5THWAVE - The Business of Coffee and Hospitality

In today’s episode, we catch up with Marco Feliziani, CEO of iconic Italian coffee equipment manufacturer, Simonelli Group.Founded in 1936 by Orlando Simonelli, the company grew under the leadership of Marco’s father, who helped drive its early international expansion. Today, Simonelli Group operates in over 135 countries and encompasses three key brands – Nuova Simonelli, Victoria Arduino, and 3Temp.In this deeply personal conversation, Marco reflects on the values and lessons passed down from his father, and how that legacy continues to shape the business today. He also shares how coffee technology is becoming more intuitive, amplifying barista craft and creativity, and why, in his words, “the future of coffee is being written now."Credits music: "Not Mine" by Alessia Piermarini in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the showSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today’s episode, we’re exploring the implications of self-ordering within coffee and hospitality. From QR codes and mobile apps to kiosks and premium vending, the ordering experience is becoming increasingly digital and putting more control into the hands of consumers than ever before. But what are the business benefits of digital and self-ordering systems? Do customers really spend more when they place the order themselves? And crucially, what does this digital shift mean for the human element of hospitality? We’ll speak with Mariam French, Marketing Director, Leon, Liam Crooks, Managing Director EMEA, Lightspeed, and Vince Kelders, Group Category Leader Hot Drinks, Selecta.Credits music: "Bare Minimum" by Daisy Peacock in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the showSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today's episode we're speaking with influential coffee entrepreneur Andrew Tolley, Managing Director of Tolley Coffee & Tea.Together with his siblings, Laura and Nick, the Tolleys profoundly shaped London’s early specialty coffee scene with Taylor Street Baristas – a pioneering chain whose legacy and culture can still be felt today. They also established Harris + Hoole, a joint venture with Tesco, now run by The Nero Group.Today, Andrew is as ever focused on education and serves as Knowledge Curator at the Coffee Knowledge Hub and Vice President of the Specialty Coffee Association.In this candid conversation, Andrew reflects on his career, the realities and lessons from scaling two specialty coffee businesses, and the enduring legacy of Taylor St. He also shares his vision of the opportunities in coffee as a force for good through innovation, education, and positive social impact.Credits music: The Weight by EIRRA in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the showSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

 In this episode, we look at how the UK’s at-home coffee market has transformed over the past few years and how increasingly educated consumers and rising expectations are shaping the future of this dynamic segment.We'll speak with Howard Gill, Head of Coffee, Grind and Helen Cutmore, Marketing Director UK&I, Delonghi.Credits music: "Mad" by May Roze in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the showSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

It's no secret that iced beverages have taken the coffee shop world by storm in recent years. From single-origin cold brews and iced classics becoming year-round staples to TikTok sensations like matcha lattes and botanical infusions, the iced category has rapidly become a core part of how consumers experience coffee.In this episode we're asking what's been driving this surge in popularity, what flavour innovations are on the horizon, and could “cold” one day overtake “hot” on the global coffee stage?To find out we're speaking with Jake Leonti, Head of Coffee, Gregorys Coffee, Will Kenney, Commercial Director, 200 Degrees Coffee Roasters, and Peter Broom, Commercial Director for syrup manufacturer Novela.Credits music: "Summer" by Maddie King in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the showSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today’s episode, we speak with Teodora Pitis, Owner of Sloane Coffee in Romania.Inspired by visits to London’s bustling specialty scene, Teodora launched Sloane Coffee in 2016 with a vision to bring that spirit of craft and innovation to Romania’s emerging café market. The business has since grown to a thriving wholesale roastery with two experiential tasting rooms in Bucharest.In this conversation, Teodora shares her ambition to elevate Romania’s specialty coffee scene within the global coffee community and she reflects on the unique dynamics of this young market that has developed at a remarkable speed.Credits music: "Trip The Light" by Bluebelle in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the showSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today’s episode we're speaking with Benjamin Paz – a third-generation coffee producer in Honduras and a leading voice in sustainable coffee farming.In this conversation, Benjamin shares pragmatic solutions for sustainable coffee production, such as reforesting with native tree species, restoring natural shade canopies and adapting processing methods that save water and work in harmony with local ecosystems.We also discuss critical labour shortages, the systemic challenges of doing business Honduras, and strategies to ensure a thriving coffee industry for generations to come.Credits music: "Carolina Gold" by DANI in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the showSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today’s episode we’re speaking with Maria Pavani, CEO and Founder of Tres Marias – an innovative specialty coffee business based in Dubai.Originally from Brazil, Maria launched Tres Marias in 2019, initially trading green coffee and delivering SCA training courses. When the pandemic hit, she pivoted into coffee roasting and more recently, expanded the brand with a line of plant-based milks designed specifically for baristas.In this conversation, Maria shares the remarkable transformation of Dubai’s coffee scene over the last decade and how UAE consumers have embraced specialty coffee culture.She also reflects on the personal journey of becoming an entrepreneur and how learning self-awareness and resilience, combined with relentless innovation, has shaped the way she built her business.Credits music: "Plane Jane" by Lexie in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the showSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today’s episode, we're speaking with Jason Scherr, Founder and CEO of Think Coffee - a pioneering specialty coffee business based in New York City.Jason began his career in law before pivoting into hospitality, driven by a desire to build something more creative and community-focused. That vision led to the opening of Think Coffee in 2006 - a coffee business focussed on ethical sourcing and social impact. Nearly two decades on, Think Coffee operates 11 locations across New York and has been roasting in-house since 2017.In this conversation, Jason reflects on the evolution of New York’s specialty coffee scene post-pandemic, and shares his hope for a return to more in-store, face-to-face coffee connections. He also speaks candidly about the challenges of doing business ethically - and why Think Coffee remains committed to transparency and high standards, even when it’s not the easiest path to takeCredits music: Glimpses by Fox Jackson in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the showSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

