5THWAVE - The Business of Coffee and Hospitality

Last month saw the return of the European Coffee Symposium (ECS) + COHO in Berlin. Across three days, we welcomed 50 influential speakers from around the world to share their insights, inspiration, and bold ideas shaping the future of coffee and hospitality. Over the coming weeks, we’ll bring you a collection of these unfiltered conversations, panel discussions and keynote sessions – direct from t...

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 Co...

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 Russ...

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 cof...

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 f...

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 opportunities In pa...

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...

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 3...

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...

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 wit...

 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 Pro...

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...

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 conver...

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 loc...

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 des...

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 so...

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 Véro...

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: Jul...

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 sour...

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, Managin...

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 transp...

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 Bergh...

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 M...

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, Hille...

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...