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 profe...
Jul 21, 2023•21 min•Ep 73•Transcript available on Metacast 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 colla...
Jul 14, 2023•27 min•Ep 72•Transcript available on Metacast In the final part of our series on the Indian coffee market, we’re travelling to origin to explore what's happening in India’s vast and dynamic coffee farm sector. To get to know this sector better, we speak with Ashok Kuriyan and Rohan Kuriyan, Managing Director and Manager of Corporate Affairs at Balanoor Plantations - a renowned producer of specialty coffee in Karnataka, India. In this conversation, Ashok and Rohan discuss Indian consumers' growing interest in the origin of home grown coffees...
Jul 07, 2023•25 min•Ep 71•Transcript available on Metacast In today's episode we're continuing our exploration of the Indian coffee market and turning the spotlight on the country's rapidly growing love for specialty coffee. In conversations with Namrata Asthana and Matt Chitharanjan, Founders, Blue Tokai, Mike Khan, Area Export Manager, La Marzocco , and Rahul Reddy, Founder, Subko Specialty Coffee Roasters , we find out how specialty coffee is being adapted for the Indian consumer, what's driving the market's impressive growth and how leading specialt...
Jun 30, 2023•33 min•Ep 70•Transcript available on Metacast In a new three-part series, we're exploring the exciting growth potential for coffee businesses in India - from international chains and the rise of specialty coffee to the increasing recognition of Indian grown coffees. To kick things off, we're speaking with Deepa Krishnan, Chief Marketing Officer of international powerhouse Tata Starbucks - a joint venture between Starbucks and India's Tata Consumer Products. In this fascinating conversation Deepa shares insights on Tata Starbucks’ expansion ...
Jun 23, 2023•25 min•Ep 69•Transcript available on Metacast In today's episode we're continuing our exploration of the fast-developing coffee at-home market and how businesses can harness growth opportunities in this lucrative segment. In part two, we focus on retail coffee and chat with Will Corby, Director of Coffee and Social Impact at Pact Coffee , Jon Allen, Creative Director, Onyx Coffee Lab and Jonny England, Director of Coffee, Löfbergs UK&I to find out what types of coffee consumers are brewing at home and the trends that are shaping the fut...
Jun 09, 2023•32 min•Ep 68•Transcript available on Metacast On the podcast today we're kicking off a two-part series exploring the remarkable growth of the at-home specialty coffee market and the rise of the home barista. In part one, we focus on at-home coffee equipment and speak with Dave Gubbin, President, Sage Appliances EMEA and John Holmquist, Commercial and Residential Sales Manager, Seattle Coffee Gear to uncover the growing demand for high-end home coffee machines across the UK, Europe and the US. We also speak with Andrew Pautler, Founder of In...
May 26, 2023•32 min•Ep 67•Transcript available on Metacast On the podcast today, we're speaking with three successful independent London operators to uncover the secrets to a thriving neighbourhood cafe and the role coffee shops play within the local community. In conversations with Peter Dore-Smith, Founder Kaffeine , Kim Hargreaves, Founder and Managing Director, Boki Coffee , and Dani Reid and Agnes Potter, Co-founders, Potter & Reid , we discuss how to build a loyal local following, foster meaningful interactions between customers and staff, and...
May 12, 2023•37 min•Ep 66•Transcript available on Metacast On the podcast today we're exploring the rise of digital loyalty apps and how these tools are revolutionising the way operators engage with their customers. We first speak with two leading coffee shop app developers, Miles Bailey and Tim Silbermann, Founders of RWRD and Ali Al Ebrahim, Founder and CEO, COFE App , to understand the vast benefits these technologies can generate for operators. We then speak with James Flett, Head of Marketing, Caffè Nero to find out how the brand uses gamification ...
Apr 28, 2023•34 min•Ep 65•Transcript available on Metacast The London Coffee Festival returns from 20 to 23 April 2023 and with it comes a four day celebration of London’s vibrant coffee scene and the incredible people and communities that help the coffee industry continue to thrive. Now entering its 12th year, The London Coffee Festival has grown to a formidable event, featuring 200+ exhibitors and welcoming over 30,000 trade and consumer visitors through its doors each year. So to celebrate the legacy and the future of this iconic coffee event, we’re ...
Apr 14, 2023•38 min•Ep 64•Transcript available on Metacast On the podcast this week we're opening the door to the culinary world to find out how successful restaurant operators deliver consistent and high-quality customer service experiences for their guests. We first speak with Alex Susskind, Professor of Food and Beverage Management at Cornell University’s Nolan School to understand the conceptual framework behind creating exceptional customer service. We also speak with two standout restaurant operators, Laura Harper-Hinton, CEO and Co-Founder, Carav...
Apr 06, 2023•35 min•Ep 63•Transcript available on Metacast On the podcast this week we're exploring the Head of Coffee role in different hospitality businesses and the crucial function it plays in delivering the perfect coffee experience. In conversations with Ryan Garrick, Head of Coffee, WatchHouse , Christopher Jordan, Group Head of Coffee Caffè Nero , Jennifer Salamone, VP of Operations and Antonia Petaccio, Head of Coffee Training DC, at Tatte Bakery, we unpack the broad set of responsibilities that fall under the Head of Coffee role, from leading ...
Mar 24, 2023•29 min•Ep 62•Transcript available on Metacast On the podcast this week we're speaking with three highly-talented and passionate coffee journalists to explore the crucial role media plays in developing the specialty coffee industry. In conversations with Nick Brown, Founding Editor, Daily Coffee News , Michal Molcan, Founder, Standart , and Nicole Ou, Manager Coffee T&I , we discuss the challenges and global opportunities for coffee media businesses, the future of print publishing, and how these titles are diversifying and adapting to a ...
Mar 10, 2023•30 min•Ep 61•Transcript available on Metacast Today on the podcast we’re revisiting a conversation with Søren Ledet from last week’s episode exploring the world of coffee and fine dining. Søren is Co-Founder and General Manager of the world-renowned restaurant Geranium - a three-Michelin-starred dining experience in Copengagen, which last year was named the best restaurant in the world by the 50 best awards. In this conversation, Søren offered so many fascinating insights and learnings from his vast experience running a standout hospitality...
Mar 03, 2023•31 min•Ep 60•Transcript available on Metacast On the podcast today we're stepping into the world of fine dining to explore the role of coffee in high-end restaurants and how restauranteurs are elevating their coffee standards. We speak with Søren Ledet, Co-founder and General Manager of Copenhagen's Geranium , to find out how one of the world's finest dining establishments runs its coffee programme and uses storytelling and theatre to deliver a captivating coffee experience. We also speak with Olivier Fellous, General Manager, La Manufactur...
Feb 24, 2023•32 min•Ep 59•Transcript available on Metacast On the podcast today we're heading to Vietnam to explore how this rapidly diversifying market is breaking away from tradition and embracing new coffee drinking opportunities . In conversations with Will Frith , coffee coach and Co-founder, Building Coffee, academic Sarah Grant , and Sahra Nguyen, CEO and Founder, Nguyen Coffee Supply , we discuss the complex history of Vietnamese coffee exports, the burgeoning specialty coffee scene in Ho Chi Minh City, and the growing international appreciation...
Feb 10, 2023•31 min•Ep 58•Transcript available on Metacast In today’s episode we’re bringing you an interview with a true hospitality legend and genuine artisan, Tony Papas. Tony is a multi-faceted entrepreneur, with a global career spanning Michelin-starred restaurants, a boutique bakery, specialty coffee and most recently, developing an olive farm in Southern Italy. In this conversation, Tony discusses his early background in hospitality before joining New Zealand-based specialty roaster Allpress Espresso and launching the business in London and Europ...
Jan 27, 2023•41 min•Ep 57•Transcript available on Metacast In today's episode we're diving into the topic of market research and exploring how operators can gain a deeper understanding of their consumers. In conversations with Dr. Ernest Baskin , Associate Professor, St. Joseph’s University of Philadelphia, Blonnie Whist, Insight Director, Lumina Intelligence , and JP Then, Co-founder of Crosstown and Founder of online ordering system Slerp , we unpack the latest behavioural trends in hospitality and find out how gathering regular consumer data and insi...
Jan 13, 2023•42 min•Ep 56•Transcript available on Metacast To kick off 2023 we’re bringing you an interview with a true industry legend – the one and only George Howell, a name synonymous with coffee excellence. Since the 1980s George has played an integral role in the development of specialty coffee in Western markets – pioneering the third-wave coffee movement and championing single origin coffees and direct trade. In this conversation George shares details of his early coffee career and experiences, including the ‘unlikely’ sale of his small Boston-b...
Jan 06, 2023•37 min•Ep 55•Transcript available on Metacast With the festive season well under way we thought now was the perfect time to indulge our minds in the exciting topic of coffee and alcohol and find out how these two beverages coexist seamlessly across different hospitality settings. In conversations with Professor Jonathan Morris , Research Professor at Hertfordshire University, Michelle Cannone, Global Brand Director, Away from Home and Mattia Pastori, Brand Ambassador at Lavazza , we explore alcohol's historical connection with coffee, the s...
Dec 16, 2022•27 min•Ep 54•Transcript available on Metacast On the podcast this week, we're exploring the remarkable growth of cafés in Saudi Arabia and why coffee is fast-becoming big business in the Middle East powerhouse. In conversations with Abdullah Al Harazi, Technical Training Manager, Barn's , Sara Alali , Founder, THAT Boutique Café, and Fadi Hamoud, COO and Ali Alkhabbaz, Head of Coffee, Nejoud Restaurant Management Company , we discuss Saudi's historical coffee culture, the trends that are shaping the market today, and the growth opportunitie...
Dec 09, 2022•35 min•Ep 53•Transcript available on Metacast In today’s episode, we’re bringing you a feature length interview with Nick Stone, CEO and Founder of Bluestone Lane - an Australian inspired, boutique hospitality chain with 62 locations in major cities across the US. In this fascinating conversation, Nick shares his extraordinary insight, key business learnings and wisdom gained from his multifaceted career. He also discusses the importance of developing a distinct and well-communicated value proposition and how human connection and community ...
Dec 02, 2022•53 min•Ep 52•Transcript available on Metacast On the podcast today we're exploring the business case for drive-thru coffee and the potential for this highly-profitable format to expand across new market segments and geographies. In conversation with Kevin Hydes, Chief Commercial Officer, Tim Hortons, UK&I , Brett Bolwell, CEO, Barista Technology , and coffee historian Amanda Whitt, we explore the historical rise of drive-thru coffee in the US, the gravitation towards convenience post-Covid, and the format's growing popularity in the UK,...
Nov 25, 2022•36 min•Ep 51•Transcript available on Metacast This week we’re chatting with Ralf Rüller, Founder, CEO and creative force behind The Barn - a curated specialty coffee business with a roastery and 10 coffee shops in Berlin, plus three international stores, spanning Mallorca, Dubai, and most recently Seoul in Korea. In this conversation Ralf shares his entrepreneurial journey from a career in banking and a stint in acting school in London before stepping into the world of coffee and founding his own business. He also discusses his ambitions fo...
Nov 18, 2022•39 min•Ep 50•Transcript available on Metacast On the podcast this week we're examining the impact of soaring energy prices and how café operators are navigating this unprecedented crisis. We first speak with Murielle Gagnebin, Senior Associate of EU Energy Policy at Agora Energiewende , to understand how the energy crisis arose and how long policymakers expect it will last. We also speak with Henry Ayers, Co-Founder, The Gentlemen Baristas and Konstantinos Konstantinopoulos, CEO, Coffee Island about the pressures operators are facing and ho...
Nov 04, 2022•33 min•Ep 49•Transcript available on Metacast On the podcast this week we’re bringing you a feature length interview with Roland Horne, Founder & CEO of WatchHouse – a boutique specialty coffee business with 10 locations across London, and five new UK sites already in design plus a flagship store scheduled to open in Manhattan in 2023. In this conversation, Roland discusses his entrepreneurial vision and growth ambitions for the business and shares how his risk-on mindset and desire to leave a meaningful legacy has helped to rapidly pro...
Oct 28, 2022•46 min•Ep 48•Transcript available on Metacast This week we’re bringing you a very special bonus episode with Anne Lunell, a former Swedish Barista Champion, international coffee judge and the co-visionary behind Koppi Coffee Roasters - an internationally acclaimed coffee roaster based in the Swedish town of Helsingborg. In this candid 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...
Oct 21, 2022•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast To celebrate the World Barista Championship taking place at Melbourne International Coffee Expo next week, we're turning the spotlight on this highly influential coffee city to explore the past, present and future of Melbourne's specialty coffee scene. In conversations with Ross Quail, Sales Director for Asia Pacific, Hemro International , Mark Dundon, Co-owner, Seven Seeds , and Sean Edwards, Founder, Cafe Culture magazine and the Golden Bean awards, we explore how Melbourne's coffee landscape ...
Sep 23, 2022•31 min•Ep 47•Transcript available on Metacast Last week in our episode on coffee competitions we featured a clip from a conversation with 2009 World Barista Champion Gwilym Davies and today we bring you the interview in full. Gwilym is the founder of London’s iconic Prufrock cafe, is a coffee judge, runs his own barista training centre and recently launched his own coffee brand - The Naughty Dog. In this conversation, Gwilym shares a powerful story of personal growth, how becoming a reluctant winner ended up defining his coffee career, and ...
Sep 16, 2022•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast On the podcast this week, we're pulling back the curtain on the world of coffee competitions and exploring their profound impact on the coffee industry. We chat with competition organisers, judges and barista champions, Stephen Morrissey, of the Specialty Coffee Association, Gwilym Davies , Morgan Eckroth and Rastislav Kasár, to understand the role competitions play in the community, how they elevate coffee standards, and find out what it takes to win. Credits music: "Summer is for falling in lo...
Sep 09, 2022•34 min•Ep 46•Transcript available on Metacast 
