MAP IT FORWARD Middle East

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 2nd of a 5-part series with Reza Kosar, Co-Founder/Managing Partner of Slick Coffee Co. in Oman, on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward.

In this series, host Lee Safar and Reza (originally from Iran) explore what quality is in coffee.

The 5 episodes in this series are:

1. The Tools That Assess Coffee's Quality - https://youtu.be/NoIyvxIEKHY

2. Defining Quality in the Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/1B5XZbBgfoo

3. Coffee Competition and Coffee Quality - https://youtu.be/848P1bhuVsk

4. The CVA Isn't Solving Problems - https://youtu.be/a_SWpLql0FU

5. The Future Technology of Coffee - https://youtu.be/7XaTBVLiNpo

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Reza explore the complex topic of defining quality in the coffee industry.

The discussion delves into the various perspectives scientific, philosophical, and psychological on what constitutes quality.

Reza shares insights on the struggles at Origin, the importance of recognizing the broader context of quality, and how cultural and personal biases come into play.

They also touch on the necessity of multiple quality systems for different stakeholders in the coffee supply chain.

Don't miss this compelling conversation as they unpack the intricate layers of quality in coffee.

Connect with Reza Kosar and Slick Coffee Co. here:

https://www.instagram.com/rezakosar_/

https://www.instagram.com/slickcoffeeco/

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

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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

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This is the first of a 5-part series with Reza Kosar, Co-Founder/Managing Partner of Slick Coffee Co. in Oman, on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward.

In this series, host Lee Safar and Reza (originally from Iran) explore what quality is in coffee.

The 5 episodes in this series are:

1. The Tools That Assess Coffee's Quality - https://youtu.be/NoIyvxIEKHY

2. Defining Quality in the Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/1B5XZbBgfoo

3. Coffee Competition and Coffee Quality - https://youtu.be/848P1bhuVsk

4. The CVA Isn't Solving Problems - https://youtu.be/a_SWpLql0FU

5. The Future Technology of Coffee - https://youtu.be/7XaTBVLiNpo

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Reza delve into the topic of quality in the coffee industry.

In this episode, they discuss the various tools and methodologies used to assess coffee quality, from physical attributes to sensory evaluations.

They also explore the subjective nature of quality and the challenges faced by coffee professionals in different regions.

Learn about the importance of education and the role of human perception in defining coffee quality.

Connect with Reza Kosar and Slick Coffee Co. here:

https://www.instagram.com/rezakosar_/

https://www.instagram.com/slickcoffeeco/

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

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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

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This is the 5th of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with Saeed Al Blooshi, the Emirati founder of El Matador Coffee Roasters and Lama Cafe, based in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

In this series, host Lee Safar and Saeed explore the insights of what it is to build a coffee business in the UAE.

The five episodes in this series are:

1. Changes in the UAE Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/UKxM0ITYqI0

2. The UAE and the Coffee Crisis - https://youtu.be/myibyDphWkc

3. Business Owners and the Coffee Supply Chain - https://youtu.be/mkJs_QL_VLs

4. Owners and Staff in the UAE - https://youtu.be/z3dhuEBFqxA

5. Trends in UAE Cafes - https://youtu.be/to3gfPmTiko

In this final episode of the podcast series, Lee Safar and Saeed discuss the impact of trends on the coffee industry in the UAE, highlighting how social media-driven trends like hot chocolate, matcha, and Labubu toys can significantly boost business.

Saeed shares insights on the challenges and opportunities in the evolving coffee market, and they explore future trends like infused coffees and cold brew.

Subscribe to the podcast to hear inspiring stories from values-driven entrepreneurs in the Middle East.

Connect with Saeed Al Blooshi, El Matador Coffee Roasters, and Lama Cafe here:

https://elmatadorcoffee.com/our-story.php

https://www.instagram.com/elmatador.ae/

https://www.instagram.com/lamacafe_ae/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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

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This is the 4th of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with Saeed Al Blooshi, the Emirati founder of El Matador Coffee Roasters and Lama Cafe, based in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

In this series, host Lee Safar and Saeed explore the insights of what it is to build a coffee business in the UAE.

The five episodes in this series are:

1. Changes in the UAE Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/UKxM0ITYqI0

2. The UAE and the Coffee Crisis - https://youtu.be/myibyDphWkc

3. Business Owners and the Coffee Supply Chain - https://youtu.be/mkJs_QL_VLs

4. Owners and Staff in the UAE - https://youtu.be/z3dhuEBFqxA

5. Trends in UAE Cafes - https://youtu.be/to3gfPmTiko

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Saeed discuss the disconnect between coffee shop owners and their staff in the UAE.

Saeed shares stories about successful staff development, including the inspiring journey of Jerry from cleaner to barista.

They also touch upon the importance of communication, vision, and investment in employee growth.

Additionally, they discuss the unique staffing and cultural challenges in the UAE coffee industry and how fostering a good team culture can transform a business.

The episode wraps up with a sneak peek into the final episode of this series, focusing on the role of trends in the coffee industry.

Connect with Saeed Al Blooshi, El Matador Coffee Roasters, and Lama Cafe here:

https://elmatadorcoffee.com/our-story.php

https://www.instagram.com/elmatador.ae/

https://www.instagram.com/lamacafe_ae/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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

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This is the 3rd of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with Saeed Al Blooshi, the Emirati founder of El Matador Coffee Roasters and Lama Cafe, based in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

In this series, host Lee Safar and Saeed explore the insights of what it is to build a coffee business in the UAE.

The five episodes in this series are:

1. Changes in the UAE Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/UKxM0ITYqI0

2. The UAE and the Coffee Crisis - https://youtu.be/myibyDphWkc

3. Business Owners and the Coffee Supply Chain - https://youtu.be/mkJs_QL_VLs

4. Owners and Staff in the UAE - https://youtu.be/z3dhuEBFqxA

5. Trends in UAE Cafes - https://youtu.be/to3gfPmTiko

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Saeed discuss the challenges faced by cafe owners in the UAE's coffee industry.

They explore the lack of involvement from owners in their businesses, issues arising from poor supply chain understanding, and the impact of inconsistent sourcing decisions.

The episode highlights the importance of understanding the coffee supply chain, building strong relationships with suppliers, and involving staff in the business for long-term success.

Tune in to learn more about the complexities of managing a coffee business in the UAE.

Connect with Saeed Al Blooshi, El Matador Coffee Roasters, and Lama Cafe here:

https://elmatadorcoffee.com/our-story.php

https://www.instagram.com/elmatador.ae/

https://www.instagram.com/lamacafe_ae/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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

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This is the 2nd of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with Saeed Al Blooshi, the Emirati founder of El Matador Coffee Roasters and Lama Cafe, based in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

In this series, host Lee Safar and Saeed explore the insights of what it is to build a coffee business in the UAE.

The five episodes in this series are:

1. Changes in the UAE Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/UKxM0ITYqI0

2. The UAE and the Coffee Crisis - https://youtu.be/myibyDphWkc

3. Business Owners and the Coffee Supply Chain - https://youtu.be/mkJs_QL_VLs

4. Owners and Staff in the UAE - https://youtu.be/z3dhuEBFqxA

5. Trends in UAE Cafes - https://youtu.be/to3gfPmTiko

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Saeed discuss the coffee crisis in the UAE.

They explore the booming demand for quality coffee and the intense competition in the market.

Saeed shares insights on starting and growing a coffee business, the importance of clear identity and long-term vision, and the challenges around staffing and green coffee supply.

This episode is part of a five-part series focusing on building a successful coffee business in the UAE.

Connect with Saeed Al Blooshi, El Matador Coffee Roasters, and Lama Cafe here:

https://elmatadorcoffee.com/our-story.php

https://www.instagram.com/elmatador.ae/

https://www.instagram.com/lamacafe_ae/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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]

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This is the first of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with Saeed Al Blooshi, the Emirati founder of El Matador Coffee Roasters and Lama Cafe, based in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

In this series, host Lee Safar and Saeed explore the insights of what it is to build a coffee business in the UAE.

The five episodes in this series are:

1. Changes in the UAE Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/UKxM0ITYqI0

2. The UAE and the Coffee Crisis - https://youtu.be/myibyDphWkc

3. Business Owners and the Coffee Supply Chain - https://youtu.be/mkJs_QL_VLs

4. Owners and Staff in the UAE - https://youtu.be/z3dhuEBFqxA

5. Trends in UAE Cafes - https://youtu.be/to3gfPmTiko

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Saeed discuss the evolution of the coffee industry in the UAE, emphasizing the shift from commercial to specialty coffee cultures, the rise of local roasters, and the increasing consumer knowledge and expectations.

Saeed shares his journey, from starting with a small coffee roasting setup to operating successful cafes and a roastery.

They also set the stage for future episodes in the series by hinting at upcoming discussions on the coffee crisis in the UAE.

Join us for an insightful look into the craft of coffee and the challenges of building a coffee business in the UAE.

Connect with Saeed Al Blooshi, El Matador Coffee Roasters, and Lama Cafe here:

https://elmatadorcoffee.com/our-story.php

https://www.instagram.com/elmatador.ae/

https://www.instagram.com/lamacafe_ae/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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 for early access to the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast: 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

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This is the 5th of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with 25-year coffee industry veteran Isabela Raposeiras from Coffee Lab in Brazil.

This series first aired on the Map It Forward Global Podcast in June 2025.

In this series, Lee and Isabela explore the lesser-discussed aspects of Brazil as a coffee-producing country.

The 5 episodes in this series are:

1. Misconceptions About Brazil's Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/NAn14_81A1E

2. Brazil's Specialty Coffee Market - https://youtu.be/Hfy24ikMnlM

3. The Role Of Specialty Coffee In Brazil - https://youtu.be/Ph4IiAV30LM

4. Converting Brazilians to Specialty Coffee Drinkers - https://youtu.be/CowcRniNhUQ

5. The Sins of the Past for Brazilian Coffee - https://youtu.be/WsMz_n7-2XU

In this final episode of the series, Lee concludes an enlightening conversation with Isabela from Coffee Lab in Brazil.

They delve into the historical and ongoing issues of colonization and exploitation in the coffee industry, the significance of the Q grading system, and the importance of quality in ethical coffee production.

Isabela shares her personal journey and insights as a barista and Q grader, emphasizing the need for fair compensation for producers.

The episode wraps up with a discussion on the future of coffee quality metrics and a heartfelt closing message from Isabela.

Connect with Isabela Raposeiras and Coffee Lab here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabela-raposeiras-coffee-lab/

https://www.instagram.com/coffeelab_br/

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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]

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This is the 4th of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with 25-year coffee industry veteran Isabela Raposeiras from Coffee Lab in Brazil.

This series first aired on the Map It Forward Global Podcast in June 2025.

In this series, Lee and Isabela explore the lesser-discussed aspects of Brazil as a coffee-producing country.

The 5 episodes in this series are:

1. Misconceptions About Brazil's Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/NAn14_81A1E

2. Brazil's Specialty Coffee Market - https://youtu.be/Hfy24ikMnlM

3. The Role Of Specialty Coffee In Brazil - https://youtu.be/Ph4IiAV30LM

4. Converting Brazilians to Specialty Coffee Drinkers - https://youtu.be/CowcRniNhUQ

5. The Sins of the Past for Brazilian Coffee - https://youtu.be/WsMz_n7-2XU

In this episode of the podcast, Lee and Isabela discuss the current state and future of the Brazilian coffee market.

They explore topics like the health benefits of coffee, the need for increased investment in Brazil’s coffee industry, the challenges in converting Brazilian consumers to specialty coffee, and the impact of Brazil's taxing policies on coffee businesses. Isabela also shares her insights into how associations like the SCA can better support the industry and the critical need for coffee education.

Additionally, the episode covers the importance of setting clear quality standards and the broader implications for the global coffee supply chain.

Don't miss this insightful conversation that touches on everything from business strategy to the social impacts of coffee production.

Connect with Isabela Raposeiras and Coffee Lab here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabela-raposeiras-coffee-lab/

https://www.instagram.com/coffeelab_br/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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 for early access to the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast: 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

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This is the 3rd of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with 25-year coffee industry veteran Isabela Raposeiras from Coffee Lab in Brazil.

This series first aired on the Map It Forward Global Podcast in June 2025.

In this series, Lee and Isabela explore the lesser-discussed aspects of Brazil as a coffee-producing country.

The 5 episodes in this series are:

1. Misconceptions About Brazil's Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/NAn14_81A1E

2. Brazil's Specialty Coffee Market - https://youtu.be/Hfy24ikMnlM

3. The Role Of Specialty Coffee In Brazil - https://youtu.be/Ph4IiAV30LM

4. Converting Brazilians to Specialty Coffee Drinkers - https://youtu.be/CowcRniNhUQ

5. The Sins of the Past for Brazilian Coffee - https://youtu.be/WsMz_n7-2XU

In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Isabela discuss the significance of specialty coffee to the Brazilian economy, environment, and social well-being.

They discuss the need for consumer education, the challenges in shifting from staple to high-quality coffee, and the economic dynamics within the coffee industry.

Isabela provides insights into how specialty coffee is viewed in Brazil, both from producing and consuming perspectives, and emphasizes the importance of fostering relationships and educating consumers to drive the specialty coffee movement forward.

Connect with Isabela Raposeiras and Coffee Lab here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabela-raposeiras-coffee-lab/

https://www.instagram.com/coffeelab_br/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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]