MAP IT FORWARD Middle East

If you're looking for business advisory services for your coffee business, email Map It Forward 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 Osamah Alawwam, co-founder of The Roasting House based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In this series, Osamah and Lee explore the challenges of running a business in the Middle East.

The 5 episodes in this series are:

1. A Coffee Entrepreneur in Saudi Arabia - https://youtu.be/tYt8XGBApxg

2. Building The Roasting House - https://youtu.be/RuFGBUCSoUw

3. The Role Of Specialty Coffee In Brazil - https://youtu.be/ngSV0QKHdkc

4. Converting Brazilians to Specialty Coffee Drinkers - https://youtu.be/7j11s2LkjEc

5. The Sins of the Past for Brazilian Coffee - https://youtu.be/lCHADKasV3o

In this episode of the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, Lee and Osamah discuss how he built the Roasting House business with a vision to elevate coffee standards and spread specialty coffee culture.

From starting with a small shop to creating a community-driven coffee scene, Osamah shares insights on the role of education, market research, and the impact of the Saudi Vision 2030 on business development.

Join us as we explore the challenges and triumphs of establishing a successful coffee business in the Middle East.

Connect with Osamah Alawwam and The Roasting House here:

https://www.instagram.com/roastinghousesa/

https://www.instagram.com/oalawwam/

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

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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 first of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Osamah Alawwam, co-founder of The Roasting House based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In this series, Osamah and Lee explore the challenges of running a business in the Middle East.

The 5 episodes in this series are:

1. A Coffee Entrepreneur in Saudi Arabia - https://youtu.be/tYt8XGBApxg

2. Building The Roasting House - https://youtu.be/RuFGBUCSoUw

3. The Role Of Specialty Coffee In Brazil - https://youtu.be/ngSV0QKHdkc

4. Converting Brazilians to Specialty Coffee Drinkers - https://youtu.be/7j11s2LkjEc

5. The Sins of the Past for Brazilian Coffee - https://youtu.be/lCHADKasV3o

In this episode, Lee Safar introduces Osamah Alawwam from Roasting House, a significant figure in the Middle Eastern coffee industry.

Osamah shares his entrepreneurial journey, discussing how he transitioned from the corporate world to starting his own coffee business in Saudi Arabia.

He emphasizes the importance of finding the right financial and intellectual partners, and the challenges he faced in sourcing quality green beans.

The conversation also touches on the evolving business landscape in Saudi Arabia and the impact of global geopolitical events on the coffee industry.

Connect with Osamah Alawwam and The Roasting House here:

https://www.instagram.com/roastinghousesa/

https://www.instagram.com/oalawwam/

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

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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

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This is the 5th of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Mohamad Merhi, founder of Cypher Urban Roasters, a company based in the UAE.

In this series, Mohamad and Lee discuss what it takes to grow a successful coffee brand in the Middle East.

The 5 episodes in this series are:

1. Middle East Coffee Brands Are Innovating - https://youtu.be/tCqW8OyNIdo

2. What We're Getting Wrong Building Coffee Brands - https://youtu.be/iWPiFRf7aUU

3. How to Build Your Coffee Business Right - https://youtu.be/U74SoHsTZ-o

4. Current Coffee Crisis In The Middle East - https://youtu.be/1MO9KsMuhKY

5. Growth In The Region During The Coffee Crisis - https://youtu.be/ThBm_wle0m8

In this episode, Lee and Mohamad discussion focuses on the impact of the ongoing coffee crisis on the growth of the coffee industry in the Middle East.

Topics include the challenges posed by climate change, supply chain issues, and economic instability.

The conversation also touches on the importance of transparency, sustainability, and risk management, as well as the potential for growth and innovation in the face of adversity.

Additionally, an exciting announcement is made about Map It Forward Japan, highlighting new resources for the Japanese coffee industry.

Connect with Mohamad Merhi and Cypher Urban Roasters at:

https://instagram.com/by_cypher

https://www.bycypher.com/

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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

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This is the 4th of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Mohamad Merhi, founder of Cypher Urban Roasters, a company based in the UAE.

In this series, Mohamad and Lee discuss what it takes to grow a successful coffee brand in the Middle East.