Today we’re sharing the final episode in our series of interviews recorded at The Amsterdam Coffee Festival 2025.In this episode, we speak with industry leaders and entrepreneurs from across the Benelux to find out how they turned a passion for coffee into a thriving business and career.We’re joined by Jens Crabbe, Owner of MOK Coffee, Joris Goossens, Commercial Director at Keen Coffee and Véronique Heylen, Senior Sales Trader at Sucafina.Credits music: ""Finance 300" by Kri in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the showSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

Today we’re sharing another episode from our series of interviews and discussions recorded live at the Amsterdam Coffee Festival earlier this year.In this session we’re turning the spotlight on coffee competitions, exploring how they drive innovation, elevate barista skills, and help shape the future of our industry.Joining us is a panel of barista champions, trainers and world class judges: Julia Kuin, Barista Market Development Lead for Benelux at Oatly, Rose van Asten, Coffee Consultant & Specialty Coffee Association Barista Trainer, Lex Wenneker, Owner of Friedhats Coffee, and Zjevaun Janga, Owner of Ripsnorter Coffee Roasters.Credits music: "If You're Wondering" by Zana Messia in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the showSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today’s episode, we're speaking with Andreas Hertzberg, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Nordic Approach – a pioneering green specialty coffee company.Andreas founded Nordic Approach in 2011 alongside Morten Wennersgaard and Tim Wendelboe, with a vision to work more closely with producers and deliver coffees that reflect the high standards synonymous with the Nordic region.Today, Nordic Approach sources around two and a half million kilos of green coffee each year, working with thousands of farmers across 12 producing countries.In this conversation, Andreas reflects on the early days of the business, how the team introduced a disruptive and transparent sourcing model to the market, and why they’ve always chosen to work with farmers who share a commitment to excellence. He also unpacks the complexities of green coffee trading today and why market volatility is often more difficult to navigate than high prices alone.Credits music: "Midnight Dynamite" by Alessia in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the showSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

Today we’re sharing another episode from our series of interviews and discussions recorded live at the Amsterdam Coffee Festival earlier this year.In this session, we explore the rise of smart coffee vending and how innovation and technology is shaping coffee solutions for the workplace and beyond.We’ll hear from Willem Huisman, Sales Director at BRITA Professional  Benelux, Theo Leene, Managing Director of Powder Products Benelux, Tjerry Sanders, Country Leader Netherlands at Evoca Group, and Joost Leopold, Headmaster and Coffee Consultant at De Koffieschool.Credits music: "Do you Know" by Steve Ray Ladson in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the showSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today’s episode, we’re speaking with Paul Geshos, founder of Sydney’s iconic Mecca Coffee.A former musician turned café owner, Paul Geshos opened Mecca in 2005 after being inspired by the emerging specialty coffee scene in Portland, Oregon. Since then, Mecca has grown to become one of Australia’s most respected specialty coffee roasters, with two locations in Sydney and a reputation for transparent sourcing, quality and innovation.In this conversation, Paul reflects on Mecca’s early years, including the challenge of introducing US-style specialty coffee culture to Australian customers who weren’t quite sure what to make of it. He also shares how being immersed among the global coffee community played a vital role in his development as a roaster and why Mecca is returning to its direct-to-consumer roots.Credits music: "Not Mine" by Alessia Piermarini in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the showSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

