This episode is brought to you by Raw Beverage Trading - Your hospitality supply chain partner. Connect at [email protected]

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This is the first of a five-part series featuring Ian Fretheim, Director of Sensory Analysis at US-based coffee importer, Cafe Imports, on The Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, hosted by Map It Forward Founder Lee Safar.

This series originally aired on the global podcast and is a companion series to our discussion with Reza Kosar on this Middle East Podcast that aired last month. Both series follow the same discussion flow.

In this series, Lee and Ian will explore the question, "What is Quality in the Coffee Industry?".

The titles of the 5 episodes of this series are:

1. Tools for Assessing Coffee Quality - https://youtu.be/5iEIRX6pU18

2. How Do We Define Quality? - https://youtu.be/PxpoXDy2YNk

3. Quality, Hype, and Coffee Competitions - https://youtu.be/6ll7-9yy8-Q

4. The CVA Won't Fix Anything In Coffee - https://youtu.be/yA0s1aGZ2Yw

5. Q Graders, Cuppers, and Technology - https://youtu.be/w57Wv5DY18U

In this episode of the series, Lee and Ian discuss the tools used to assess coffee quality, including cupping forms, gadgets, and the essential role of people.

Ian shares insights from his extensive experience at Cafe Imports and highlights the industry's broader issues of defining and measuring coffee quality.

This episode also covers a discussion about the current state and effectiveness of the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA) in the specialty coffee industry.

Ian critiques the CVA for being inadequate in its claims and emphasizes the distinction between specialty coffee professionals and food technologists.

Connect with Ian Fretheim and Cafe Imports here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-fretheim-31628323/

https://www.cafeimports.com/north-america/sensory-analysis/coffeerose

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list

💡Support this podcast on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward

📽 Watch the podcast on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ouyFYW

🎙 Check out the audio version of our podcast here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

🧐 Find out more about Map It Forward Mastermind Groups here: https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Looking for a business advisor for your established coffee business or startup? Email us here

📧 email: [email protected]

If you love what we do, become a premium YouTube Subscriber or join our Patreon:

• https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward

• https://www.youtube.com/mapitforward

Check out our on-demand workshops here:

• https://mapitforward.coffee/workshops

Consider joining one of our Mastermind Groups here:

• https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Join our mailing list:

• https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglist

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

This is the 5th of a 5-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with Purity Wangare (Customer Experience Manager), Sai On (Visual Storyteller), and Ran Gurung (Roaster) from RAW Coffee Company in Dubai, UAE.

In this series, 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 five episodes of this series are:

1. Why Have a Career in Coffee? - https://youtu.be/VS9X7vXK2w0

2. A Coffee Career in the Middle East - https://youtu.be/9qY5PGXVlqQ

3. A Multicultural Coffee Community - https://youtu.be/3OvgIdGplNM

4. The Complex World of Coffee Competitions - https://youtu.be/R9dzXGemWOg

5. Paving a Career Path in Coffee - https://youtu.be/1WPbKktRF4E

In this final episode of our five-part series, Purity, On, and Ran discuss how to be intentional about building a career in the coffee industry.

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.

Connect with Purity Wangare, Sai On, Ran Gurung, and RAW Coffee Company here:

Purity: https://www.instagram.com/just.purity

Ran: https://www.instagram.com/dpoogurunq

On: https://www.instagram.com/0nvision/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/saion/

RAW Coffee Company: https://www.instagram.com/rawcoffeecompany/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list

💡Support this podcast on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward

📽 Watch the podcast on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ouyFYW

🎙 Check out the audio version of our podcast here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

🧐 Find out more about Map It Forward Mastermind Groups here: https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Looking for a business advisor for your established coffee business or startup? Email us here

📧 email: [email protected]

If you love what we do, become a premium YouTube Subscriber or join our Patreon:

• https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward

• https://www.youtube.com/mapitforward

Check out our on-demand workshops here:

• https://mapitforward.coffee/workshops

Consider joining one of our Mastermind Groups here:

• https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Join our mailing list:

• https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglist

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

This is the 4th of a 5-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with Purity Wangare (Customer Experience Manager), Sai On (Visual Storyteller), and Ran Gurung (Roaster) from RAW Coffee Company in Dubai, UAE.