The 5 episodes in this series are:

1. Middle East Coffee Brands Are Innovating - https://youtu.be/tCqW8OyNIdo

2. What We're Getting Wrong Building Coffee Brands - https://youtu.be/iWPiFRf7aUU

3. How to Build Your Coffee Business Right - https://youtu.be/U74SoHsTZ-o

4. Current Coffee Crisis In The Middle East - https://youtu.be/1MO9KsMuhKY

5. Growth In The Region During The Coffee Crisis - https://youtu.be/ThBm_wle0m8

In this episode, Lee and Mohamad discuss the significant impact of recent coffee price increases on different coffee brands in the Middle East. Learn about the challenges faced by both mature and immature markets, the importance of direct relationships with producers, and how businesses are adjusting to price volatility. Understand the new dynamics of the coffee market, including shifts in consumer behavior and strategy adjustments in response to the coffee crisis. Ideal for anyone involved in or interested in the coffee industry, this episode offers critical insights and practical advice on thriving amidst market fluctuations.

Connect with Mohamad Merhi and Cypher Urban Roasters at:

https://instagram.com/by_cypher

https://www.bycypher.com/

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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

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This is the 3rd of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Mohamad Merhi, founder of Cypher Urban Roasters, a company based in the UAE.

In this series, Mohamad and Lee discuss what it takes to grow a successful coffee brand in the Middle East.

The 5 episodes in this series are:

1. Middle East Coffee Brands Are Innovating - https://youtu.be/tCqW8OyNIdo

2. What We're Getting Wrong Building Coffee Brands - https://youtu.be/iWPiFRf7aUU

3. How to Build Your Coffee Business Right - https://youtu.be/U74SoHsTZ-o

4. Current Coffee Crisis In The Middle East - https://youtu.be/1MO9KsMuhKY

5. Growth In The Region During The Coffee Crisis - https://youtu.be/ThBm_wle0m8

In this episode, Lee and Mohamad dive into the key elements of building a successful coffee brand in the Middle East, with a focus on cultural fluency, consistency, and storytelling.

Discover the importance of maintaining brand values even during crises and how a values-driven approach can positively impact the entire value chain in the coffee industry.

Learn how Cypher Coffee Roasters exemplifies conscious capitalism and the significance of sticking to core principles for long-term success.

Don't miss out on practical insights and strategies to navigate the challenges in the coffee industry.

Connect with Mohamad Merhi and Cypher Urban Roasters at:

https://instagram.com/by_cypher

https://www.bycypher.com/

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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 2nd of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Mohamad Merhi, founder of Cypher Urban Roasters, a company based in the UAE.

In this series, Mohamad and Lee discuss what it takes to grow a successful coffee brand in the Middle East.

In this episode, they discuss the nuances of building a successful coffee brand in the Middle East.

Among the key topics are the uniqueness of the region's diverse consumer behaviors and regulatory frameworks, the importance of authenticity and community connection, and the pitfalls brands face when importing Western business models without customization.

They also touch upon the collaboration versus competition debate and the significant role of trust and relationships in business success.

Contact [email protected] for partnerships and check the show notes for more details.

Connect with Mohamad Merhi and Cypher Urban Roasters at:

https://instagram.com/by_cypher

https://www.bycypher.com/

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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're looking for business advisory services for your coffee business, email Map It Forward 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 Mohamad Merhi, founder of Cypher Urban Roasters, a company based in the UAE.

In this series, Mohamad and Lee discuss what it takes to grow a successful coffee brand in the Middle East.

In the first episode of the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast series, host Lee and Mohamad discuss the evolution and identity of coffee culture in the Middle East, the diverse approaches to branding in the region, and how brands like Cypher can communicate a unique story that resonates with local and global audiences.

Mohamad shares his personal journey from a finance career to building a unique coffee brand influenced by his Palestinian roots, his experiences in Montreal, and a passion for coffee.

They also touch on how different markets within the Middle East have varying preferences and the importance of respecting local culture while introducing new ideas.

Connect with Mohamad Merhi and Cypher Urban Roasters at:

https://instagram.com/by_cypher

https://www.bycypher.com/

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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're looking for business advisory services for your coffee business, email Map It Forward at [email protected]

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This is the 5th of a 5-part series with Kim Thompson and Matt Toogood from RAW Coffee Company in Dubai on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast.

In this series, Lee, Kim, and Matt discuss the journey of the specialty coffee shop that started it all here in the Middle East - RAW Coffee Company.

