As we take a short break over Christmas and New Year, we’re re-sharing some of our favourite conversations from the past 12 months. First up, we’re revisiting an inspiring conversation with Elisa Marshall and Benjamin Sormonte, Founders of Maman – the French-inspired boutique café and bakery chain that began in New York and has since expanded across the US and into Canada. Since its launch in 2014, Maman has experienced phenomenal growth, now boasting nearly 40 locations across New York, Washing...
Dec 27, 2024•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast In today's episode we're continuing our tradition of sharing an alternative Christmas playlist to soundtrack your celebrations over the Christmas period! We love to close each episode with music from up-and-coming artists, in association with The Coffee Music Project . So, today, we’re bringing you a special bonus episode filled with some of the best tracks we’ve featured this year. So grab a glass of mulled wine, settle into your cosiest spot, and enjoy this hand-picked collection of incredible...
Dec 24, 2024•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast In today's episode, we're exploring the growing global trend of co-roasting – a collaborative and community-driven approach that has been gaining traction in recent years. How does co-roasting work? What are the benefits for roasters? And how does this model support the wider coffee community? To find out, we’ll hear from the founders of three exciting shared roasting concepts: Philipp Reichel, Co-founder, Communal Coffee , Andy Wells, Founder, Press Coffee & Co ., and Leonardo Azeredo, Foun...
Dec 20, 2024•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we’re excited to bring you the next instalment of our 5THWAVE Live sessions, recorded at the European Coffee Symposium in Berlin 2024. We welcome back to the show David Abrahamovitch, CEO and founder of Grind – a boutique hospitality group with 14 locations, a roastery and thriving direct-to-consumer coffee business. In this candid conversation, David shares his strategies for securing capital to fuel Grind’s impressive growth. He also explores how the transition to a multi-channel busine...
Dec 18, 2024•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we're continuing our deep dive into how water quality can transform the taste and character of coffee. In part one, we explored the fascinating science behind water and coffee brewing. In part two, we’ll find out how water science is being applied in practice to elevate customer experience. We'll speak with Maximillian Lundin, Product Marketing Manager at Bluewater Group , and Sergio Barbarisi, International Key Accounts Manager at BWT water+more, about the latest innovations in water pur...
Dec 13, 2024•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast Over the next two episodes, we’re deep-diving into the fascinating science of how water quality can profoundly transform the flavour and character of your coffee. In part one, we’re donning our lab coats to explore water chemistry and its impact on coffee. We'll speak with Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood , coffee entrepreneur and author, and Christopher H. Hendon, Associate Professor of Chemistry at the University of Oregon. Together, they co-authored the groundbreaking book Water for Coffee and are no...
Dec 10, 2024•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we're returning to our interviews recorded live at The European Coffee Symposium in Berlin last month. In this episode, we’re exploring the impact of the incoming European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) directive. We’re joined by Kajsa-Lisa Ljudén and Jonny England, Head of Sustainability and Head of Coffee respectively at Löfbergs , and Pim Pilose, Success Manager at technology platform Era of We . In this important conversation, we’ll explore how coffee businesses can prepare to meet EU...
Dec 05, 2024•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we’re sharing the second interview from our 5THWAVE Live sessions recorded at the European Coffee Symposium in Berlin. In this episode, we’re joined by Chris Salierno, Chief Marketing Officer at La Marzocco . La Marzocco is a powerhouse in the espresso machine industry, celebrated for its exceptional quality, innovative technology and dedication to fostering a global coffee community. In this conversation, Chris shares how La Marzocco continues to grow as a global, community-led brand - on...
Dec 02, 2024•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast Earlier this month, the European Coffee Symposium returned for its 15th edition, hosted in the vibrant city of Berlin. This prestigious event brought together leaders from across Europe’s coffee and hospitality industry for four days of networking, one-on-one meetings, and thought leadership – all culminating in the launch of the brand-new Coffee + Hospitality Expo ! As part of the conference programme, we were delighted to host 5THWAVE LIVE : a series of exclusive podcast interviews with some o...
Nov 25, 2024•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Next week marks the 15th anniversary of the European Coffee Symposium (ECS), set in the effortlessly cool city of Berlin, Germany. Alongside ECS, we're thrilled to be launching the Coffee & Hospitality Expo – two landmark events coming together in one of Europe’s most dynamic coffee capitals. This gathering is an opportunity to dive into the latest market insights, create new business connections, and celebrate the exceptional people shaping the European coffee scene. And, to get us excited ...
