“ Vietnam is the number two producer of coffee in the world, which blew my mind because I didn't know that as a Vietnamese American.” - Sarah Nguyen

Revisiting this conversation reminded me why I started this podcast—to amplify powerful stories, and Sarah Nguyen’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Her passion for reshaping the global coffee industry, advocating for Vietnamese coffee farmers, and pushing for diversity and transparency is exactly the kind of discussion that makes podcasting so rewarding.

What stood out most was Sarah’s deep connection to her heritage and her unwavering commitment to redefining the perception of Vietnamese coffee in the U.S. She broke down long-held misconceptions about Robusta beans and exposed how "Vietnamese coffee" is often misrepresented in specialty cafés. But her mission extends beyond coffee—it’s about cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and challenging industry biases.

Beyond the coffee industry, we explored themes of identity, language, and the Asian American experience. Sarah’s openness about her family’s refugee journey and the broader challenges facing the AAPI community added an important layer of depth to our conversation. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting it in this remastered edition, this episode remains just as powerful. From her surreal Drew Barrymore moment to her insights on sustainability and ethical sourcing, this conversation is packed with energy, authenticity, and game-changing ideas.

Key Takeaways:

1. Vietnam’s Coffee Industry is Vastly Underrated – Vietnam is the second-largest coffee producer in the world, yet many people remain unaware of this. The industry is dominated by Robusta beans, which have been unfairly dismissed by the specialty coffee sector.
2. Mislabeling of "Vietnamese Coffee" in the U.S. – Many specialty cafés in America serve "Vietnamese Iced Coffee" made with non-Vietnamese beans, misleading consumers and erasing the contributions of Vietnamese farmers.
3. The Power of Representation in Coffee & Business – Sarah’s work with Nguyen Coffee Supply is not just about selling coffee—it’s about giving Vietnamese farmers visibility and challenging the narrative that Robusta beans are inferior.

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