The five episodes in this series are:

1. Who is RAW Coffee Company? - https://youtu.be/SRtjwb-zcwg

2. Why Relationships Matter In Coffee - https://youtu.be/JJw6desk30I

3. The Reality of the Dubai Coffee Scene - https://youtu.be/RUPTXpC2ZnU

4. Coffee Business Is Complex - https://youtu.be/vG3fSxvNumU

5. How to Remain Relevant in Coffee - https://youtu.be/jOD7ECpLx4w

In this final episode of our five-part series with Kim and Matt from Raw Coffee Company, Lee delves into how Raw Coffee Company has evolved from a specialty coffee shop to a multifaceted business entity, particularly focusing on their successful venture into Raw Beverage Trading.

The conversation explores their strategies for remaining relevant in an ever-changing market, the importance of maintaining ethics and relationships, and the burgeoning role of matcha in the beverage industry.

The discussion also touches on the broader coffee crisis, the impact of global supply chain issues, and shifts observed in the Middle Eastern market.

Tune in for insights on sustainability, growth, and the balance between innovation and tradition in the coffee industry.

Connect with RAW Coffee Company here:

• https://www.instagram.com/rawcoffeecompany/

• https://rawcoffeecompany.com/

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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're looking for business advisory services for your coffee business, email Map It Forward at [email protected]

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This is the 4th of a 5-part series with Kim Thompson and Matt Toogood from RAW Coffee Company in Dubai on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast.

In this series, Lee, Kim, and Matt discuss the journey of the specialty coffee shop that started it all here in the Middle East - RAW Coffee Company.

The five episodes in this series are:

1. Who is RAW Coffee Company? - https://youtu.be/SRtjwb-zcwg

2. Why Relationships Matter In Coffee - https://youtu.be/JJw6desk30I

3. The Reality of the Dubai Coffee Scene - https://youtu.be/RUPTXpC2ZnU

4. Coffee Business Is Complex - https://youtu.be/vG3fSxvNumU

5. How to Remain Relevant in Coffee - https://youtu.be/jOD7ECpLx4w

In this episode of the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, Lee talks with Kim and Matt from Raw Coffee Company about the true cost of coffee production and the challenges of running a profitable café.

They discuss the importance of understanding fully loaded costs, the stark difference between aesthetics and profitability in café design, and the reality of operating a successful coffee business in Dubai and the broader Middle East.

Additionally, the conversation touches on the business models prevalent in the UAE, the significance of owner involvement, and the impact of meticulous detail in operations.

This episode offers valuable insights for anyone involved in the coffee industry or looking to understand it better.

Connect with RAW Coffee Company here:

• https://www.instagram.com/rawcoffeecompany/

• https://rawcoffeecompany.com/

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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're looking for business advisory services for your coffee business, email Map It Forward at [email protected]

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This is the 3rd of a 5-part series with Kim Thompson and Matt Toogood from RAW Coffee Company in Dubai on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast.

In this series, Lee, Kim, and Matt discuss the journey of the specialty coffee shop that started it all here in the Middle East - RAW Coffee Company.

The five episodes in this series are:

1. Who is RAW Coffee Company? - https://youtu.be/SRtjwb-zcwg

2. Why Relationships Matter In Coffee - https://youtu.be/JJw6desk30I

3. The Reality of the Dubai Coffee Scene - https://youtu.be/RUPTXpC2ZnU

4. Coffee Business Is Complex - https://youtu.be/vG3fSxvNumU

5. How to Remain Relevant in Coffee - https://youtu.be/jOD7ECpLx4w

In this episode of the Map It Forward Middle East podcast, Lee, Kim, and Matt discuss the true challenges faced by specialty coffee shops in Dubai.

The conversation highlights the financial pressures of operating in the city, from high air conditioning costs to expensive sewage removal, and the unique obstacles such as a nine-month business season due to extreme heat and Ramadan.

The episode also addresses common misconceptions about Dubai's coffee scene, emphasizing the importance of business fundamentals over mere brand building.

Tune in for an eye-opening discussion on what it really takes to run a successful coffee business in one of the world's most dynamic cities.

Connect with RAW Coffee Company here:

• https://www.instagram.com/rawcoffeecompany/

• https://rawcoffeecompany.com/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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]