In this series, 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 five episodes of this series are:

1. Why Have a Career in Coffee? - https://youtu.be/VS9X7vXK2w0

2. A Coffee Career in the Middle East - https://youtu.be/9qY5PGXVlqQ

3. A Multicultural Coffee Community - https://youtu.be/3OvgIdGplNM

4. The Complex World of Coffee Competitions - https://youtu.be/R9dzXGemWOg

5. Paving a Career Path in Coffee - https://youtu.be/1WPbKktRF4E

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.

Connect with Purity Wangare, Sai On, Ran Gurung, and RAW Coffee Company here:

Purity: https://www.instagram.com/just.purity

Ran: https://www.instagram.com/dpoogurunq

On: https://www.instagram.com/0nvision/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/saion/

RAW Coffee Company: https://www.instagram.com/rawcoffeecompany/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list

💡Support this podcast on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward

📽 Watch the podcast on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ouyFYW

🎙 Check out the audio version of our podcast here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

🧐 Find out more about Map It Forward Mastermind Groups here: https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Looking for a business advisor for your established coffee business or startup? Email us here

📧 email: [email protected]

This episode is brought to you by Raw Beverage Trading - Your hospitality supply chain partner. Connect at [email protected]

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

This is the 3rd of a 5-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with Purity Wangare (Customer Experience Manager), Sai On (Visual Storyteller), and Ran Gurung (Roaster) from RAW Coffee Company in Dubai, UAE.

In this series, 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 five episodes of this series are:

1. Why Have a Career in Coffee? - https://youtu.be/VS9X7vXK2w0

2. A Coffee Career in the Middle East - https://youtu.be/9qY5PGXVlqQ

3. A Multicultural Coffee Community - https://youtu.be/3OvgIdGplNM

4. The Complex World of Coffee Competitions - https://youtu.be/R9dzXGemWOg

5. Paving a Career Path in Coffee - https://youtu.be/1WPbKktRF4E

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.

Connect with Purity Wangare, Sai On, Ran Gurung, and RAW Coffee Company here:

Purity: https://www.instagram.com/just.purity

Ran: https://www.instagram.com/dpoogurunq

On: https://www.instagram.com/0nvision/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/saion/

RAW Coffee Company: https://www.instagram.com/rawcoffeecompany/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list

💡Support this podcast on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward

📽 Watch the podcast on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ouyFYW

🎙 Check out the audio version of our podcast here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

🧐 Find out more about Map It Forward Mastermind Groups here: https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Looking for a business advisor for your established coffee business or startup? Email us here

📧 email: [email protected]

If you love what we do, become a premium YouTube Subscriber or join our Patreon:

• https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward

• https://www.youtube.com/mapitforward

Check out our on-demand workshops here:

• https://mapitforward.coffee/workshops

Consider joining one of our Mastermind Groups here:

• https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Join our mailing list:

• https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglist

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

This is the 2nd of a 5-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with Purity Wangare (Customer Experience Manager), Sai On (Visual Storyteller), and Ran Gurung (Roaster) from RAW Coffee Company in Dubai, UAE.

In this series, 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 five episodes of this series are:

1. Why Have a Career in Coffee? - https://youtu.be/VS9X7vXK2w0

2. A Coffee Career in the Middle East - https://youtu.be/9qY5PGXVlqQ

3. A Multicultural Coffee Community - https://youtu.be/3OvgIdGplNM

4. The Complex World of Coffee Competitions - https://youtu.be/R9dzXGemWOg

5. Paving a Career Path in Coffee - https://youtu.be/1WPbKktRF4E

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.

Connect with Purity Wangare, Sai On, Ran Gurung, and RAW Coffee Company here:

Purity: https://www.instagram.com/just.purity

Ran: https://www.instagram.com/dpoogurunq

On: https://www.instagram.com/0nvision/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/saion/

RAW Coffee Company: https://www.instagram.com/rawcoffeecompany/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list

💡Support this podcast on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward

📽 Watch the podcast on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ouyFYW

🎙 Check out the audio version of our podcast here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

🧐 Find out more about Map It Forward Mastermind Groups here: https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Looking for a business advisor for your established coffee business or startup? Email us here

📧 email: [email protected]

If you love what we do, become a premium YouTube Subscriber or join our Patreon:

• https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward

• https://www.youtube.com/mapitforward

Check out our on-demand workshops here:

• https://mapitforward.coffee/workshops

Consider joining one of our Mastermind Groups here:

• https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Join our mailing list:

• https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglist

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

This is the first of a 5-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with Purity Wangare (Customer Experience Manager), Sai On (Visual Storyteller), and Ran Gurung (Roaster) from RAW Coffee Company in Dubai, UAE.

In this series, 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 five episodes of this series are:

1. Why Have a Career in Coffee? - https://youtu.be/VS9X7vXK2w0

2. A Coffee Career in the Middle East - https://youtu.be/9qY5PGXVlqQ

3. A Multicultural Coffee Community - https://youtu.be/3OvgIdGplNM

4. The Complex World of Coffee Competitions - https://youtu.be/R9dzXGemWOg

5. Paving a Career Path in Coffee - https://youtu.be/1WPbKktRF4E

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.

Connect with Purity Wangare, Sai On, Ran Gurung, and RAW Coffee Company here:

Purity: https://www.instagram.com/just.purity

Ran: https://www.instagram.com/dpoogurunq

On: https://www.instagram.com/0nvision/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/saion/

RAW Coffee Company: https://www.instagram.com/rawcoffeecompany/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list

💡Support this podcast on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward

📽 Watch the podcast on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ouyFYW

🎙 Check out the audio version of our podcast here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

🧐 Find out more about Map It Forward Mastermind Groups here: https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Looking for a business advisor for your established coffee business or startup? Email us here

📧 email: [email protected]

If you love what we do, become a premium YouTube Subscriber or join our Patreon:

• https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward

• https://www.youtube.com/mapitforward

Check out our on-demand workshops here:

• https://mapitforward.coffee/workshops

Consider joining one of our Mastermind Groups here:

• https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Join our mailing list:

• https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglist

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

This is the 5th of a 5-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with David Zabinsky and Valeria Garcia, owners of the Kurasu UAE franchise.

In this series, David and Valeria help us understand the process they went through bringing a globally recognised franchise from Kyoto, Japan, to Dubai and the wider UAE.

The five episodes of this series are:

1. Bringing a Global Coffee Brand to Dubai - https://youtu.be/8MeB02Wlbfk

2. Preparing To Launch a Coffee Franchise in Dubai - https://youtu.be/YAR_78VpKWM

3. Launching the First Kurasu in Dubai - https://youtu.be/C1hT-njJJT8

4. Unexpected Challenges Launching in Dubai - https://youtu.be/zEoKxHNg2DM

5. The Future of Specialty Coffee in the UAE - https://youtu.be/sTwXkqCs08g

In the final episode of the podcast series with Lee, Valeria, and David deep dive into the dynamics of the global coffee industry, the challenges faced by coffee farmers, and the evolving consumer behavior towards specialty coffee.

The conversation addresses the impacts of climate change, succession planning in coffee farming, and the technological advancements in the industry.

The episode also explores the future trajectory of coffee and tea consumption and the potential automation in coffee shops.

Tune in to understand why building a business like Kurasu, with a focus on customer experience and specialty products, can provide a competitive edge in the volatile coffee market.

Connect with Kurasu DXB/UAE as well as David Zabinsky and Valeria Garcia here:

https://www.instagram.com/kurasudxb/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeria-garcia-16a266176/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidzabinsky/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list

💡Support this podcast on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward

📽 Watch the podcast on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ouyFYW

🎙 Check out the audio version of our podcast here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

🧐 Find out more about Map It Forward Mastermind Groups here: https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Looking for a business advisor for your established coffee business or startup? Email us here

📧 email: [email protected]

If you love what we do, become a premium YouTube Subscriber or join our Patreon:

• https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward

• https://www.youtube.com/mapitforward

Check out our on-demand workshops here:

• https://mapitforward.coffee/workshops

Consider joining one of our Mastermind Groups here:

• https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Join our mailing list:

• https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglist

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

This is the 4th of a 5-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with David Zabinsky and Valeria Garcia, owners of the Kurasu UAE franchise.

In this series, David and Valeria help us understand the process they went through bringing a globally recognised franchise from Kyoto, Japan, to Dubai and the wider UAE.

The five episodes of this series are:

1. Bringing a Global Coffee Brand to Dubai - https://youtu.be/8MeB02Wlbfk

2. Preparing To Launch a Coffee Franchise in Dubai - https://youtu.be/YAR_78VpKWM

3. Launching the First Kurasu in Dubai - https://youtu.be/C1hT-njJJT8

4. Unexpected Challenges Launching in Dubai - https://youtu.be/zEoKxHNg2DM

5. The Future of Specialty Coffee in the UAE - https://youtu.be/sTwXkqCs08g

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee, David, and Valeria delve into issues such as customs complications, merchandise delays, and the impact of the coffee crisis on the industry.

The conversation also touches upon the matcha craze, the importance of water filtration for quality coffee, and the broader implications for the coffee trade.

Don't miss this insightful discussion on the hurdles of starting a coffee business in a new market.

Connect with Kurasu DXB/UAE as well as David Zabinsky and Valeria Garcia here:

https://www.instagram.com/kurasudxb/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeria-garcia-16a266176/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidzabinsky/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list

💡Support this podcast on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward

📽 Watch the podcast on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ouyFYW

🎙 Check out the audio version of our podcast here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

🧐 Find out more about Map It Forward Mastermind Groups here: https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Looking for a business advisor for your established coffee business or startup? Email us here

📧 email: [email protected]

If you love what we do, become a premium YouTube Subscriber or join our Patreon:

• https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward

• https://www.youtube.com/mapitforward

Check out our on-demand workshops here:

• https://mapitforward.coffee/workshops

Consider joining one of our Mastermind Groups here:

• https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Join our mailing list:

• https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglist

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

This is the 3rd of a 5-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with David Zabinsky and Valeria Garcia, owners of the Kurasu UAE franchise.

In this series, David and Valeria help us understand the process they went through bringing a globally recognised franchise from Kyoto, Japan, to Dubai and the wider UAE.

The five episodes of this series are:

1. Bringing a Global Coffee Brand to Dubai - https://youtu.be/8MeB02Wlbfk

2. Preparing To Launch a Coffee Franchise in Dubai - https://youtu.be/YAR_78VpKWM

3. Launching the First Kurasu in Dubai - https://youtu.be/C1hT-njJJT8

4. Unexpected Challenges Launching in Dubai - https://youtu.be/zEoKxHNg2DM

5. The Future of Specialty Coffee in the UAE - https://youtu.be/sTwXkqCs08g

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee, David, and Valeria discuss the challenges, the unexpected viral success, and the emotional and physical toll of opening their first store.

Learn about their experience of building a dedicated team and the importance of being hands-on owners.

Join us for insights into the hard work and rewarding moments that come with bringing a beloved coffee brand to the UAE.

Connect with Kurasu DXB/UAE as well as David Zabinsky and Valeria Garcia here:

https://www.instagram.com/kurasudxb/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeria-garcia-16a266176/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidzabinsky/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list

💡Support this podcast on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward

📽 Watch the podcast on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ouyFYW

🎙 Check out the audio version of our podcast here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

🧐 Find out more about Map It Forward Mastermind Groups here: https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Looking for a business advisor for your established coffee business or startup? Email us here

📧 email: [email protected]

This episode is brought to you by Raw Beverage Trading - Your hospitality supply chain partner. Connect at [email protected]

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

This is the 2nd of a 5-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with David Zabinsky and Valeria Garcia, owners of the Kurasu UAE franchise.

In this series, David and Valeria help us understand the process they went through bringing a globally recognised franchise from Kyoto, Japan, to Dubai and the wider UAE.

The five episodes of this series are:

1. Bringing a Global Coffee Brand to Dubai - https://youtu.be/8MeB02Wlbfk

2. Preparing To Launch a Coffee Franchise in Dubai - https://youtu.be/YAR_78VpKWM

3. Launching the First Kurasu in Dubai - https://youtu.be/C1hT-njJJT8

4. Unexpected Challenges Launching in Dubai - https://youtu.be/zEoKxHNg2DM

5. The Future of Specialty Coffee in the UAE - https://youtu.be/sTwXkqCs08g

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee, David and Valeria discuss the critical steps of team building, including hiring criteria focused on experience, confidence, and a genuine appreciation for the Kurasu brand.

The conversation also explores the challenges of finding the right location in a competitive market like Dubai, the unique aspects of the Dar Wasl area, and Kurasu's distinct culture of minimalistic and high-quality customer experience.

Additionally, David and Valeria share their personal experiences, fears, and inspirations in bringing Kurasu to Dubai.

For more insights and details, watch the full episode.

Connect with Kurasu DXB/UAE as well as David Zabinsky and Valeria Garcia here:

https://www.instagram.com/kurasudxb/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeria-garcia-16a266176/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidzabinsky/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list

💡Support this podcast on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward

📽 Watch the podcast on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ouyFYW

🎙 Check out the audio version of our podcast here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

🧐 Find out more about Map It Forward Mastermind Groups here: https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Looking for a business advisor for your established coffee business or startup? Email us here

📧 email: [email protected]