Next up in our series live podcasts recorded at the Amsterdam Coffee Festival, we’re diving into the creative world of coffee marketing.In this session, we speak with leading coffee brands from across the Benelux to unpack the innovative marketing strategies helping businesses connect with the next generation of consumers.Joining us are an expert panel of voices from across the region: Rob Berghmans, Founder and Owner of Caffenation, Bryan Serwatka, Coffee Community Manager at Minor Figures, and Yorick Bruins, Co-founder of Wakuli.Credits music: "Attention" by Dudley Music in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the showSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

Today we’re sharing another episode from our series of interviews and discussions recorded live at the Amsterdam Coffee Festival earlier this year.In this session we reflect on a decade of growth across the Benelux specialty coffee scene and look ahead to what the future holds for this highly passionate community.We’re joined by a panel of innovators and creators: Esther Maasdam, Co-founder of Manhattan Coffee Roasters, Rose Van Asten, Coffee Consultant and SCA Barista Trainer, and Marc Kluijver, Founder of KTC Magazine.Credits music: "Could This Be Real" by Aleks In Flux in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the showSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today’s episode we’re returning to our series of interviews and discussions recorded live at the Amsterdam Coffee Festival earlier this year.In this session, we take a look back at the past decade of phenomenal espresso machine innovation to find out how technology and culture has redefined the café experience.We’re joined by an expert panel: Andrea Zamprogno, Sanremo Johan Van De Bunt, Hillewaert, Anton Mathes, Ligre and Henk Langkemper of Espresso Service West, La Marzocco’s distributor in the Netherlands.Credits music: "Sad Old Baby Dolls" by The Misty in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the showSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today’s episode, we’re joined by pioneers in sustainable hospitality to explore how restaurants can take meaningful steps towards more environmentally responsible operations.We speak with Juliane Caillouette-Noble, Managing Director of the Sustainable Restaurant Association, who outlines a practical framework for introducing sustainability into foodservice businesses.We’re also joined by two leading Michelin Green Star chefs – Chantelle Nicholson, Founder, Apricity in London and Albert Franch Sunyer, Co-founder, Nolla in Helsinki – who share what it really takes to run a sustainable restaurant, from sourcing and circularity to culture and community.Credits music: "Natures Hands" by Flo Perlin in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the showSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today’s episode, we’re speaking with Stephan Bredell, Co-Founder of Platō Coffee – a fast-growing specialty coffee chain based in South Africa.Launched in December 2019 with his brother Petrus, Platō Coffee began as a single café with a mission to serve high-quality coffee in welcoming, beautifully designed spaces. With a focus on opening sites in local, lifestyle destinations and growing through franchise partnerships, the brand has scaled rapidly in just five years. Platō now has 90 locations across South Africa and international expansion on the horizon.In this conversation, Stephan shares his ambitions for scaling Platō into a global lifestyle brand. He also outlines how coffee has been a powerful accelerator for growth, guided by his pragmatic learn-by-doing approach.Credits music: "Lucid Dreaming" by Veigh Malow in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the showSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today’s episode, we’re speaking with Dion Cohen, Co-founder of Single O – an iconic name in Australian specialty coffee.Originally known as Single Origin Coffee Roasters, Dion founded the business in 2003 alongside his wife and business partner, Emma Cohen. Their vision was to bring greater transparency to the coffee supply chain while building a brand that was fun, engaging, and unafraid to break the mould.Since then, Single O has become a pioneer of Australia’s specialty coffee scene and operates cafés in Sydney and Queensland and has a growing presence in Japan.In this conversation, Dion shares the philosophy behind Single O – one grounded in quality, traceability, and education rather than self-promotion. He also talks about expanding into Japan, and how the brand adapted its bold, irreverent  Australian style to resonate with Japan’s more reserved and traditional culture.Credits music: "What I Used To Do" by Liza Lo in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the showSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear