Mike Ferguson

The Exchange-Presented by Olam Coffee

Society EN ↓ 130 episodes

Insider insights for the earnest coffee roaster. The Exchange is a podcast presented by Olam Specialty Coffee.

Author

Mike Ferguson

Category

Society

Podcast website

www.spreaker.com

Latest episode

Jul 7, 2026

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Episodes

Ristretto | John and Nancy from Creative Agency G+ 16.01.2026

  Geletka Plus, Covoya's Creative Agency Part of The Covoya Coffee Podcasting Network   TAKE OUR LISTENER SURVEY   Visit and Explore Covoya!

Coffee Memo | Rob Talks 2025 Ep. 12 13.01.2026

Takeaways 2025 was marked by unprecedented challenges in the coffee industry. Tariffs significantly impacted the cost structure for importers and roasters. The inverted market created disincentives to hold inventory. Financial strain affected even the largest players in the coffee sector. Current market trends indicate a potential recovery with more coffee availability. Adaptability and quick reac...

Extra Shot | Costa Rica Once Grew Chile's Best Coffee Ep. 14 06.01.2026

Takeaways Costa Rica's commercial coffee history dates back to the 1830s. Producers initially struggled to find markets for their coffee. Direct trade routes were established by shipping entrepreneur William Le Lacheur. Costa Rican coffee was often exported through Chile to Europe. The lack of infrastructure hindered coffee distribution in early years. William Le Lacheur played a crucial role in c...

Coffee Memo | Rob Talks Coffee Forecasts Ep. 11 23.12.2025

Takeaways Coffee forecasts are essentially opinions based on various data points. Mother nature plays a significant role in coffee production outcomes. Forecasts can vary widely and are often influenced by market sentiment. Understanding the factors behind forecasts is crucial for industry stakeholders. The coffee market is sensitive to changes in production estimates. Export trends from major cof...

Ristretto | Christmas 1914, The “Last” Coffee on the Wind Ep. 12 18.12.2025

"The last of the coffee-carrying sailing vessels to reach the United States was the bark Padang, which arrived in New York on Christmas day, 1914." -WH Ukers Part of The Covoya Coffee Podcasting Network   TAKE OUR LISTENER SURVEY   Visit and Explore Covoya!

The Exchange | Coffee Processing Ep. 47 16.12.2025

Takeaways Processing is crucial for flavor development in coffee. Historical context shows the evolution of coffee processing methods. Washed and natural processing methods yield different flavor profiles. The rise of semi-washed and honey processes reflects innovation in coffee. Costa Rica has played a pivotal role in coffee processing advancements. Consumer preferences influence the popularity o...

Another Cup | Todd Interviews Covoya Controller Dave Zachary Ep. 20 09.12.2025

Takeaways Dave Zachary is the controller at Covoya Specialty Coffee. Dave enjoys numbers and has a background in business analysis. The team at Covoya embraces challenges together. Memorable moments include moving to a new office and implementing a new ERP system. Team dynamics are lively and collaborative at Covoya. Dave emphasizes the importance of passion in the coffee industry. The culture at...

Extra Shot | The Life and Times of Robusta Ep. 13 02.12.2025

Takeaways Robusta was once considered the enemy of specialty coffee. The stigma against Robusta was deeply emotional and personal. Not all Robusta is of low quality; it varies significantly. Robusta's global production share has increased dramatically. Robusta plays a crucial role in meeting coffee demand. Robusta was first cultivated commercially in the late 19th century. Robusta's reputation has...

Coffee Memo | Rob Talks COT Report for Coffee Ep. 10 25.11.2025

"All that this report does is tell them, are they long or are they short? If they're long, they are hoping or betting that the prices will go up. And if they're short, they're hoping or betting that the price will go down. And so what we do then is look at these different types of participants in the market and the report tells us if they are long or if they're short. And it tells us if that posit...

Extra Shot | How are Coffee Consumers Dealing with 2025? Ep. 12 21.11.2025

Takeaways Coffee consumption has remained steady despite rising prices. Many consumers are changing their purchasing behaviors in response to costs. 52% of respondents will not change their coffee format even if prices rise. Older coffee drinkers are feeling the financial pinch more than younger ones. The balance of coffee consumed at home versus out of home remains constant. A significant percent...

Coffee Memo | Headline Edition: Tariff Updates 18.11.2025

Takeaways Although it's been announced that reciprocal tariffs on coffee are no longer in effect as of Friday, November 14th at 12:01 am, punitive tariffs, like those being applied to Brazil and India, remain in place for now.  So, tariff on Brazilian coffee has gone from 50% to 40%.  Refunds from the government are unlikely. There are some positive signs that the punitive tariffs on Brazil might...

Coffee Memo | Rob Answers Questions from the Mailbag Ep. 9 18.11.2025

Takeaways The Intercontinental Exchange is analogous to a bank, making money from fees, services, and interest. Only certain countries can tender coffee to the exchange, some at the C price ("at par"), some at a premium, and some at a discount. There are Exchange licensed warehouses in several U.S. cities and four cities in Europe. Some of these warehouse also come at a premium or a discount. Buye...

Ristretto | Grow Mexico 2026 Ep. 11 14.11.2025

FOR THIS EPISODE TODD MACKEY JOINED MEMBERS OF OUR MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMERICA TEAM IN AN ONLINE CHAT TO TALK ABOUT OUR UPCOMING GROW EVEN IN CHIAPAS, FEBRUARY 23-26. AFTER VERY SUCCESSFUL EVENTS IN COLOMBIA AND GUADEMALA WE ARE VERY EXCITED TO BE HEADING TO MEXICO. YOU SHOULD GO WITH US. Part of The Exchange Coffee Podcasting Network   TAKE OUR LISTENER SURVEY   Visit and Explore Covoya!

Coffee Memo | Rob Talks Certified Coffee Stocks Ep. 8 11.11.2025

Takeaways The lower the exchange certified stocks go, the more dangerous it is for the liquidity of the market. Liquidity is crucial for the stability of financial markets. Futures contracts require underlying assets to guarantee their value. A futures contract is essentially a promise to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price. Market participants must trust that they can execute futures co...

The Exchange | Is Coffee Consumer Behavior Changing? Ep. 46 04.11.2025

Takeaways Consumers are buying more coffee on sale due to rising prices. There's a shift from whole bean to ground coffee to save costs. Tariffs are impacting coffee prices significantly. Coffee consumption remains steady despite economic pressures. Older consumers feel less financially secure than younger ones. Consumers are adapting by brewing coffee at home more often. Part of The Exchange Coff...

Coffee Memo | Rob Talks with Michael Nugent Ep. 7 31.10.2025

Takeaways Volatility is a significant characteristic of the current coffee market. Understanding historical context is crucial for predicting future trends. Weather events have historically influenced coffee market fluctuations. Political factors can also impact coffee supply and pricing. Current challenges include high costs and supply chain issues. Consumer behavior is shifting, especially among...

Coffee Memo | Rob Talks EUDR Ep. 6 17.10.2025

Takeaways EUDR stands for European Union Deforestation Regulation. Coffee is a significant contributor to deforestation in the EU. Compliance with EUDR requires extensive documentation and traceability. Larger companies are generally more prepared for EUDR compliance. Small producers face greater challenges in meeting compliance requirements. The penalties for non-compliance can be severe for comp...

The Ex-Files | Scary Physical Defects Ep. 6 09.10.2025

Full black defect is likened to 'The Creature from the Black Lagoon'. Sour defect is compared to Stephen King's 'Christine'. Fungus damage is paired with the movie 'Annihilation'. Foreign matter in coffee is humorously linked to 'The Last Werewolf in London'. Insect damage is associated with 'The Fly'. Partial black defect is humorously tied to 'Beetlejuice'. Withered beans are compared to 'The Mu...

The Exchange | Roast Summit Portland Ep. 45 07.10.2025

Takeaways The sold out Roast Summit was the most attended yet. Coffee guilds were seen as the backbone of the coffee community. The intimate feeling of the Roast Summit mirrors that of past guild events. Educational moments at events are crucial for growth in the coffee industry. Community and belonging are essential in the coffee industry. The importance of mentorship opportunities at events like...

Coffee Memo | Rob Talks Back to Basics in Turbulent Times Ep. 5 30.09.2025

00:00 Introduction to Coffee Memo and Current Industry Landscape02:42 Understanding the Unprecedented Volatility in Coffee Prices05:16 The Importance of Engagement and Peer Support08:07 Navigating Burnout and Overwhelm in the Coffee Industry10:42 Market Dynamics: Supply, Demand, and Climate Change13:33 Decision-Making in Uncertain Times16:12 The Role of Stakeholders in Business Decisions18:48 Find...

Coffee Memo | Rob Talks Working Capital Ep. 4 12.09.2025

Takeaways Tight supply and credit are major issues in the coffee industry. Working capital is crucial for navigating market fluctuations. Coffee prices have significantly increased over the past few years. Tariffs and hedging costs are adding financial pressure on importers. Supply chain issues are exacerbating the crisis in the coffee market. Roasters need to protect their credit lines during tou...

Ristretto | Why is it Called a Quaker? Ep. 10 03.09.2025

The term 'Quaker' in coffee refers to under-roasted beans. Quaker Brown is linked to the clothing of the Society of Friends. Quaker defects are a result of immature green beans. Quaker defects are the same color as clothing worn by many in the Society of Friends in the 1800's The term 'Quaker' was initially derogatory but was reclaimed. Researching coffee history can reveal surprising connections....

Coffee Memo | Rob Talks Inverted Market Ep. 3 31.08.2025

Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Inverted Market02:49 Understanding Backwardation and Contango05:24 Implications of the Inverted Market for Roasters08:20 Navigating Challenges in Coffee Sourcing10:46 Strategic Planning for Coffee Businesses13:33 Conclusion and Future Considerations  Part of The Exchange Coffee Podcasting Network   TAKE OUR LISTENER SURVEY   Visit and Explore Covoya!

Ex-Files #5: Building a Team 26.08.2025

Chapters00:00 Introduction to The X-Files Podcast00:44 Building a Team in Coffee Roasting02:23 The Importance of Vision and Values06:25 Cash Flow and Team Growth08:28 Hiring Employees: Mindset and Responsibilities10:26 Empowering Employees and Allowing Failure12:09 Defining Roles and Growth Opportunities13:57 Sales vs. Roasting: Who to Hire First?15:20 Finding the Right Salesperson21:34 Structurin...

#43 Selling Roasted Coffee Wholesale 21.08.2025

00:00 Introduction to Selling Roasted Coffee02:48 The Four P's Framework05:22 Focusing on Whole Bean Sales in Your Own Coffeehouse08:15 Innovative Packaging Solutions10:54 Building Community Presence16:43 The Importance of Persistence29:38 Understanding Pricing Strategies  Part of The Exchange Coffee Podcasting Network   TAKE OUR LISTENER SURVEY   Visit and Explore Covoya!

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