MAP IT FORWARD Middle East

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 2nd 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 intricacies of Brazil's internal specialty coffee market, sharing stories about the challenges and successes of building fair and sustainable trade relationships with coffee producers.

Isabela talks about how paying fair prices and establishing long-term trust can positively impact producers and the coffee ecosystem.

The episode also sheds light on the importance of specialty coffee for Brazil's economy, the environment, and the social dignity of Brazilian coffee farmers.

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]

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 first 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 explore insights on the complexities of the Brazilian coffee industry.

Isabela sheds light on misconceptions about Brazil as an origin country, the challenges faced by small coffee producers, and the importance of cupping and quality to make better decisions.

The discussion also touches on the exploitation of producers by traders and cooperatives, and how Isabela's journey in the coffee world began.

A must-watch for anyone wanting to delve deeper into the realities of coffee production in Brazil.

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]

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 Yozo Otsuki from Kurasu.

In this series, we're exploring the journey that Yozo went on, starting, building, growing, and expanding Kurasu within Japan and around the world with a franchise model.

The five episodes in this series are:

1. Becoming a Japanese Coffee Entrepreneur - https://youtu.be/6N6dEoLdFsQ

2. The Japanese Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/o2AV2fE1dp4

3. Building a Coffee Concept - https://youtu.be/kP1Sf88qzyI

4. Growing Kurasu Beyond Homewares - https://youtu.be/1LPOy8U8QyA

5. Expanding Kurasu Globally - https://youtu.be/x2mDZkAfUYk

In this final episode of a five-part series, Lee and Yozo deep dive into the significance of maintaining integrity and values while expanding a global brand.

Yozo shares insights on the holistic approach that drives Kurasu, emphasizing customer experience, partner relationships, and the importance of staying true to one's core values.

They discuss the challenges and considerations of global growth, the impact of franchise models, and the complexities of integrating investors.

The episode concludes with reflections on past journeys and advice to future selves, encapsulating the essence of intentional business growth in the specialty coffee industry.

You can find out more about Map It Forward Japan at https://mapitforward.coffee/japan and https://instagram.com/mapitforwardjapan

Connect with Yozo Otsuki and Kurasu here:

https://kurasu.kyoto/

https://www.instagram.com/kurasu.kyoto/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yozo-otsuki-84a13047/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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 4th of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Yozo Otsuki from Kurasu.

In this series, we're exploring the journey that Yozo went on, starting, building, growing, and expanding Kurasu within Japan and around the world with a franchise model.

The five episodes in this series are:

1. Becoming a Japanese Coffee Entrepreneur - https://youtu.be/6N6dEoLdFsQ

2. The Japanese Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/o2AV2fE1dp4

3. Building a Coffee Concept - https://youtu.be/kP1Sf88qzyI

4. Growing Kurasu Beyond Homewares - https://youtu.be/1LPOy8U8QyA

5. Expanding Kurasu Globally - https://youtu.be/x2mDZkAfUYk

In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Yozo discuss the intricacies of building, growing, and expanding a Japanese coffee brand while striking the right balance between expansion and maintaining a conscious supply chain.

Yozo shares insights on the franchise model, how Kurasu compares to % Arabica, and the importance of transparency and intention in the coffee business.

Additionally, the episode announces the launch of Map It Forward Japan, which aims to bring new perspectives to the Japanese coffee industry.

You can find out more about Map It Forward Japan at https://mapitforward.coffee/japan and https://instagram.com/mapitforwardjapan

Connect with Yozo Otsuki and Kurasu here:

https://kurasu.kyoto/

https://www.instagram.com/kurasu.kyoto/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yozo-otsuki-84a13047/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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 Yozo Otsuki from Kurasu.

In this series, we're exploring the journey that Yozo went on, starting, building, growing, and expanding Kurasu within Japan and around the world with a franchise model.

The five episodes in this series are:

1. Becoming a Japanese Coffee Entrepreneur - https://youtu.be/6N6dEoLdFsQ

2. The Japanese Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/o2AV2fE1dp4

3. Building a Coffee Concept - https://youtu.be/kP1Sf88qzyI

4. Growing Kurasu Beyond Homewares - https://youtu.be/1LPOy8U8QyA

5. Expanding Kurasu Globally - https://youtu.be/x2mDZkAfUYk

In episode three of this series, Lee and Yozo discuss the importance of building a strong brand before expanding globally.

Discover how Kurasu started with coffee equipment and home brewing education, their focus on merging Japanese and international perspectives, and the complexities of the coffee industry.

Yozo shares his vision for sustainable growth and the unique challenges faced by Japanese roasters.

Stay tuned for more insights on building and growing a successful coffee brand.

You can find out more about Map It Forward Japan at https://mapitforward.coffee/japan and https://instagram.com/mapitforwardjapan

Connect with Yozo Otsuki and Kurasu here:

https://kurasu.kyoto/

https://www.instagram.com/kurasu.kyoto/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yozo-otsuki-84a13047/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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 2nd of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Yozo Otsuki from Kurasu.

In this series, we're exploring the journey that Yozo went on, starting, building, growing, and expanding Kurasu within Japan and around the world with a franchise model.

The five episodes in this series are:

1. Becoming a Japanese Coffee Entrepreneur - https://youtu.be/6N6dEoLdFsQ

2. The Japanese Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/o2AV2fE1dp4

3. Building a Coffee Concept - https://youtu.be/kP1Sf88qzyI

4. Growing Kurasu Beyond Homewares - https://youtu.be/1LPOy8U8QyA

5. Expanding Kurasu Globally - https://youtu.be/x2mDZkAfUYk

In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Yozo dive deep into the unique aspects of the Japanese coffee industry, drawing fascinating comparisons between Japanese and global coffee cultures.

Yozo shares insights about his journey from a finance professional to a coffee entrepreneur, the influence of Japanese mastery on coffee brewing, and the meticulous, ritualistic nature of Japanese coffee craftsmanship.

The discussion also covers the significant role of external influences in shaping Japan's coffee scene, the impact of omakase in coffee, and the delicate balance of sustaining business amidst tourism and local patronage.

Lastly, they touch on the exchange of barista talent between Japan and Australia and its impact on both coffee cultures.

Join us for a rich exploration of coffee passion, dedication, and the art of brewing.

You can find out more about Map It Forward Japan at https://mapitforward.coffee/japan and https://instagram.com/mapitforwardjapan

Connect with Yozo Otsuki and Kurasu here:

https://kurasu.kyoto/

https://www.instagram.com/kurasu.kyoto/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yozo-otsuki-84a13047/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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 1st of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Yozo Otsuki from Kurasu.

In this series, we're exploring the journey that Yozo went on, starting, building, growing, and expanding Kurasu within Japan and around the world with a franchise model.

The five episodes in this series are:

1. Becoming a Japanese Coffee Entrepreneur - https://youtu.be/6N6dEoLdFsQ

2. The Japanese Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/o2AV2fE1dp4

3. Building a Coffee Concept - https://youtu.be/kP1Sf88qzyI

4. Growing Kurasu Beyond Homewares - https://youtu.be/1LPOy8U8QyA

5. Expanding Kurasu Globally - https://youtu.be/x2mDZkAfUYk

In this episode of a new five-part series, Lee and Yozo explore Kurasu’s evolution from its origins in Japan to becoming a global coffee brand.

Yozo shares his journey from working in finance to entering the coffee industry and discusses the unique characteristics of the Japanese coffee market.

They also delve into the importance of sustainable business practices and maintaining brand authenticity in a global market.

Lee announces the launch of 'Map It Forward Japan,' an initiative to make their content accessible to the Japanese coffee community.

You can find out more about Map It Forward Japan at https://mapitforward.coffee/japan and https://instagram.com/mapitforwardjapan

Connect with Yozo Otsuki and Kurasu here:

https://kurasu.kyoto/

https://www.instagram.com/kurasu.kyoto/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yozo-otsuki-84a13047/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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 this week's guest, Colombian Regenerative Coffee and Cacao Farmer, Angela Barrero.

In this series, Angela and podcast host Lee Safar explore the complicated question "Will We Have Coffee and Cacao in the Future?" and the equally complicated solutions.The five episodes in this series are:

1. Why is it Getting Harder To Grow Coffee? - https://youtu.be/AX-Rdf-oC24

2. The Many Barriers to Coffee Farmers' Success - https://youtu.be/gBkGi-_HdnY

3. The Role of Regenerative Agriculture in Coffee - https://youtu.be/Fh5kHe0E26w

4. Other Solutions We Need To Fix Coffee - https://youtu.be/dOvCXgXLtRI

5. Will there be coffee and cacao in 25 years? - https://youtu.be/SjCULYTXt0I

In the final episode of this series, Lee and Angela discuss the dire state and uncertain future of coffee and cacao farming.

The episode covers the aging plantations, economic difficulties, climate change impacts, and the shift towards illegal crops like coca.

Angela shares her experiences with regenerative agriculture and the importance of stable, long-term business relationships.

Learn about the urgent need for coffee industry stakeholders to adapt to ensure sustainability and protect the income of future generations.

Connect with Angela Barrero here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-del-pilar-barrero-bernal-460107a1/

https://www.instagram.com/bodegadelafinca/

https://www.instagram.com/cafetiolita/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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 4th of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with this week's guest, Colombian Regenerative Coffee and Cacao Farmer, Angela Barrero.

In this series, Angela and podcast host Lee Safar explore the complicated question "Will We Have Coffee and Cacao in the Future?" and the equally complicated solutions.The five episodes in this series are:

1. Why is it Getting Harder To Grow Coffee? - https://youtu.be/AX-Rdf-oC24

2. The Many Barriers to Coffee Farmers' Success - https://youtu.be/gBkGi-_HdnY

3. The Role of Regenerative Agriculture in Coffee - https://youtu.be/Fh5kHe0E26w

4. Other Solutions We Need To Fix Coffee - https://youtu.be/dOvCXgXLtRI

5. Will there be coffee and cacao in 25 years? - https://youtu.be/SjCULYTXt0I

In episode four of our five-part series with Angela, we explore the volatile pricing in the coffee and cacao markets. Lee and Angela discuss the impact of inflation on coffee prices, the historical and current issues affecting cacao supply, and the economic difficulties faced by farmers.

Despite high global demand, many farmers are struggling to sustain their operations due to low market prices and high production costs, driving some to reconsider their livelihoods.

This episode sheds light on the challenges and the uncertain future of coffee and cacao farming.

Connect with Angela Barrero here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-del-pilar-barrero-bernal-460107a1/

https://www.instagram.com/bodegadelafinca/

https://www.instagram.com/cafetiolita/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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 3rd of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with this week's guest, Colombian Regenerative Coffee and Cacao Farmer, Angela Barrero.

In this series, Angela and podcast host Lee Safar explore the complicated question "Will We Have Coffee and Cacao in the Future?" and the equally complicated solutions.The five episodes in this series are:

1. Why is it Getting Harder To Grow Coffee? - https://youtu.be/AX-Rdf-oC24

2. The Many Barriers to Coffee Farmers' Success - https://youtu.be/gBkGi-_HdnY

3. The Role of Regenerative Agriculture in Coffee - https://youtu.be/Fh5kHe0E26w

4. Other Solutions We Need To Fix Coffee - https://youtu.be/dOvCXgXLtRI

5. Will there be coffee and cacao in 25 years? - https://youtu.be/SjCULYTXt0I

In this episode of the Map It Forward Middle East podcast, Lee and Angela discuss the challenges of growing coffee and cacao due to climate change and the decrease in the agricultural workforce.

She introduces regenerative agriculture as a solution to enhance soil life, ensure better yields, and create sustainable farming practices.

Angela explains the essential role of microbiology in soil and how techniques like biochar and compost tea contribute to healthy plant growth.

She emphasizes the importance of creating optimal conditions for plants to thrive and the long-term investment in soil health.

Learn about practical applications of regenerative agriculture and how it can be implemented worldwide, including in arid regions like Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

Connect with Angela Barrero here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-del-pilar-barrero-bernal-460107a1/

https://www.instagram.com/bodegadelafinca/

https://www.instagram.com/cafetiolita/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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]