in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today’s episode we’re speaking with Eileen Rinaldi, Founder and CEO of San Francisco’s iconic Ritual Coffee Roasters.Established in 2005, Ritual was a forerunner in San Francisco’s specialty coffee movement that exploded in the late-2000s. Today, the business operates five sites and a roastery in the Bay Area and Napa Valley.In this insightful conversation, Eileen discusses her bold ambition for Ritual to become a community-led and employee-owned business. She also stresses the importance of having a clear vision, being fully committed to your goals and making sure you have access to enough capital before it’s critical.Credits music: "Say It Again" by Madeleine Mayi in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

Following on from our last episode exploring the equipment required for a successful roastery, today we are releasing the complete interview with Scott Stouffer, Chief Sales Officer, Probat.In this conversation, Scott offers incredible insights into the world of coffee roasting equipment and he sheds light on which markets are growing the fastest. He also discusses the latest trends in technology, including automation and alternative energy, and shares important advice for any roaster looking to sustainably grow their business.Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today's episode we're continuing our series on the business of coffee roasting and focusing on the essential infrastructure required for a successful roastery.We'll speak with Scott Stouffer, Chief Sales Officer, Probat and Andreas Idl, CEO & Founder, Cropster to get an overview of the roasting equipment market globally and find out how technology and AI can be used to improve coffee consistency and quality.We'll also speak with Brian Rice, Roaster, Counter Culture Coffee and Simo Kristidhi, Production and Logistics Manager, Solberg & Hansen about the essential pieces of equipment and technology needed when setting up a roastery and how to optimise the space for efficiency.Credits music: "Merry Go Around" by The Velvet Fuzz in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today's "Coffee Entrepreneur" episode, we're speaking with Dillon Edwards and AJ Walzer, the team behind one of New York City’s favourite specialty coffee brands - Parlor Coffee.Dillon founded Parlor Coffee in 2012, originally as a pop up espresso bar in a Williamsburg barber’s shop. AJ joined in 2014 and since then, Parlor has grown to a formidable and globally revered roasting business, driven by a passion for origin, community and innovation.In this conversation, Dillon and AJ discuss the evolution of the New York specialty coffee scene over the last 15 years, and their decision to prioritise wholesale expansion. They also highlight the need for innovation, elevating the customer experience, and the importance of empathy and shared values when building a business together.Credits music: "Burn" by Grammy-winning artist Nicole Zuraitis in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today’s episode we're to be joined by Vanusia Nogueira, Executive Director of the International Coffee Organization (ICO).Established in 1963, the ICO was set up to regulate the global coffee market, promote international cooperation and administer the International Coffee Agreement.Today the ICO is as a vital platform for education and consultation, fostering long-term, sustainable production and increasing consumption of quality coffee.In this conversation Vanusia discusses the new regulations and initiatives aimed at equipping producers with the solutions and tools to tackle coffee production’s most pressing challenges. She also highlights the importance of establishing funding mechanisms for producers and the necessity of attracting young entrepreneurs back and into specialty coffee at origin. Credits music: "Pronoia" by Carly Pearl in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today's episode we're kicking off a new mini series on Thailand's vibrant coffee shop market, exploring the recent growth of specialty coffee and opportunities for international brands.First up, we're speaking with Varatt "Tae" Vichit-Vadakan, founder of Kinnest Group - a boutique F&B group in Bangkok with over 20 hospitality venues and 8 sub brands including Roots Coffee, Roast and Monty's.In this conversation Tae discusses the evolution of Thailand’s specialty coffee scene over the last 15 years and the joys of collaborating with other creative and passionate entrepreneurs. He also highlights his vision to reconnect with Thailand’s traditional coffee drinking culture by tapping into the nation’s increasing pride for Thai-grown coffee.Credits music: "Sad Sometimes" by Rosin in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

Today we're kicking off a new series on the business of coffee roasting, exploring all aspects of setting up a roastery - from sourcing equipment and green coffee to building a brand and establishing wholesale partnerships.In the first episode, we speak with Lem Butler, Co-Founder, Black and White Coffee Roasters and Kirby Sinclair, Co-founder, The Roasting Party, to understand the basics and first steps of establishing a roastery In these conversations we discuss how to find the right location, how to know when to upgrade facilities as you grow and the importance of defining your vision and building business relationships. Credits music: "Bad as you Are" by Alicia Davis in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

Today we’re continuing our funding series by speaking with Dan Hardy, Chief Revenue Officer at Crowdcube to find out how to prepare and execute a successful crowdfunding campaign. Crowdcube is Europe’s largest private lending marketplace with a community of over 1.5 million members. To date the platform has helped raise £1.4 billion of investment and has worked with over 1,300 entrepreneurs, including ambitious companies such as Grind, WatchHouse, Brewdog and Monzo.In this conversation Dan walks us through the crowdfunding process and sheds light on how to build and capitalise on campaign momentum. We also discuss the importance of creating a narrative with your community and communicating a clear and powerful mission statement.Credits music: "Dizzy" by Richard James in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today’s episode we’re speaking with Yassir Rais, Founder and CEO of Spanish specialty coffee business, Syra Coffee.Founded in 2015 in Barcelona, Syra Coffee has rapidly grown in recent years and now has an impressive 43 sites across 7 cities in Spain as well as a formidable B2C roasting business.In this conversation Yassir explores the inherent relationship between design, architecture and specialty coffee and shares his mission to democratise good coffee by making it accessible and affordable to all consumers.Credits music: "Broken Ground" by Kavalla in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In the second episode of our Christmas break, we’re resharing a conversation with Anne Lunell - the co-visionary behind Swedish specialty roaster, Koppi Coffee Roasters.Respected throughout the industry, Anne is a former Swedish Barista Champion, international coffee judge, and was recently presented an Outstanding Industry Contribution honour at the European Coffee Awards in Barcelona.In this conversation, Anne discusses the importance of building a values-based business and shares why taking a step back and simplifying Koppi’s business model has created a fundamental work-life balance that so many successful entrepreneurs crave.Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

During our short break over the Christmas and New Year we’re re-sharing some of our favourite conversations from the last 12 months.First up is the legendary Tony Papas, a multi-faceted hospitality entrepreneur, with a global career spanning Michelin-starred restaurants, boutique bakeries, specialty coffee roasting with Allpress Espresso, and most recently, developing an olive farm in Puglia, Italy.In this conversation, Tony shares his business instinct of knowing when to jump in and when to step away, and the importance of fostering a cohesive culture by bringing every team member along on the adventure.Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today's episode we're bringing you an alternative Christmas playlist to accompany your festive celebrations. It’s our tradition to close each episode showcasing music from up and coming talented artists in association with The Coffee Music Project. And today we’re bringing you a bonus episode packed full of some of our favourite tracks from the year - plus a couple of festive numbers for good measure. So sit back, crack open the mulled wine and enjoy this Festive Treat of excellent music. A big thank you to all the incredible artists for lending their remarkable tracks throughout the year!TracklistSteve Ray Ladson - Do you Know Lisa Crawley - Don't Delete Me Richard James aka HOLNE - See the Magic MARLEY - Besos De Miel Scott Krokoff - Fortunately Amira B - Do You Olivia Junholm - Hurry SlowSamantha Rise - Rye Grass Ryder The Grove - Sun and Rain Norman Alexander - All I Know Abrielle Scharff - New York Makes Me Cry Daisy Chute - Christmas Just For Two

In today’s episode we’re speaking with Dan Martensen, the man behind the overnight sensation, It's Bagels - a New-York inspired bagel and coffee shop in London’s Primrose Hill.Dan opened the doors to It's Bagels in September 2023 and within days they had queues of over 200 eager customers lining up for a bagel and coffee. So, how did he do it?In this conversation Dan shares the secrets behind the daunting task of generating PR for a new brand. He also discusses his community-centric approach to business and the art of balancing tradition and modernity.Credits music: "Mother" by Daisy Chute in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

Today is the third and final part of our series exploring the Colombian coffee market and in this episode we’re discussing the enduring appeal of Colombian coffee abroad.We'll speak with Victor Gamboa, Santiago Gamboa, and Adnan Millwala, Co-founders of Hermanos Coffee Roasters in London. In this conversation they discuss adapting Colombian coffee to UK consumer preferences and how they communicate their Colombian heritage to their customers. We’ll also hear from industry guru, Tim Wendelboe who shares his passion for Colombian coffee, why he invested in a Colombian farm and why the country's coffees are so highly revered around the world.Credits music: "Serendipia" by London-based Colombian artist Eliana Echeverry in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

Today we’re bringing you to the final two interviews from the 5THWAVE Live sessions - recorded at the European Coffee Symposium last month in Barcelona.We’ll hear from Elaine Swift, Out Of Home Director for UCC Coffee Europe and Adrian Steiner, CEO, Thermoplan. In these conversations we discuss the importance of staying ahead of the curve, being agile and adapting to an ever-evolving consumer landscape.Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

Today we’re sharing the second interview from our 5THWAVE Live sessions - recorded at the European Coffee Symposium 2023 in Barcelona.In this episode we catch up with industry legend Guido Bernardinelli, CEO of La Marzocco. La Marzocco is a powerhouse in the espresso machine category, known for their quality machines, cutting edge technology and iconic designs.In our conversation, Guido highlights the role of a good leader is one that continuously learns from their team and their customers and cultivates a collaborative working environment.Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

Last week marked the 15th year of the Allegra European Coffee Symposium, held Barcelona. This high profile event welcomed leaders from across Europe’s coffee and hospitality industry for three days of networking, one-on-one meetings, thought leadership and the annual European Coffee Awards.As part of the conference programme, we were delighted to host a series of exclusive interviews with some of the industry’s most celebrated business leaders in the first ever 5THWAVE Podcast Live.And today, we’re bringing you the first of those interviews in full, and speaking with Marta Pogroszewska, Managing Director of GAIL’s Bakery. GAIL’s is a highly successful boutique bakery chain with 127 bakeries in the UK and are renowned for their people-centric approach to business.In this conversation Marta shares stories from her incredible career and the secrets behind GAIL’s successful hiring and people development programmes.Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today's episode we're continuing our series exploring the vast and diverse Colombian coffee market. In part one, Alejandro Cadena from Caravela Coffee, shared an overview of the country’s rich tapestry of microclimates and coffee varietals.And today we're immersing ourselves in Colombian coffee culture by speaking with Carolina Castañeda, Director for Europe, Federacion Nacional de Cafeteros de Colombia and Jaime Andres Moreno, COO, Café Quindío.In these conversations we discuss the latest trends in specialty coffee in Colombia and find out how coffee has become so closely connected to Colombia's national identity.Credits music: "Besos de Miel" by Marley in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today's episode we're exploring the investment trail to find out how hospitality businesses can prepare and execute a successful funding strategy.We'll speak with David Abrahamovitch, CEO and founder of Grind - a boutique hospitality group that has completed a number of successful multi-million dollar funding rounds.In this conversation, David walks us through each stage of the brand's funding journey - from individual investors to crowdfunding - and shares invaluable advice for entrepreneurs looking to raise capital for growth.Credits music: "Streets of London" by Charlotte Campbell in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today's episode we're kicking off a new mini series on the Colombian coffee market, exploring the trends and future developments of this vast and diverse coffee growing country.First up, we speak with Alejandro Cadena, CEO & Founder of specialty green coffee exporter, Caravela Coffee, to get an overview of the market and Colombia's different growing regions.In this conversation, Alejandro unpacks Colombia's rich tapestry of microclimates and coffee varietals and discusses the impact of increasing coffee farm consolidation. Credits music: "Un Weekend Contigo" by Marley in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today's episode, we continue exploring the metrics and KPIs successful hospitality operators use to achieve outstanding results.Last week we heard from Colin Harmon of Dublin’s 3fe about the indicators he employs to maximise the performance of his coffee business. Next up, we speak with Andrew Purcell, Director of Always Bright Group and former Head of Operations for Central London at Soho House.In this conversation Andrew shares the simple but effective framework he uses to deliver operational excellence and a consistent and first-rate customer experience.Credits music: "Jack is Back" by Sonia Leigh in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In the next two episodes we’re exploring the critical business metrics and KPIs successful coffee and hospitality operators use to achieve outstanding results.First up we speak with Colin Harmon, Founder and CEO of 3fe - an iconic chain of specialty coffee shops and roastery based in Dublin. In this conversation, Colin discusses the importance of taking a long-term view to achieve your goals and shares the metrics he tracks to maximise business performance. For more on how to build a coffee shop business you can buy "What I Know about Running Coffee Shops" by Colin Harmon here.Credits music: "Send Me" by Bobbie Harvey in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

On the podcast today we're exploring the hospitality marketing landscape and unpacking the various channels and strategies operators can use to promote their brand.In conversations with Andrew Stone, Vice President Marketing at Bluestone Lane and marketing consultant Emily Karim, we find out how hospitality operators can successfully adapt to the fast-changing marketing landscape and consistently attract new customers to their businesses.Credits music: "Sun and Rain" by The Grove in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today’s episode we’re speaking with Tareq Alshaikh, co-founder of Pinnacle Group, the hospitality partner operating Toby’s Estate Coffee Roasters, across the GCC.Founded in Australia by Toby Smith in the late 1990s, Toby’s Estate is now a highly respected and pioneering specialty coffee brand across the world. In 2015, Pinnacle Group partnered with Toby’s Estate to franchise the brand in the GCC and now have 20 outlets across Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.In this conversation, Tareq discusses the deep influence of Australian coffee culture in the Middle East, the added business benefits of fully digitised stores, as well as sharing the brand’s plans for regional and international expansion.Credits music: "The Art of Music" by Dudley Music in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

Today, we’re finishing off our interview series speaking with some of New York’s leading boutique coffee businesses by catching up with Brandon Peña and Sam Sepulveda, Co-founders of 787 Coffee.Founded in 2017, 787 Coffee is one of the fastest boutique coffee chains in New York. They now operate 17 sites in the city, 2 in El Paso Texas and 4 in their native Puerto Rico where they also operate their own coffee farm.In this conversation they discuss what it means to be a leader, their responsibility to their staff and community and the unexpected silver linings and new opportunities that come from surviving the impact of Hurricane Maria and the pandemic. Credits music: "Welcome to the Boogie by Keren Abreu in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today's episode we continue our interview series speaking with some of New York’s leading boutique coffee businesses.Next up we’re speaking with Gavin Compton and Ryan Wanslow, Owner and Managing Director respectively at Variety Coffee Roasters.In this conversation we discuss the importance of staying original and true to your roots, keeping it simple and, most of all - making sure you enjoy the journey. Credits music: "For Me" by Norman Alexander in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

This week we’re back in New York City for the New York Coffee Festival 2023! Over the next three days we’re bringing you exclusive interviews with the founders of three highly successful boutique coffee businesses in New York. First up we speak with Hazel de los Reyes and Clare Lim, Co-founders Gumption Coffee. In this conversation we discuss their belief in the transformational power of the coffee, the lessons they’ve learned in setting up in New York City, and the importance of being fearless and inspiring trust within your teams.Credits music: New York Makes Me Cry by Abrielle Scharff in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today’s episode we’re speaking with Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood, Founder of Colonna Coffee - a boutique specialty coffee business in the UK.A celebrated author and innovator in the world of coffee, Maxwell will soon be releasing a new book - The Business of Specialty Coffee - exploring the models and operating margins of businesses across the specialty coffee supply chain. We sit down with Maxwell to find out what to expect from his latest publication and discuss his new coffee shop venture in the heart of London's creative district.Pre-order The Business of Specialty Coffee by Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood here.Credits music: "N Luv Again" by Trop Mal in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

On the podcast today we’re delving into the worlds of coffee and sport to explore the synergies between these two high profile industries.We'll be speaking with Dr Lindsy Kass, Principle Lecturer, University of Hertfordshire to get a deeper understanding of what caffeine does to the body and how it can affect athletic performance.We'll also hear from Caleb Benoit, Founder, Connect Roasters and Major League Baseball player Ian Happ from the Chicago Cubs, about their business partnership and the importance of aligning on vision and values.Credits music: "Rye Grass Ryder" by Samantha Rise in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In our second episode of our summer break, we revisit another inspiring conversation I had with Isabela Raposeiras last year.Isabela is a former Brazilian Barista Champion, Founder of pioneering specialty coffee and coffee education business, Coffee Lab in São Paulo and one of the most accomplished female leaders in the global coffee industry.Credits music: "Curandeiras" by Isadora CantoSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

We’re taking a short summer break here at 5THWAVE and returning to our usual schedule in two weeks. But to tide you over we’re revisiting a couple of our favourite conversations from the last three years.First up is an incredible James Hoffmann. James is a world-renowned figure in the global coffee industry. A former World Barista Champion, co-founder of Square Mile Coffee Roasters, and author of The World Atlas of Coffee, and a prolific YouTuber who has amassed almost 2 million subscribers.In this conversation, James discusses his ambitions, business tenets, and we discover the mindset that has helped build his remarkable careerSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

On the podcast today, we're continuing our exploration of talent management and finding out how Brexit, the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis has impacted hospitality staffing in the UK.We speak with Mark McCulloch, marketing guru and Founder of Hospitality Rising to hear how the organisation's multi-layered media campaign is changing the perception of hospitality as a viable career.We also speak with Jakob Gundersen, Head of UK Operations, Joe & the Juice, and Max Dubiel, Founder, Redemption Roasters to explore how UK operators are finding solutions to the staffing crisis and why developing internally and hiring from often overlooked communities is key to building a talented workforce. Credits music: "Sun and Rain" by The Grove in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

On the podcast today, we’re speaking with James Hennebry, entrepreneur and Co-founder of Rosslyn Coffee - a boutique specialty coffee business in the heart of London’s financial district and one of the city's standout hospitality venues.With a longstanding background in hospitality that’s taken him from his native Ireland to Asia, Melbourne Australia and now London, James opened the doors to Rosslyn with business partner Mat Russell in 2018. They now have three sites across London’s Square Mile with more in the pipeline.In this conversation James shares the importance of taking care of staff and how success lies in developing a clear understanding of your true value proposition and delivering it well to your customers. Credits music: "She Lives Alone" by Jnay in collaboration with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today’s episode we’re chatting with coffee guru Peter Giuliano - an incredibly influential figure in the coffee industry and a true global visionary.With a career spanning more than 30 years. Peter was the Co-owner of North Carolina-based roaster Counter Culture Coffee where he helped build their pioneering direct sourcing and transparency model. Peter now serves as Executive Director at The Coffee Science Foundation and is Chief Research Officer at the Specialty Coffee Association, overseeing the organisation's research and scientific investigation divisions.In this conversation Peter discusses the importance of building a global coffee community and how the industry can use science and knowledge sharing to adapt to change and prepare for the unexpected.Credits music: "Redlight" by Naytive in collaboration with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

On the podcast today we’re kicking off a feature on talent management to understand how the hospitality industry can protect its key asset - people.In part one we focus on people strategy and find out how leading hospitality businesses foster a positive work culture.In conversations with Jonathan Crookall, Chief People Officer, Costa Coffee, Brooke Gray, Director of People, Equator Coffees and Henry Ayers, Co-founder, The Gentlemen Baristas, we discuss the staffing challenges they are currently facing, what they look for in potential employees and how they keep teams motivated to deliver exceptional customer service.Credits music: "3 Lies" by Alessia Piermarini in collaboration with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

On the podcast today we're catching up with newly-crowned World Barista Champion Boram Um. Born in Brazil to South Korean parents, Boram is the founder of boutique specialty coffee business Um Coffee Co. and is the first Brazilian winner in the competition’s history. In this conversation, Boram discusses his mission to educate Brazilian consumers about the joys of home-grown specialty coffee and shares his pride in becoming a role model for the next generation of Brazilian specialty coffee professionals.Credits music: "Waves With You" by Natalie Oliveri and Funk LeBlanc in collaboration with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

On the podcast today, we're catching up with industry legend Peter Dore-Smith - the man behind Fitzrovia's iconic coffee shop, Kaffeine, and one of the early pioneers of the London specialty coffee movement.In this insightful conversation, Peter tells the story of how he started Kaffeine, shares his people-centric approach to hiring, and why delivering genuine hospitality within his local community is the driving force behind his business.Credits music: "Fortunately" by Scott Krokoff in collaboration with The Coffee Music Project and SEB CollectiveSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear