MAP IT FORWARD Middle East

MAP IT FORWARD
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The Map It Forward Middle East Podcast explores the business of coffee across the Middle East, featuring conversations with entrepreneurs, producers, and professionals building the future of the region’s coffee industry. Hosted by Dubai-based Map It Forward founder Lee Safar, each five-episode series highlights one guest's journey, offering practical insights, regional context, and candid discussions that reflect the evolving global coffee landscape. Episodes are released daily at 6 am local UAE time. The video version of the podcast can be found on our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/mapitforward Our website https://www.mapitforward.coffee/middleeastpodcast

  1. 19/12/2025

    EP 930 - Challenges Ahead for Coffee and Weather - Greg Oddo - The Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Lee Safar

    If you love what we do and want to support more of the work we do at Map It Forward, become a premium YouTube Subscriber or a paid Patreon backer here for perks: • https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward • https://www.youtube.com/mapitforward •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• This is episode five of a 5-part podcast series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, hosted by Lee Safar, featuring first-time guest Greg Oddo. Greg is a weather strategist who specialises in coffee for Sucafina. In this series, Lee and Greg discuss the role that weather is playing in the coffee market. The 5 episodes in this series are: 1. The Impact of Weather on the Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/psIRwab0jTo 2. Connecting The Price of Coffee to the Weather - https://youtu.be/uHUduEMnnXI 3. Coffee Industry Adapting to Changing Weather - https://youtu.be/1Tiktg6lenM 4. Open Sourced Weather Data for Coffee - https://youtu.be/zAaLHDjNScs 5. Challenges Ahead for Coffee and Weather - https://youtu.be/mFsN_Vleq3I In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Greg discuss challenges such as extremely wet or dry seasons, the effects of warming climates on coffee crops, and the heightened market volatility influenced by these weather conditions. The episode delves into potential solutions for mitigating these impacts, including increasing coffee supply and adopting sustainable practices. They also touch on how computer algorithms play a role in market trading. As the year 2025 wraps up, both Lee and Greg reflect on the past year's challenges in the coffee industry and offer insights into what 2026 might hold. Map It Forward wishes you all a wonderful holiday season and a successful 2026 ahead. We'll see you back for the first episode of the podcast after a few weeks break on Monday, Jan 12th, 2026! Connect with Greg Oddo and Sucafina here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-oddo-3b252a34/ https://sucafina.com/ https://www.instagram.com/sucafina_northamerica/ Find weather data about Brazil here: https://bdmep.inmet.gov.br/ •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list 💡Support this podcast on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward 📽 Watch the podcast on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ouyFYW 🎙 Check out the audio version of our podcast here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify 🧐 Find out more about Map It Forward Workshops here: https://mapitforward.coffee/workshops Looking for a business advisor for your established coffee business or startup? Email us here 📧 email: support@mapitforward.org

    29 min

  2. 18/12/2025

    EP 929 - Open Sourced Weather Data for Coffee - Greg Oddo - The Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Lee Safar

    Looking for B2B advertising on our podcast for the coffee industry: support@mapitforward.org or DM us here https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/ •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• This is episode four of a 5-part podcast series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, hosted by Lee Safar, featuring first-time guest Greg Oddo. Greg is a weather strategist who specialises in coffee for Sucafina. In this series, Lee and Greg discuss the role that weather is playing in the coffee market. The 5 episodes in this series are: 1. The Impact of Weather on the Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/psIRwab0jTo 2. Connecting The Price of Coffee to the Weather - https://youtu.be/uHUduEMnnXI 3. Coffee Industry Adapting to Changing Weather - https://youtu.be/1Tiktg6lenM 4. Open Sourced Weather Data for Coffee - https://youtu.be/zAaLHDjNScs 5. Challenges Ahead for Coffee and Weather - https://youtu.be/mFsN_Vleq3I In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Greg discuss the critical role of open source data in the coffee industry. They focus on data transparency, specifically in Brazil's weather reporting, and the necessity of self-education in accessing free available data. Greg emphasizes the importance of observational data quality and transparency to avoid market manipulation and improve decision-making for coffee farmers and businesses. Additionally, the episode highlights upcoming changes for Map It Forward in 2026, including the introduction of multi-language support and B2B advertising opportunities. Join us as we delve into why open source data is vital for accurate weather predictions and market strategies in the coffee sector. Connect with Greg Oddo and Sucafina here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-oddo-3b252a34/ https://sucafina.com/ https://www.instagram.com/sucafina_northamerica/ Find weather data about Brazil here: https://bdmep.inmet.gov.br/ •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list 💡Support this podcast on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward 📽 Watch the podcast on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ouyFYW 🎙 Check out the audio version of our podcast here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify 🧐 Find out more about Map It Forward Workshops here: https://mapitforward.coffee/workshops Looking for a business advisor for your established coffee business or startup? Email us here 📧 email: support@mapitforward.org

    24 min

  3. 17/12/2025

    EP 928 - Coffee Industry Adapting to Changing Weather - Greg Oddo - The Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Lee Safar

    Looking to join an interesting monthly live coffee industry online meetup? - Exclusively for "Roasted Coffee" Patreon backers. https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• This is episode three of a 5-part podcast series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, hosted by Lee Safar, featuring first-time guest Greg Oddo. Greg is a weather strategist who specialises in coffee for Sucafina. In this series, Lee and Greg discuss the role that weather is playing in the coffee market. The 5 episodes in this series are: 1. The Impact of Weather on the Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/psIRwab0jTo 2. Connecting The Price of Coffee to the Weather - https://youtu.be/uHUduEMnnXI 3. Coffee Industry Adapting to Changing Weather - https://youtu.be/1Tiktg6lenM 4. Open Sourced Weather Data for Coffee - https://youtu.be/zAaLHDjNScs 5. Challenges Ahead for Coffee and Weather - https://youtu.be/mFsN_Vleq3I In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Greg discuss the potential impact of climate change on the coffee industry, including the prediction that we have only 20 harvests left due to rising temperatures and increasing weather volatility. The conversation dives into how the industry can adapt, including regenerative agriculture, new varieties, and the role of corporate farming. This episode is part of a five-part series exploring the crucial issues facing the coffee industry today. Connect with Greg Oddo and Sucafina here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-oddo-3b252a34/ https://sucafina.com/ https://www.instagram.com/sucafina_northamerica/ Find weather data about Brazil here: https://bdmep.inmet.gov.br/ •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list 💡Support this podcast on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward 📽 Watch the podcast on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ouyFYW 🎙 Check out the audio version of our podcast here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify 🧐 Find out more about Map It Forward Workshops here: https://mapitforward.coffee/workshops Looking for a business advisor for your established coffee business or startup? Email us here 📧 email: support@mapitforward.org

    23 min

  4. 16/12/2025

    EP 927 - Connecting The Price of Coffee to the Weather - Greg Oddo - The Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Lee Safar

    This episode is brought to you by The Honduran Coffee Alliance - connecting Honduran coffee producers with global buyers in a fair, sustainable, commercially viable way Connect with Sean Warner from the Honduran Coffee Alliance on WhatsApp here: https://wa.me/50487350786 or email sean@hondurancoffeealliance.com •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• This is episode two of a 5-part podcast series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, hosted by Lee Safar, featuring first-time guest Greg Oddo. Greg is a weather strategist who specialises in coffee for Sucafina. In this series, Lee and Greg discuss the role that weather is playing in the coffee market. The 5 episodes in this series are: 1. The Impact of Weather on the Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/psIRwab0jTo 2. Connecting The Price of Coffee to the Weather - https://youtu.be/uHUduEMnnXI 3. Coffee Industry Adapting to Changing Weather - https://youtu.be/1Tiktg6lenM 4. Open Sourced Weather Data for Coffee - https://youtu.be/zAaLHDjNScs 5. Challenges Ahead for Coffee and Weather - https://youtu.be/mFsN_Vleq3I In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Greg discuss the intricate relationship between weather and coffee prices. They delve into how weather events affect market volatility and pricing, particularly in the context of 2025's record-high fluctuations. The discussion highlights the impact of weather in major coffee-producing regions like Brazil and Vietnam, and how traders, producers, and roasters are navigating these challenges. The episode sheds light on the speculative nature of the market and its real-world consequences for various stakeholders in the coffee industry. Connect with Greg Oddo and Sucafina here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-oddo-3b252a34/ https://sucafina.com/ https://www.instagram.com/sucafina_northamerica/ Find weather data about Brazil here: https://bdmep.inmet.gov.br/ •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list 💡Support this podcast on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward 📽 Watch the podcast on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ouyFYW 🎙 Check out the audio version of our podcast here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify 🧐 Find out more about Map It Forward Workshops here: https://mapitforward.coffee/workshops Looking for a business advisor for your established coffee business or startup? Email us here 📧 email: support@mapitforward.org

    28 min

  5. 15/12/2025

    EP 926 - The Impact of Weather on the Coffee Industry - Greg Oddo - The Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Lee Safar

    This episode is brought to you by Arkena Coffee Marketplace - Connecting you to the next coffee harvest in Ethiopia through direct trade. https://arkenacoffee.com/ https://www.instagram.com/arkenacoffee/ Email: hello@arkenacoffee.com •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• This is episode one of a 5-part podcast series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, hosted by Lee Safar, featuring first-time guest Greg Oddo. Greg is a weather strategist who specialises in coffee for Sucafina. In this series, Lee and Greg discuss the role that weather is playing in the coffee market. The 5 episodes in this series are: 1. The Impact of Weather on the Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/psIRwab0jTo 2. Connecting The Price of Coffee to the Weather - https://youtu.be/uHUduEMnnXI 3. Coffee Industry Adapting to Changing Weather - https://youtu.be/1Tiktg6lenM 4. Open Sourced Weather Data for Coffee - https://youtu.be/zAaLHDjNScs 5. Challenges Ahead for Coffee and Weather - https://youtu.be/mFsN_Vleq3I In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Greg discuss the increasing global temperatures and how weather events like the Brazilian Frost of 2021 have drastically impacted coffee prices and supply chains. Learn how weather data helps forecasts and mitigates risks in coffee production. Stay tuned for deeper insights into why paying attention to weather is crucial for the coffee industry. Connect with Greg Oddo and Sucafina here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-oddo-3b252a34/ https://sucafina.com/ https://www.instagram.com/sucafina_northamerica/ Find weather data about Brazil here: https://bdmep.inmet.gov.br/ •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list 💡Support this podcast on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward 📽 Watch the podcast on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ouyFYW 🎙 Check out the audio version of our podcast here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify 🧐 Find out more about Map It Forward Workshops here: https://mapitforward.coffee/workshops Looking for a business advisor for your established coffee business or startup? Email us here 📧 email: support@mapitforward.org

    21 min

  6. 12/12/2025

    EP 925 - The Opportunities Ahead In Specialty Coffee - Osamah Alawwam - The Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Lee Safar

    This episode is brought to you by Belco's upcoming 2-day Roaster's Camp in Ethiopia and Colombia in 2026. Don't miss this great opportunity to go to origin. Connect with Alex Fremond from Belco on WhatsApp here: https://wa.me/33645956797 or email a.fremond@belco.fr •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• This is the 5th of a five-part podcast series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Osamah Alawwam, co-founder of The Roasting House based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This series first aired on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast. In this series, Osamah and Lee explore the challenges of running a business in the Middle East. The 5 episodes in this series are: 1. A Coffee Entrepreneur in Saudi Arabia - https://youtu.be/G79Fxr6_e_Y 2. Building The Roasting House - https://youtu.be/hguVnGWvqqs 3. The Role Of Specialty Coffee In Brazil - https://youtu.be/YvOu0uolUq0 4. Converting Brazilians to Specialty Coffee Drinkers - https://youtu.be/aEH2HGWlx-c 5. The Sins of the Past for Brazilian Coffee - https://youtu.be/iqIUZjNWv98 In this final episode of the podcast series, Lee and Osamah discuss the critical challenges and opportunities faced by the coffee industry, particularly in the Middle East. They address the alarming forecast that coffee may disappear by 2050 due to climate change and geopolitical issues. They speak about the significant decrease in coffee production, the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices, and the role of innovative methods like co-fermentation in improving coffee quality. The conversation also covers initiatives in Saudi Arabia to grow resilient coffee varieties and the potential for regenerative agriculture. Osamah shares his hopes for the future and emphasizes the importance of solving the root causes threatening coffee production. Connect with Osamah Alawwam and The Roasting House here: https://www.instagram.com/roastinghousesa/ https://www.instagram.com/oalawwam/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/oalawwam/ •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list 💡Support this podcast on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward 📽 Watch the podcast on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ouyFYW 🎙 Check out the audio version of our podcast here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify 🧐 Find out more about Map It Forward Workshops here: https://mapitforward.coffee/workshops Looking for a business advisor for your established coffee business or startup? Email us here 📧 email: support@mapitforward.org

    27 min

  7. 11/12/2025

    EP 924 - Middle Eastern Culture and Business in Coffee - Osamah Alawwam - The Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Lee Safar

    This episode is brought to you by The Honduran Coffee Alliance - connecting Honduran coffee producers with global buyers in a fair, sustainable, commercially viable way Connect with Sean Warner from the Honduran Coffee Alliance on WhatsApp here: https://wa.me/50487350786 or email sean@hondurancoffeealliance.com •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• This is the 4th of a five-part podcast series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Osamah Alawwam, co-founder of The Roasting House based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This series first aired on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast. In this series, Osamah and Lee explore the challenges of running a business in the Middle East. The 5 episodes in this series are: 1. A Coffee Entrepreneur in Saudi Arabia - https://youtu.be/G79Fxr6_e_Y 2. Building The Roasting House - https://youtu.be/hguVnGWvqqs 3. The Role Of Specialty Coffee In Brazil - https://youtu.be/YvOu0uolUq0 4. Converting Brazilians to Specialty Coffee Drinkers - https://youtu.be/aEH2HGWlx-c 5. The Sins of the Past for Brazilian Coffee - https://youtu.be/iqIUZjNWv98 In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Osamah discuss the cultural barriers and challenges faced by business owners in the Middle Eastern specialty coffee industry. They cover difficulties such as initiating customer interactions across genders, the impact of cultural awareness, and the importance of owner involvement in the success of businesses. The episode also touches upon the role of social media in the coffee industry and delves into generational business dynamics and the complexities of entrepreneurship. Connect with Osamah Alawwam and The Roasting House here: https://www.instagram.com/roastinghousesa/ https://www.instagram.com/oalawwam/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/oalawwam/ •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list 💡Support this podcast on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward 📽 Watch the podcast on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ouyFYW 🎙 Check out the audio version of our podcast here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify 🧐 Find out more about Map It Forward Workshops here: https://mapitforward.coffee/workshops Looking for a business advisor for your established coffee business or startup? Email us here 📧 email: support@mapitforward.org

    25 min

  8. 10/12/2025

    EP 923 - The Challenges of Doing Business In The Middle East - Osamah Alawwam - The Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Lee Safar

    This episode is brought to you by Belco's upcoming 2-day Roaster's Camp in Ethiopia and Colombia in 2026. Don't miss this great opportunity to go to origin. Connect with Alex Fremond from Belco on WhatsApp here: https://wa.me/33645956797 or email a.fremond@belco.fr •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• This is the 3rd of a five-part podcast series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Osamah Alawwam, co-founder of The Roasting House based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This series first aired on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast. In this series, Osamah and Lee explore the challenges of running a business in the Middle East. The 5 episodes in this series are: 1. A Coffee Entrepreneur in Saudi Arabia - https://youtu.be/G79Fxr6_e_Y 2. Building The Roasting House - https://youtu.be/hguVnGWvqqs 3. The Role Of Specialty Coffee In Brazil - https://youtu.be/YvOu0uolUq0 4. Converting Brazilians to Specialty Coffee Drinkers - https://youtu.be/aEH2HGWlx-c 5. The Sins of the Past for Brazilian Coffee - https://youtu.be/iqIUZjNWv98 In this episode of the podcast series, Lee Safar and Osamah discuss the multifaceted challenges and opportunities within the Middle Eastern business ecosystems. They explore issues like saudiization, the global financial crisis, and the impact of COVID-19 on the coffee industry. Osamah shares insights on how the coffee business can navigate difficulties, adapt to logistical issues, and embrace local talent. Additionally, they highlight the cultural challenges of employing locals in roles such as baristas and the immense professional growth available within the coffee industry. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics shaping the Middle Eastern coffee scene and valuable lessons on resilience and innovation. Connect with Osamah Alawwam and The Roasting House here: https://www.instagram.com/roastinghousesa/ https://www.instagram.com/oalawwam/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/oalawwam/ •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list 💡Support this podcast on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward 📽 Watch the podcast on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ouyFYW 🎙 Check out the audio version of our podcast here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify 🧐 Find out more about Map It Forward Workshops here: https://mapitforward.coffee/workshops Looking for a business advisor for your established coffee business or startup? Email us here 📧 email: support@mapitforward.org

    23 min
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About

The Map It Forward Middle East Podcast explores the business of coffee across the Middle East, featuring conversations with entrepreneurs, producers, and professionals building the future of the region’s coffee industry. Hosted by Dubai-based Map It Forward founder Lee Safar, each five-episode series highlights one guest's journey, offering practical insights, regional context, and candid discussions that reflect the evolving global coffee landscape. Episodes are released daily at 6 am local UAE time. The video version of the podcast can be found on our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/mapitforward Our website https://www.mapitforward.coffee/middleeastpodcast

Information

  • Creator
    MAP IT FORWARD
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    301
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 MAP IT FORWARD | All Rights Reserved 512477
  • Show Website
    MAP IT FORWARD Middle East