IT’S JUST COFFEE!

Edwin Noreña is a fourth-generation farmer and coffee innovator, leading Finca Campo Hermoso in Colombia. The farm is known for its experimental coffees, with Edwin himself developing a co-fermentation technique inspired by the craft beer industry. We caught him at MICE2026 to talk “co-fermented” vs “infused” coffee, as well as hops in coffee processing, and the complications that come with bringi...

Hany Ezzat is the Founder of Ni Wares–creating science backed cups for coffee competitions and elevated everyday use. He also just won the Next-Gen Talent Award at MICE2026. We caught up with him at the expo to talk about what the win meant to him, as well as his recent (and controversial) use of the xBloom in a filter competition, why he thinks young people aren't as engaged in specialty coffee,...

If anyone truly lives for coffee, it’s Nolan Hirte. Founder of the wildly successful Proud Mary Coffee, Nolan’s passion for coffee bleeds out into every aspect of his business, making Proud Mary an iconic name across Australia and the U.S.  We spoke to him at MICE26 about Proud Mary’s journey scaling to the U.S, as well as mood-based coffee labelling, barriers for young people entering the industr...

From Canada to Amsterdam; Dak’s Founders Veronique and Louis give us the low-down on starting a business abroad. Operating as a coffee-only retail concept, Dak's physical shop acts more as a tasting space rather than a traditional cafe. They play with in experimental processing methods - think hibiscus cultured wash - and lean in to evocative and flavour driven branding. Tune in for a fantastic co...

Chris Maybury’s cafe ranked #13 in the World! So how did he do it?? Beta Coffee is one of the more experimental coffee shops out there at the moment, pushing the envelope with automation and pre-batched espresso. We spoke to Chris at MICE2026 about Beta Coffee: The role of automation, his recent system challenges, and the importance of mindful and authentic service.  00:00 Intro & guest 00:46 The...

What does ethical coffee buying look like in practice? This week’s Coffee Break aims to turn the complex concepts into actionable steps: What questions should you ask importers? How can you use living income reference prices? And what’s the go on marketing ethically sourced coffee without greenwashing? CHAPTERS ! 00:00 Introduction to Ethical Coffee 00:01:56 Meet Colleen Anunu & Her Work 00:02:44...

Ethical coffee buying, explained.  Fairtrade International veteran Colleen Anunu joins us to explain what ethical coffee buying actually means in the 2020s. *Hint - it’s more than just paying higher prices.  Whether you’re buying green beans or a takeaway flat white, it’s important to understand the complexities of coffee trade. We unpack the unbalanced risk distribution in the supply chain, threa...

Despite being one of the most widely consumed coffees in the world, instant coffee still carries a bad reputation. And sure, some commercial options can taste like the bottom of an ashtray, but there are genuinely excellent instant coffees out there. We blind taste-tested seven instant coffees, ranging from low-grade to specialty. Join sensory expert and WBC judge Ben Bicknell as he guides us thro...

Can instant coffee be just as good, (if not better) than espresso? Hugh Kelly seems to think so! The three time Australian Barista Champion and longtime Head of Coffee at Ona joined us to discuss the ways instant coffee can be used to uplift the industry as a whole - making coffee more accessible, consistent, and dare I say tasty…! Plus stay tuned for Hugh’s expert tips on how to make a banging cu...

Rohan and Ben unpack the slippery hiring process, sharing tips that make staff acquisition simple! Plus we break down the golden rules for getting hired (and not getting fired) as a barista. Also, gym bros’ prayers are answered… Creatine and protein coffee has hit the market. We unpack the trend of adding supplements to coffee, does your business need to jump on it?  Coffee Break is your weekly in...

Becoming a barista sounds simple enough… but how do you actually get your foot in the door, and once you're in, how can you turn coffee into a sustainable career?  Today we’re joined by Founder of Melbourne Coffee Academy, Charles Skadiang. With over 20 years experience, and a specialised understanding of the role of the barista, Charles tells all; sharing invaluable insight about how to make it i...

There’s some spicy discourse surrounding the viral Top 10 Cafes TikTok! Plus we unpack the controversial 10-year-old beans released by Passenger Coffee, and Dunkin’s 48-ounce bucket of iced coffee that’s currently taking over the internet. Also, what does it entail to join La Marzocco’s recently launched True Artisan Club? All this and more on this week’s Coffee Break!  Coffee Break is your weekly...

Learn how to become a coffee entrepreneur from the absolute best!  Laila Ghambari is a US Barista Champion, owner of Guilder Coffee Company, and runs her own coffee consulting business. She joins us to discuss the myriad of ways in which someone can step into coffee business ownership… there’s more options than just opening a cafe! Plus, she shares what it’s really like being a CEO and a mum at th...

Simple tips from a Brewers Champion that will improve your filter coffee immediately! We also discuss the outcomes of investing in quality coffee rather than equipment, and the significance of consistent water quality in brewing preparation.  Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospit...

Tom Hutchins is a three time Brewers Cup Champion, and the Head of Coffee Training at Code Black Coffee in Melbourne… So who better to spill the secrets of advanced filter brewing! Tom’s seasoned experience lends a hand to anyone who wants to brew better coffee, from home baristas just getting into filter, to cafe owners wanting to maintain fresh batches.  Plus, stay tuned for Tom’s $1K brewing se...

We’re back from World of Coffee Dubai, sharing our biggest takeaways from the craziest coffee event of the year! Plus we break down the 2026 'World's 100 Best Coffee Shop' rankings… the list may surprise you!  00:00 Dubai Coffee Recap 03:59 The $1,000 Coffee 06:03 Luxury Coffee Debate 10:22 Competition Drinks in Cafes 12:13 New Brewer Controversy 14:56 Coffee Market Update 17:23 Top 10 Coffee Shop...

Ryan Godinho is an Australian entrepreneur behind Dubai’s Stomping Grounds café and Specialty Batch Coffee roastery. He played a critical role in the development of the specialty coffee scene in the UAE, setting origin trends, launching coffee competitions, and training the first generation of specialty baristas.  We spoke to Ryan about the early days of specialty coffee in Dubai (a throwback to t...

Mariam Erin is the designer of the Binocular Dripper: the dual cone pour over dripper that's completely changing the drip coffee game. Her design is backed by a decade-long career in the coffee industry, most recently at Brewing Gadgets, working as part of the product research and educational content team. Mariam is also a multiple national coffee champion and World Championship competitor, her la...

Pierre de Chanterac has been competing since 2019, winning the 2019 and 2021 Brewers Cup, the 2022 World Aeropress Championship, the 2023 Cezve/Ibrik Championship, and the 2025 CiGS.  We sat down with Pierre at World of Coffee Dubai to discuss Ibrik coffee; one of the oldest and most widespread brewing methods in the world. While respecting the traditions, Pierre brings a modern approach to Ibrik...

RAW Coffee is a cafe and roastery based in the UAE, co-owned by New Zealanders Kim Thompson and Matt Toogood.  For the past 18 years they’ve been running their business in Dubai… So how do they do it?? What’s it like setting up a business in a different country? How have they carved out a space for themselves in the bustling coffee scene? Kim and Matt share their biggest takeaways from their journ...

Benjamin Put is the co-owner of Monogram Coffee and long time barista competitor, recognised for his technical and conceptual innovations on the stage.  We were lucky enough to catch him at World of Coffee Dubai to discuss his extensive experience as both competitor and coach. What actually happens after you win? What innovations changed the game? And how did competition experience help Ben become...

Archers is a Green Coffee Trader, Roastery, and certified SCA and CQI Coffee Academy located in the UAE, co-founded by Brewers Cup Champion Frederick Bejo.  Frederick joins us to discuss the challenges and opportunities in Dubai’s coffee market, drawing on his own experience coming from the Philippines to take up business in the UAE. We also make some calls about the industry in 2026… cold ferment...

Julith is a roastery, brew lounge, concept store and social space located in Dubai, founded by Turkish Barista Champion Serkan Sağsöz.  In 2025, Serkan bought the 20kg lot of Geisha Washed Best of Panama winner ‘Nido 7’ for a record price of over $900,000 AUD. Described as ‘otherworldly’, Nido 7 is available to try at Julith for the low low price of $1500 per shot. We were lucky enough to meet w...

Join us for a little celebration, we’ve reached 101 episodes! James Hoffmann answers YOUR burning questions about coffee, we deliver our wrap ups, discuss the highs and lows of content creation (especially for young creators), and update you on the cup of excellence - set to take place in 11 countries in 2026!  So grab your brew, let’s have a Coffee Break.  Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop...

James Hoffmann is a World Barista Champion, founder of Square Mile Coffee Roasters, author of The World Atlas of Coffee and a beloved voice of the coffee industry. We were blessed to pick his brains on cafe culture, home brewing, the economics of specialty coffee, the future of the industry, the responsibilities that come with his level of influence, and so much more. Plus, you know we hooked you...