5THWAVE - The Business of Coffee and Hospitality

In today’s episode, we're joined by Sarina Prabasi, Co-founder of Buunni Coffee – a business of two community-driven cafés and a wholesale roastery based in New York City.Sarina has had a remarkable journey from her native Nepal via Ethiopia to New York City. She’s also had impressive career in social justice and sustainability, especially in her role as CEO of WaterAid USA.She founded Buunni Coffee in 2011 with her partner, Elias Gurmu, Their vision was to share exceptional Ethiopian coffee and hospitality with New Yorkers, while creating spaces that nurture connection, community and joy.In this conversation, Sarina reflects on the realities of starting a business, the immigrant experience, and what it means to build a meaningful community in a new city. We also unpack her memoir, The Coffeehouse Resistance: Brewing Hope in Desperate Times, highlighting how cafés can become places for connection with a deep sense of belonging.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 today’s episode, we’re breaking down the dos and don’ts of signing a retail property lease – from due diligence and heads of terms to rent reviews and exit strategies.We'll speak with a leading broker and two real estate lawyers in London and New York to uncover how operators can navigate the small print, negotiate a fair deal, and protect themselves from personal exposure.Our guests are Russel Helbling, Managing Director, Katz & Associates, Jason Dunietz, Real Estate Group Chair, Helbraun & Levey, Ian Leigh, Partner, CBG.Credits music: "Talk About A Movie" by Z.M.A 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 delighted to be speaking with Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the Specialty Coffee Association.First established in the 1980s, the SCA is the largest coffee trade body globally and represents thousands of coffee professionals – from producers to baristas – all over the world.In this conversation, Yannis discusses the evolution of the SCA and its ongoing efforts to make coffee more sustainable, equitable, and resilient, through research, standards, and education. He also shares his perspectives on the key challenges and opportunities in the industry, from climate change and sustainability to navigating economic uncertainty and the evolving role of technology and AI.Credits music: "I Wish You Love" by Mimi Rose 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’s episode is the second instalment in our two-part feature exploring the opportunity for Australian-grown coffee.In part one, we looked back at the history, commercial viability, and sustainability potential of Australian coffee farming. In this episode, we’re turning our attention to what lies ahead and the developments that are shaping the next chapter for Australian coffee.We’ll hear from scientist Tobias Kretzschmar about new coffee varietals being developed with Southern Cross University, and David Kennedy, Founder of Bun Coffee about how Australia’s specialty scene is embracing home-grown coffee.Credits music: "Nothing is Forever" by Australian artist Georgia Mooney 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’s episode is the first in a two-part feature exploring the opportunity and future potential for Australian-grown coffee.While coffee is typically cultivated in tropical, high-altitude regions, producers in Australia have been able to nurture coffee trees in the country’s subtropical lowlands – where the mild climate and absence of many common coffee diseases offer unique opportunitiesIn part one, we speak with Rebecca Zentveld, Founder of Zentveld’s Coffee Farm & Roastery in New South Wales. Rebecca also serves as President of the Australian Grown Coffee Association, and in this conversation she explores the history, commercial opportunities, and sustainability potential of Australian coffee farming.In part two, we’ll hear from Tobias Kretzschmar, a scientist at Southern Cross University, who’s developing new varietals suited to the Australian climate, and David Kennedy from Bun Coffee, to learn how the specialty scene might soon be embracing more home-grown coffee.Credits music: "War Romance" by Australian artist Georgia Mooney 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

Grinding is one of the most important – yet often overlooked – elements of the coffee-making process. It’s a precise science that directly influences flavour and consistency, and often is the difference between an unforgettable coffee and a mediocre cup.As consumer tastes and expectations evolve, grinding equipment too is advancing. So what does the future look like for grinding technology – both behind the bar and in the home?To explore this we’re speaking with Arnaldo Rodrigues, Head of Innovation and Technology, Hemro Group, Marco Tesconi, Group Category Manager, Cimbali Group and Douglas Weber, Founder, Weber Workshop.Credits music: "I’m Fine" by Bobbi Stella 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 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