The iced beverage revolution
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 flavour innovations are on the horizon, and could “cold” one day overtake “hot” on the global coffee stage?To find out we're speaking with Jake Leonti, Head of Coffee, Gregorys Coffee, Will Kenney, Commercial Director, 200 Degrees Coffee Roasters, and Peter Broom, Commercial Director for syrup manufacturer Novela.Credits music: "Summer" by Maddie King in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the showSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear
29 Aug 37min
A conversation with Romanian coffee visionary, Teodora Pitis, Sloane Coffee
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 conversation, Teodora shares her ambition to elevate Romania’s specialty coffee scene within the global coffee community and she reflects on the unique dynamics of this young market that has developed at a remarkable speed.Credits music: "Trip The Light" by Bluebelle in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the showSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear
27 Aug 32min
Leading sustainability at origin – a conversation with Benjamin Paz
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 local ecosystems.We also discuss critical labour shortages, the systemic challenges of doing business Honduras, and strategies to ensure a thriving coffee industry for generations to come.Credits music: "Carolina Gold" by DANI in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the showSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear
16 Aug 48min
The guiding principles of Tres Marias
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 designed specifically for baristas.In this conversation, Maria shares the remarkable transformation of Dubai’s coffee scene over the last decade and how UAE consumers have embraced specialty coffee culture.She also reflects on the personal journey of becoming an entrepreneur and how learning self-awareness and resilience, combined with relentless innovation, has shaped the way she built her business.Credits music: "Plane Jane" by Lexie in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the showSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear
11 Aug 39min
A thought-provoking conversation with Jason Scherr, Think Coffee
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 social impact. Nearly two decades on, Think Coffee operates 11 locations across New York and has been roasting in-house since 2017.In this conversation, Jason reflects on the evolution of New York’s specialty coffee scene post-pandemic, and shares his hope for a return to more in-store, face-to-face coffee connections. He also speaks candidly about the challenges of doing business ethically - and why Think Coffee remains committed to transparency and high standards, even when it’s not the easiest path to takeCredits music: Glimpses by Fox Jackson in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the showSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear
2 Aug 37min
A blueprint for building a coffee business in the Benelux – live at The Amsterdam Coffee Festival
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 Véronique Heylen, Senior Sales Trader at Sucafina.Credits music: ""Finance 300" by Kri in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the showSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear
25 Juli 59min
Why coffee competitions matter – recorded live at The Amsterdam Coffee Festival
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: Julia Kuin, Barista Market Development Lead for Benelux at Oatly, Rose van Asten, Coffee Consultant & Specialty Coffee Association Barista Trainer, Lex Wenneker, Owner of Friedhats Coffee, and Zjevaun Janga, Owner of Ripsnorter Coffee Roasters.Credits music: "If You're Wondering" by Zana Messia in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the showSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear
18 Juli 45min
A Nordic approach to coffee – in conversation with Andreas Hertzberg
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 sources around two and a half million kilos of green coffee each year, working with thousands of farmers across 12 producing countries.In this conversation, Andreas reflects on the early days of the business, how the team introduced a disruptive and transparent sourcing model to the market, and why they’ve always chosen to work with farmers who share a commitment to excellence. He also unpacks the complexities of green coffee trading today and why market volatility is often more difficult to navigate than high prices alone.Credits music: "Midnight Dynamite" by Alessia in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the showSign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.comSubscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear
12 Juli 21min