Nov 09, 2024•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast From coffee roasters and food & beverage providers to packaging and equipment manufacturers, the multi-billion dollar coffee industry is packed with supplier categories. In a crowded marketplace where suppliers are constantly vying for buyers’ attention, the stakes for winning new business are higher than ever. So, as a supplier, how do you stand out from the crowd? How do you impress operators? And what strategies can you employ to turn opportunities into success? To explore these questions...
Nov 01, 2024•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast In today’s episode, we speak with prolific coffee entrepreneur Murray d’Almeida, founder of Retail Food Group and the visionary behind a number of influential hospitality brands across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia. With a career spanning over 50 years, Murray has mentored many industry figures and remains a dynamic source of inspiration and wisdom today. In this conversation, Murray shares his core principles for business success and strategies for building multiple brands acro...
Oct 28, 2024•34 min•Ep 133•Transcript available on Metacast In today’s episode, we’re speaking with Esther Maasdam, Co-founder of Manhattan Coffee Roasters , a renowned specialty coffee business based in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Esther founded Manhattan Coffee with business partner, Ben Morrow, in 2017, with the vision of bringing world-class specialty coffees to European markets. Esther also runs an events consulting business , offering specialty baristas, catering support, and coffee training for events and exhibitions. In this conversation, Esther ...
Oct 18, 2024•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast Next week marks the start of UK Coffee Week – a nationwide celebration and fundraiser led by Project Waterfall, which aims to bring clean water and sanitation to coffee-growing communities. Every year, hundreds of coffee shops, restaurants, and roasters across the UK come together to host exciting events and activities, raising both awareness and vital funds for this important cause. In today’s episode, we’re getting into the spirit of the celebrations by speaking with three incredible supporter...
Oct 11, 2024•25 min•Ep 131•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode we’re diving back into the topic of office coffee and exploring how coffee businesses are adapting to the evolving workplace dynamics. In part one, we examined the office coffee markets in the UK and Europe and in this episode we'll take an in-depth look at the US market. We'll speak with Daniele Foti, Marketing VP, Lavazza North America , Erin Moshier, VP of Growth, Aramark and Tracy Ging, EVP Coffee Services, Canteen to uncover the key trends shaping the future of office coffee...
Oct 08, 2024•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast In today’s episode, we're speaking with Elisa Marshall and Benjamin Sormonte, Founders of Maman , a French-inspired boutique café and bakery chain that began in New York and has since expanded across the US and to Canada. Since its founding in 2014, Maman has grown exponentially, and by the end of this year, they’ll be celebrating a remarkable milestone of 40 stores, including locations in New York, Washington, Florida and Toronto. Next week also marks Maman's 10th anniversary, a decade filled w...
Sep 27, 2024•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast In today’s episode, we welcome back Roland Horne, CEO and founder of WatchHouse , one of the world’s leading boutique specialty coffee businesses. This month, WatchHouse celebrates its 10th anniversary — a milestone for this ambitious and fast-growing brand, which now operates 20 boutique coffee houses across London, Bath, and New York City. Roland has led WatchHouse through multiple funding rounds, including a recent standout £7.2 million ($9 million) campaign, recording the largest-ever hospit...
Sep 20, 2024•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we’re speaking with Regina Frey, Founder of Orang Utan Coffee, and Diana Kosmanto, its CEO. Orang Utan Coffee is a unique coffee trader and social enterprise dedicated to supporting rainforest conservation and empowering local coffee farmers in Sumatra. Founded in 2004, Orang Utan Coffee’s model is one of collaboration rather than ownership, partnering closely with farmers to promote sustainable coffee production while protecting the natural habitat of Sumatran orangutans. In ou...
Sep 17, 2024•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Following on from our last episode on coffee and music, we're bringing you an extra special bonus interview today with one of my favourite musicians - Grammy Winner and friend of the podcast, Nicole Zuraitis. We first met Nicole in 2016 when she won the Coffee Music Project New York Competition with her wonderful track “I Like You A Latte”. Fast-forward 8 years and Nicole is now an award-winning jazz singer-songwriter and pianist who this year scooped up the GRAMMY for Best Jazz Vocal Album. In ...
Sep 10, 2024•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast In today's episode, we're exploring the connection between coffee and music and how the right soundtrack can contribute to the success of a hospitality venue. How do you identify the perfect playlist? How do different genres, moods, and tempos shape the right customer experience throughout the entire week? And what are the latest trends in hospitality music? To answer these questions, we'll speak with Paul Ettinger, Business Development and Music Director, Caffè Nero , along with two experts fro...
Sep 06, 2024•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast During our short summer break here we’re re-sharing one of our favourites conversations from the past year. We’ll return to 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 Its Bagels in September 2023 and within days they had queues of customers lining up to get their hands on one of Dan’s delicious bagels. So, how did he do it? In this conversation Dan shares the secrets behind the ...
Aug 30, 2024•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we’re excited to bring you the full length interview with Kate O’Brien, Executive Director of the Costa Foundation . We first spoke to Kate for our episode on using coffee for social good, but her insights were so valuable that we wanted to share the entire conversation with you today. Kate has a wealth of experience across the charity sector and in this extended edit, shares some compelling details and examples from the Costa Foundation’s community impact. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist o...
Aug 28, 2024•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Following on from our last episode on leveraging coffee for good, we’re bringing you the full interview with Cemal Ezel, Founder of the social enterprise Change Please and Old Spike Roastery. Cemal’s insights on both social impact and commercial success were so compelling that we wanted to share the full conversation with you today. In this extended edit, Cemal discusses Change Please’s unique business model and holistic approach to tackling homelessness. He also discusses his recent collaborati...
Aug 23, 2024•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast In today’s episode, we’re exploring how businesses can leverage coffee as a force for good, benefiting both our coffee communities and the world beyond. We’ll speak with three leaders from remarkable social organisations to learn about their transformative work and the tangible impact they're making on people's lives. Cemal Ezel, Founder and CEO Change Please , reveals how his innovative business model provides housing and barista training for individuals experiencing homelessness, empowering th...
Aug 16, 2024•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast In today’s episode we’re speaking with Jeanine Niyonzima-Aroian, Owner of JNP Coffee and Board Director of the Specialty Coffee Association , to get an overview of the Burundi coffee market – a vibrant, yet relatively unknown origin. Founded in 2012, JNP Coffee produces, promotes and trades African specialty coffee and is committed to transforming lives of people in Burundi through economic empowerment. In this conversation Jeanine discusses the crucial role coffee plays in Burundi’s economy and...
Aug 09, 2024•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this special summer episode, we’re stepping into the glorious world of olive oil to explore the parallels and synergies with the coffee industry. We’ll speak with Anna Cane, President of the Olive Oil Group at Assitol (The Italian Association of Edible Oils) and Joseph R. Profaci, Executive Director, North American Olive Oil Association to unpack the different types of olive oils on the market and its complex supply chain. We’ll also speak with coffee legend Tony Papas to find out why he’s re...
Aug 02, 2024•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast In today’s episode we’re speaking with Casey Lalonde, Owner of Girls Who Grind Coffee - a specialty coffee roaster based in Somerset, Southwest England. Founded in the mid- 2010s, Girls Who Grind sources all its coffees from women producers, with a focus on driving more visibility and representation for women across our industry. In this thought-provoking conversation, Casey discusses her mission, unique business model, and why she prioritises sourcing based on relationships and stories. Casey a...
Jul 26, 2024•31 min•Ep 121•Transcript available on Metacast In today’s episode we’re discussing the future of office coffee and finding out how coffee businesses are adapting to changing dynamics and the rise of hybrid working. In this episode we’ll examine the UK and European office coffee markets and in a later episode we’ll take an in-depth look at the North American market. Today, we’ll speak with Nick Stevens, B2B Commercial Director UK&I, Nespresso Professional , Vince Kelders, Group Category Leader Hot Drinks, Selecta and Andrea Clerici, Globa...
Jul 19, 2024•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today's episode is part two of a conversation with Peter Harman - a veteran restaurateur, author and host of the Build A Better Restaurant podcast . In part one, Peter walked us through his Eight Basic Fundamentals and actionable insights for success in the highly complex restaurant industry. In part two, Peter shares yet more wisdom from his years in the restaurant industry and outlines his Six Sales Pillars for increasing profit margins. Find out more about Peter Harman, his books and podcast ...
Jul 16, 2024•31 min•Ep 119•Transcript available on Metacast In today’s episode we're joined by Peter Harman - a veteran restaurateur, author and host of the Build A Better Restaurant podcast . Drawing on a wealth of experience in the restaurant industry, Peter's weekly podcast shares invaluable insight and advice on how to grow as a leader and build a more profitable hospitality business. Over the next two episodes, we'll bring you a snapshot of some of his core principles and strategies. In part one, Peter walks us through his Eight Basic Fundamentals a...
Jul 12, 2024•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
