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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 journey, including training staff, budgeting, adapting to market trends, staying relevant, and protecting their business against climate change. Thank-you to Kim and Matt for your insight. And of course thank-you to World of Coffee Dubai for making this episode possible.  World of Coffee Dubai: https://www.instagram.com/worldofcoffeedubai/  RAW Coffee Company: https://www.instagram.com/rawcoffeecompany/  Kim Thompson: https://www.instagram.com/rawkimt/  Matt Toogood: https://www.instagram.com/rawmattt/  Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at [email protected] for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by  Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/   Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/   Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 a better business owner?   Thank you to the WOC for making this episode possible, and we’re so grateful to Benjamin for joining the show! If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee! World of Coffee Dubai: https://www.instagram.com/worldofcoffeedubai/  Benjamin Put: https://www.instagram.com/benjaminput/  Monogram Coffee: https://www.instagram.com/monogramco/  Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at [email protected] for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by  Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/   Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/   Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 fermentation … trending drying methods…? Tune in for all this and more! This is another episode recorded at World of Coffee Dubai 2026. Huge thanks to WOC and Frederick Bejo for making this episode possible! If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee! World of Coffee Dubai: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/worldofcoffeedubai/⁠  Frederick Bejo: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/frederick_bejo/⁠  Archers: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/archers.ae/⁠  Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: ⁠https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236⁠ Want to get in touch? Hit us up at ⁠[email protected]⁠ for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by  Eco Barista: ⁠https://www.ecobarista.com.au/⁠   Apax Lab: ⁠https://apaxlab.com/⁠  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 with Serkan in Dubai, and taste the coffee that’s shaken up the industry. Join us for our chat - and be prepared to step into another league when it comes to coffee.  This is just the beginning of a series of content recorded at World of Coffee Dubai 2026. Thank you to the WOC for making this episode possible, and thank you to Serkan for joining the show! If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee! World of Coffee Dubai: https://www.instagram.com/worldofcoffeedubai/  Serkan Sağsöz: https://www.instagram.com/serkan.sagsoz/  Julith Coffee: https://www.instagram.com/julith.coffee/  Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at [email protected] for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by  Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/   Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/   Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets. Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at [email protected] for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by  Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/   Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/   Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 up with some uniquely James Hoffmann recommendations, this guy lives and breathes coffee so you know they’re good. Tune in for a fantastic episode, big thank-you to James for joining our humble pod, much love! If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee! Check out James Hoffman here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimseven/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jameshoffmann Want more coffee content? IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at [email protected] for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/ Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are debriefing after our chat with Reza from Slick Coffee in Oman, exploring the longstanding history of coffee in the Middle East and the rise of specialty culture in Dubai, Saudi, and beyond. We discuss high-end home setups, wild flavour preferences, and Slick’s clever packaging that introduces specialty coffee to new drinkers…plus plenty of coffee gear drama, World of Coffee Dubai plans, and a live voicemail to Ben’s parents. Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets. Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at [email protected] for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by  Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/   Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/   Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reza Kosar is the co-founder of Slick Coffee in Muscat, Oman. He’s a certified Q grader and instructor, a Cup of Excellence judge, and a self-described ‘full sensory nerd’. In today’s episode, we discuss the unique challenges and opportunities that come with working in specialty coffee in the Middle East. Reza shares his approach to sourcing, roasting, and sharing - touching on the significance of packaging and branding.  Through Reza’s story you’ll gain an understanding of how specialty coffee grows, adapts, and sometimes goes wrong in new regions. Thank-you for sharing your journey Reza!  If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee! Check out Reza: https://www.instagram.com/rezakosar_  Slick Coffee: https://www.instagram.com/slickcoffeeco Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at [email protected] for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by  Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/   Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/   Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We break down the concept of the ‘three-year career crisis’ (discussing career paths for baristas beyond the machine), and explain why a clean workflow might just be your biggest competitive advantage as a cafe owner. We also dive into the low-risk ways to start a café (pop-ups, shared spaces, equity deals), and the real costs of running a business that nobody tells you about, eek!  Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets. Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at [email protected] for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by  Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/   Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/  Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How did one man go from never having worked in coffee to winning the World Latte Art Championship only two years later?! Caleb Cha has had an incredible journey from Seoul, South Korea to Melbourne. His dedication to latte art has earned him global recognition, pushing the limitations of latte art with colour and design. In 2023 he opened his own venue, Tone Coffee Roasters, and now has two locations across Melbourne.  If you’re serious about getting better at coffee, competitions, or running a cafe, and you want to know the real work that goes on behind the scenes, this podcast episode is very much for you. Thanks for joining us Caleb!  If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee! Check out Caleb: https://www.instagram.com/calebtiger  Tone Coffee Roasters: https://www.instagram.com/tonecoffee_melb  Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at [email protected] for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by  Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/   Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/   Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coffee pros Ben Bicknell and Rohan Cooke spill the tea on how to have the best start to the year in coffee…From cooking tips, dining experiences, and advice for cafe owners. Plus, a call-out to the roasters, now's the time to reflect on your supplier relationships and align your purchasing choices with your values. There’s a little something for everyone this Coffee Break! Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets. Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at [email protected] for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by  Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/   Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/   Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What will the coffee industry look like in 2026?  Join us as we speculate on the year ahead, and look back on the one just passed. We predict market trends, (some guesses are more educated than others..), coffee innovations, and supply chain changes. And how did those predictions we made at the start of 2025 turn out?  Was there a wave of cafe closures? Did matcha popularity increase? What’s the current home market looking like?! SO many questions - join us for some answers and a lot of speculation!   Here’s to a fabulous 2026 - Happy New Year!  If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee! Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at [email protected] for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by  Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/   Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/   Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re wrapping a big year of coffee. From Jack Simpson’s World Barista Championship win, to Nemo at the Aeropress Championships, big changes in green coffee pricing, signature drink trends, and so much more. Plus, we share some personal reflections, babies, Dad-life, and Ben’s experience joining the podcast. Also tune in for a very exciting announcement in which we need your help! Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets. Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at [email protected] for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by  Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/   Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/  Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether it’s tips for brewing on the road, at the beach, or with the in-laws, we’ve got you covered. Christmas recipes, a gifting guide, and advice for café owners on surviving the Christmas rush. Join us for a bit of holiday cheer, and who knows, maybe even a visit from the man of the hour. Hope you all have a safe and happy holiday season! Find our seasonal recipes here:  Holiday Crema de Café: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSeQjG3jtF_/  Christmas Coffee Cocktail: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSg1Vk-iUd3/  Christmas Cold Brew: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSjaPB-im_N/ If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee! Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: LINK TREE Want to get in touch? Hit us up at [email protected] for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by  Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/   Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/   Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We continue to break down the fundamentals of coffee cupping - we just went deep on our 101 ep this week, so what did we think? From how many cups, passes, and rounds are actually involved, to why identifying defects matters just as much as chasing flavour. Along the way, we connect cupping to everyday brewing, unpacking sensory memory, common faults like channeling and over-extraction, and how temperature and freshness can completely change what you taste. It’s a practical, no-gatekeeping look at tasting coffee better by understanding the basics and trusting your palate. Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews, hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets. Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at [email protected] for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by  Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/   Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/  Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices