Coffee Memo with Rob Stephen

By Covoya Specialty Coffee

Managing Director for Covoya Specialty Coffee, Rob Stephen, talks about coffee industry news and current affairs.... more

· Business

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FAQs about Coffee Memo with Rob Stephen:

How many episodes does Coffee Memo with Rob Stephen have?

The podcast currently has 22 episodes available.

Coffee Memo with Rob Stephen episodes:

July 07, 2026Coffee Memo | Travel, SCA, Decaf, Free Trade, Market
Key Topics
Industry evolution and future outlook

Consumer trends in Europe

Impact of USMCA on coffee trade

Decaffeination methods and regulations

Market volatility and supply chain dynamics

European coffee culture and consumer behavior

Innovation and adaptation in the coffee industry

Role of trade associations
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Part of The Exchange Coffee Podcasting Network

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24min
June 05, 2026Coffee Memo | Rob Talks Moving Market and the T Word Ep. 20
Takeaways
We've had price movement down, which is great for roasters.

Caution is warranted in the current market.

We have very smart people here at Cavoya.

It's very frustrating for everyone involved with tariffs.

Coffee will be exempt from new tariffs...for now.

Hope is not a strategy for pricing decisions.

Look at the market through your operating budget.

Start looking at the market through the lens of your business.

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Part of The Exchange Coffee Podcasting Network

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16min
May 26, 2026Coffee Memo | Rob Talks El Nino Ep. 19
Takeaways
Weather is a powerful and often misunderstood aspect of the coffee industry.

El Niño and La Niña significantly influence coffee production and market dynamics.

The impact of weather on coffee is not uniform; it varies by region and time.

Coffee trees require specific weather conditions at critical growth stages.

Understanding weather patterns helps in assessing risks in coffee production.

El Niño can create both risks and opportunities for coffee growers.

Regional data is crucial for understanding the specific impacts of weather on coffee.

Having a contingency plan is essential in coffee.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of separating signal from noise in weather-related news.

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19min
May 05, 2026Coffee Memo | Rob Talks Pipeline, Producers, Prices Ep. 18
Takeaways
The coffee market is currently experiencing a sideways trading pattern.

Producers are holding onto coffee due to strong financial positions.

There is a large crop expected from Brazil, which may affect prices.

Physical storage issues may compel producers to sell coffee.

Market sentiment suggests prices may drop as supply increases.

Producers are psychologically positioned to wait for better prices.

The coffee supply chain is facing historic lows in inventory.

Market movements can happen slowly and then all at once.

Producers are gambling with their coffee supply until the market changes.
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15min
April 21, 2026Coffee Memo | Rob and Mark Talk the Future of Coffee
Takeaways
The future of coffee is a current affair.

Market trends are influenced by geopolitical events and supply chain issues.

Specialty coffee producers face significant challenges, including labor costs and climate change.

Mechanization is becoming essential for coffee farming to remain viable.

Quality coffee should be priced appropriately to support farmers.

Building long-term relationships with producers is crucial for quality assurance.

Resilience and adaptability are key to surviving in the coffee industry.

Understanding market dynamics is essential for making informed decisions.

Quick decision-making can lead to seizing fleeting opportunities.

The coffee industry is always facing new challenges, requiring constant vigilance.

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Part of The Exchange Coffee Podcasting Network

Visit and Explore Covoya!
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28min
April 07, 2026Coffee Memo | Rob Talks Fertilizer Shortage Ep. 16
Takeaways
Coffee is a heavily fertilized product.

Fertilizer is essential for coffee quality and yield.

Global supply chain issues are impacting fertilizer availability.

Brazil relies on imports for 85% of its fertilizer needs.

Fertilizer prices have significantly increased recently.

The war in Ukraine affects global fertilizer supply.

Long-term impacts on coffee production could be severe.

Market trends may not yet reflect these supply chain issues.

Farmers face tough choices regarding fertilizer use.

The coffee industry must consider agricultural dependencies.

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Part of The Exchange Coffee Podcasting Network

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15min
March 12, 2026Coffee Memo | Rob Talks War, Brazilian Real, Tariffs Ep. 15
Topics Include
Suez Canal

Currency fluctuations, especially the Brazilian real and US dollar

Brazilian domestic policy and its effect on coffee exports

Market volatility driven by geopolitical and logistical factors

Tariff refunds
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Part of The Exchange Coffee Podcasting Network

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15min
March 03, 2026 Coffee Memo | Rob's Daily Dashboard Ep. 14
Chapters
01:22 Rob's Morning Coffee and Brain Activation Routine
02:11 First Data Source: Market Screen and Live Feed
03:16 Using Charts for Market Sentiment and Direction
04:45 Monitoring Overnight Market Changes and Pending Grading
05:50 Reading the Crop Report and COT Data for Market Sentiment
06:06 Email and News Digest as Market Indicators
07:06 Skimming Reports and Managing Information Overload
08:21 Using Alerts and External News for Market Fundamentals
09:15 The Value of Bloomberg and Objective Reporting
10:20 Talking to Peers for Perspective and Avoiding Echo Chambers
11:23 Current Events: Tariffs and Legal Decisions Impacting Trade
12:46 Market Outlook: Supply, Demand, and Price Trends
14:25 Brazil Crop Outlook and Producer Strategies
15:08 Market Volatility and Future Contract Expectations
16:11 Upcoming Live Podcast Event in San Diego
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18min
February 06, 2026Coffee Memo | Rob Talks About the Market Moving Ep. 13
Takeaways
February is the busiest month for coffee buyers.
Current market prices are experiencing a steep decline.
The gap between current and future coffee prices is narrowing.
Brazil's coffee crop forecast looks promising this year.
Coffee stocks are slowly increasing, but still below optimal levels.
Brazil's coffee consumption fell by 2.5% last year.
No significant news from the White House meeting is a positive sign.
Market dynamics can change rapidly, impacting prices.
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Part of The Exchange Coffee Podcasting Network

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14min
January 13, 2026Coffee Memo | Rob Talks 2025 Ep. 12
Takeaways
2025 was marked by unprecedented challenges in the coffee industry.
Tariffs significantly impacted the cost structure for importers and roasters.
The inverted market created disincentives to hold inventory.
Financial strain affected even the largest players in the coffee sector.
Current market trends indicate a potential recovery with more coffee availability.
Adaptability and quick reactions are crucial for survival in the coffee business.
New Year's resolutions should focus on improving accounts receivable management.
Understanding market dynamics is essential for making informed business decisions.
The importance of taking breaks and unplugging from the business was highlighted.
The conversation emphasized the need for continuous learning and adaptation.
Suggest a Topic for Rob

Part of The Exchange Coffee Podcasting Network

Visit and Explore Covoya!
...more
28min

FAQs about Coffee Memo with Rob Stephen:

How many episodes does Coffee Memo with Rob Stephen have?

The podcast currently has 22 episodes available.