Best Fifthwave Podcasts (2025)

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The iced beverage revolution 37:32

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4d ago37:32

37:32

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 w…

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A conversation with Romanian coffee visionary, Teodora Pitis, Sloane Coffee 32:46

7d ago32:46

32:46

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 exper…

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Leading sustainability at origin – a conversation with Benjamin Paz 48:19

18d ago48:19

48:19

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 me…

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The guiding principles of Tres Marias 39:25

23d ago39:25

39:25

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, expan…

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A thought-provoking conversation with Jason Scherr, Think Coffee 37:31

1M ago37:31

37:31

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 c…

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A blueprint for building a coffee business in the Benelux – live at The Amsterdam Coffee Festival 59:05

1M ago59:05

59:05

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 Goos…

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Why coffee competitions matter – recorded live at The Amsterdam Coffee Festival 45:07

2M ago45:07

45:07

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 baris…

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A Nordic approach to coffee – in conversation with Andreas Hertzberg 21:19

2M ago21:19

21:19

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 w…

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The rise of smart coffee vending – recorded live at The Amsterdam Coffee Festival 32:24

2M ago32:24

32:24

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 explore the rise of smart coffee vending and how innovation and technology is shaping coffee solutions for the workplace and beyond. We’ll hear from Willem Huisman, Sales Director at…

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Two decades of Mecca Coffee – a conversation with Paul Geshos 23:25

2M ago23:25

23:25

In today’s episode, we’re speaking with Paul Geshos, founder of Sydney’s iconic Mecca Coffee. A former musician turned café owner, Paul Geshos opened Mecca in 2005 after being inspired by the emerging specialty coffee scene in Portland, Oregon. Since then, Mecca has grown to become one of Australia’s most respected specialty coffee roasters, with t…

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The future of coffee marketing – recorded live at The Amsterdam Coffee Festival 37:05

2M ago37:05

37:05

Next up in our series live podcasts recorded at the Amsterdam Coffee Festival, we’re diving into the creative world of coffee marketing. In this session, we speak with leading coffee brands from across the Benelux to unpack the innovative marketing strategies helping businesses connect with the next generation of consumers. Joining us are an expert…

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From niche to necessity: 10 years of specialty coffee in the Benelux – recorded live at The Amsterdam Coffee Festival 30:51

3M ago30:51

30:51

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 reflect on a decade of growth across the Benelux specialty coffee scene and look ahead to what the future holds for this highly passionate community. We’re joined by a panel of innova…

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Espresso evolved: A decade of innovation in espresso machines [Recorded Live @ Amsterdam Coffee Festival] 36:12

3M ago36:12

36:12

In today’s episode we’re returning to our series of interviews and discussions recorded live at the Amsterdam Coffee Festival earlier this year. In this session, we take a look back at the past decade of phenomenal espresso machine innovation to find out how technology and culture has redefined the café experience. We’re joined by an expert panel: …

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How to run a sustainable restaurant 37:03

3M ago37:03

37:03

In today’s episode, we’re joined by pioneers in sustainable hospitality to explore how restaurants can take meaningful steps towards more environmentally responsible operations. We speak with Juliane Caillouette-Noble, Managing Director of the Sustainable Restaurant Association, who outlines a practical framework for introducing sustainability into…

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The philosophy behind Platō Coffee 32:01

3M ago32:01

32:01

In today’s episode, we’re speaking with Stephan Bredell, Co-Founder of Platō Coffee – a fast-growing specialty coffee chain based in South Africa. Launched in December 2019 with his brother Petrus, Platō Coffee began as a single café with a mission to serve high-quality coffee in welcoming, beautifully designed spaces. With a focus on opening sites…

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A vision of transparency – in conversation with Dion Cohen, Single O 18:38

4M ago18:38

18:38

In today’s episode, we’re speaking with Dion Cohen, Co-founder of Single O – an iconic name in Australian specialty coffee. Originally known as Single Origin Coffee Roasters, Dion founded the business in 2003 alongside his wife and business partner, Emma Cohen. Their vision was to bring greater transparency to the coffee supply chain while building…

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Future-proofing your business – a conversation with James Sweeting, Lincoln & York 32:06

4M ago32:06

32:06

In today’s episode, we're speaking with James Sweeting, Co-founder of Lincoln & York – a highly respected private label coffee roaster based in the North of England. James founded Lincoln & York with business partner Simon Herring in 1994 and over the past 30 years, the company has grown into one of the UK’s largest independent coffee roasters. Wit…

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What’s brewing for The London Coffee Festival 2025? 41:40

4M ago41:40

41:40

This year’s London Coffee Festival is right around the corner and with it comes four days of caffeine-fuelled celebration in this city’s ever-evolving coffee scene. Founded in 2011, The London Coffee Festival is a major event in global industry’s calendar, drawing thousands of coffee professionals, enthusiasts, and innovators from around the world …

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Beverage trends you need to know [Recorded Live @ Amsterdam Coffee Festival] 43:10

4M ago43:10

43:10

In today’s episode we’re bringing you the first in a series of interviews and discussions recorded live at the Amsterdam Coffee Festival 2025. Celebrating its 10th year, the festival was buzzing with energy, ideas, and innovation, as industry leaders and entrepreneurs from all across Europe came together for an inspiring celebration of coffee. In t…

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Building access to careers in coffee – a conversation with Eve Wagg, Well Grounded 25:44

5M ago25:44

25:44

In today’s episode we’re speaking with Eve Wagg, Founder and CEO of Well Grounded – a UK-based social enterprise supporting unemployed individuals to gain access to meaningful careers in coffee. Since its inception in 2016, Well Grounded has trained over 1,000 people and delivered more than 15,000 hours of work placements in partnership with leadin…

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The people behind the rise of specialty coffee in France 37:22

5M ago37:22

37:22

With Le Paris Café Festival 2025 happening this week, today we’re concluding our series on the rise of specialty coffee in France. Over the past four episodes, we’ve heard some incredible stories from industry pioneers and trailblazers across the French specialty coffee scene. In today’s closing episode, we take a step back to reflect on how far th…

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The rise of specialty coffee in France: Part Four – a conversation with Tom Clark, Coutume 25:16

5M ago25:16

25:16

In today’s episode, we continue our series on the rise of specialty coffee in France and speak with Tom Clark, Co-founder and CEO of Coutume. Originally from Australia, Tom was among the early pioneers of Paris’ specialty coffee movement. While studying in the city, he spotted a clear gap in the market to bring high-quality coffee to French consume…

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Growing a mission-driven business – a conversation with Yorick Bruins, Wakuli 29:00

5M ago29:00

29:00

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the Amsterdam Coffee Festival – a celebration of the edgy Dutch coffee scene and its passionate coffee community. This year, we’re thrilled to bring 5THWAVE Live to the Festival, where we’ll be showcasing two days of dynamic discussions with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and coffee innovators. And to whet your…

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Value-driven leadership – a conversation with Fleur Studd, Market Lane 30:21

5M ago30:21

30:21

In today’s episode, we’re speaking with Fleur Studd, co-founder of Australia's Market Lane and Melbourne Coffee Merchants. Established in Melbourne in 2009, Market Lane is a highly-respected specialty roaster and retailer with ten outlets across the city. Since its inception, the company has placed a strong emphasis on responsible business practice…

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The rise of specialty coffee in France: Part Three – a conversation with Mihaela Iordache, Belleville Brûlerie 23:30

6M ago23:30

23:30

In today’s episode, we continue our series on the rise of specialty coffee in France and speak with Mihaela Iordache, Head Roaster at Paris’ iconic Belleville Brûlerie. Founded in 2013, Belleville is a pioneering specialty roaster, known for its high-quality coffees and the staff’s signature Bleu de Travail outfit – the classic French blue workwear…

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How big is matcha? 33:09

6M ago33:09

33:09

Matcha has seen significant growth in coffee shops in recent years. With its striking green colour, promoted health benefits, and aspirational lifestyle appeal, this Japanese-origin tea has firmly captured the attention of Western consumers. In this episode we're asking what’s driving this surge in popularity, what’s next for the category, and will…

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The rise of specialty coffee in France: Part Two – a conversation with Hippolyte Courty, L' Arbre à Café 27:47

6M ago27:47

27:47

In today’s episode we continue our series on the rise of specialty coffee in France and speak with Hippolyte Courty, Founder of L' Arbre à Café. Established in 2009, L’Arbre à Café is a Paris-based specialty coffee roaster and operator, and a pioneering force in the French specialty coffee scene. With a background in wine and fine gastronomy, Hippo…

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The rise of specialty coffee in France: Part one – a conversation with Christophe Servell, Terres de Café 28:47

6M ago28:47

28:47

In today’s episode, we’re launching a new deep-dive series in collaboration with 5THWAVE magazine exploring the rise of specialty coffee in France. Once known for its traditional dark espressos and modest coffee standards, France is undergoing a transformation. All across the country, interest in specialty coffee is exploding, with a growing number…

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Respecting the craft maker – a conversation with Tom Molnar, GAIL’s 34:25

6M ago34:25

34:25

In today’s episode, we speak with Tom Molnar, Co-founder and CEO of GAIL’s Artisan Bakery – a highly influential UK-based bakery and coffee chain. Tom partnered with the eponymous Gail in London in the early 2000s, transforming her wholesale bakery business for chefs into a thriving neighbourhood chain. Today, GAIL’s is a much-loved UK bakery-cafe …

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Coffee on the move 36:15

7M ago36:15

36:15

As consumer interest in specialty coffee continues to rise, so too does demand beyond the café. Today’s customers expect high-quality coffee to be available wherever they are – whether commuting, travelling or shopping. In this episode, we explore the businesses redefining coffee service outside the traditional bricks-and-mortar model. From mobile …

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Behind the scenes of success – a conversation with Nicolas O’Connell 43:15

7M ago43:15

43:15

In this episode, we're joined by Nicolas O’Connell – an influential coffee and business expert and a former Partner at La Colombe Coffee Roasters. Nicolas joined La Colombe in the mid-1990s as a barista and quickly rose through the ranks, playing a key role in launching the brand’s pioneering wholesale programme. Though he’s often worked behind the…

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Coffee and Architecture – A conversation with Mark Sciberras, The Common E2 20:32

7M ago20:32

20:32

In today’s episode we speak with Mark Sciberras, Director of The Common E2 and Common Ground Workshop – an East London café and architecture studio specialising in hospitality and residential design. Originally from Melbourne, Mark trained as an architect before moving to London in the mid-2000s. Inspired by the city’s emerging specialty coffee sce…

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Transforming Coffee Waste into High-Value Products – Recorded Live at The European Coffee Symposium 24:15

7M ago24:15

24:15

In our final live session from the event, we’re joined by Konstantinos Konstantinopoulos, CEO of Coffee Island, and Alex Pantziaros, founder of Coffeeco Upcycle, to explore their mission of transforming coffee waste into high-value products. Coffee Island is Greece’s largest coffee chain, with over 450 outlets in Greece and an additional 50 across …

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The quest for exceptional – A conversation with Paul Ross, Special Guests 36:25

7M ago36:25

36:25

In today’s episode we’re speaking with a very special guest – Paul Ross, founder of Special Guests Coffee, a boundary-pushing specialty coffee business based in the heart of London. A two-time UK Barista Champion, Paul founded Special Guests in 2022 with a mission to curate rare specialty coffees from around the world and showcase these hidden gems…

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E-commerce: Coffee at your doorstep 37:44

8M ago37:44

37:44

In today's episode we’re finding out how specialty roasters and distributors are navigating the ever-changing landscape of e-commerce coffee. In an era where the competition is now global, how do brands stand out from the crowd? How can businesses engage with consumers and build loyal audiences online? And what lies ahead for the burgeoning new cof…

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Major Impact – A conversation with Minor Figures' Stuart Forsyth 31:22

8M ago31:22

31:22

In today’s episode, we’re speaking with Stuart Forsyth, CEO & Co-founder of distinctive and influential oat milk brand, Minor Figures. Stuart set up Minor Figures in London back in 2015 with a vision to create an accessible alternative milk brand that complements the taste of coffee and champions our industry. Today, Minor Figures is a leading play…

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Encore: The social entrepreneur – A conversation with Cemal Ezel, Change Please 39:32

8M ago39:32

39:32

For the second revisit episode of our Holiday break, we’re returning to one of the most inspiring conversations of last year, with Cemal Ezel, Founder of the social enterprise Change Please and Old Spike Roastery. Cemal’s insight into balancing social impact with commercial success is thought-provoking and powerful. In this extended interview, he s…

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Encore: A taste of home - A conversation with the Founders of Maman 32:41

8M ago32:41

32:41

As we take a short break over Christmas and New Year, we’re re-sharing some of our favourite conversations from the past 12 months. First up, we’re revisiting an inspiring conversation with Elisa Marshall and Benjamin Sormonte, Founders of Maman – the French-inspired boutique café and bakery chain that began in New York and has since expanded acros…

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An alternative Christmas playlist from The Coffee Music Project – Part Two 44:13

8M ago44:13

44:13

In today's episode we're continuing our tradition of sharing an alternative Christmas playlist to soundtrack your celebrations over the Christmas period! We love to close each episode with music from up-and-coming artists, in association with The Coffee Music Project. So, today, we’re bringing you a special bonus episode filled with some of the bes…

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The case for co-roasting 37:13

9M ago37:13

37:13

In today's episode, we're exploring the growing global trend of co-roasting – a collaborative and community-driven approach that has been gaining traction in recent years. How does co-roasting work? What are the benefits for roasters? And how does this model support the wider coffee community? To find out, we’ll hear from the founders of three exci…

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Grind’s David Abrahamovitch Live at The European Coffee Symposium 27:22

9M ago27:22

27:22

Today, we’re excited to bring you the next instalment of our 5THWAVE Live sessions, recorded at the European Coffee Symposium in Berlin 2024. We welcome back to the show David Abrahamovitch, CEO and founder of Grind – a boutique hospitality group with 14 locations, a roastery and thriving direct-to-consumer coffee business. In this candid conversat…

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The future of water and coffee 25:54

9M ago25:54

25:54

Today, we're continuing our deep dive into how water quality can transform the taste and character of coffee. In part one, we explored the fascinating science behind water and coffee brewing. In part two, we’ll find out how water science is being applied in practice to elevate customer experience. We'll speak with Maximillian Lundin, Product Market…

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The science of water and coffee 32:15

9M ago32:15

32:15

Over the next two episodes, we’re deep-diving into the fascinating science of how water quality can profoundly transform the flavour and character of your coffee. In part one, we’re donning our lab coats to explore water chemistry and its impact on coffee. We'll speak with Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood, coffee entrepreneur and author, and Christopher H.…

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Preparing for the European Deforestation Regulation [Live Recording] 28:41

9M ago28:41

28:41

Today we're returning to our interviews recorded live at The European Coffee Symposium in Berlin last month. In this episode, we’re exploring the impact of the incoming European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) directive. We’re joined by Kajsa-Lisa Ljudén and Jonny England, Head of Sustainability and Head of Coffee respectively at Löfbergs, and Pim …

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La Marzocco’s Chris Salierno Live at The European Coffee Symposium 25:57

9M ago25:57

25:57

Today we’re sharing the second interview from our 5THWAVE Live sessions recorded at the European Coffee Symposium in Berlin. In this episode, we’re joined by Chris Salierno, Chief Marketing Officer at La Marzocco. La Marzocco is a powerhouse in the espresso machine industry, celebrated for its exceptional quality, innovative technology and dedicati…

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dean&david’s David Baumgartner Live at The European Coffee Symposium 27:17

9M ago27:17

27:17

Earlier this month, the European Coffee Symposium returned for its 15th edition, hosted in the vibrant city of Berlin. This prestigious event brought together leaders from across Europe’s coffee and hospitality industry for four days of networking, one-on-one meetings, and thought leadership – all culminating in the launch of the brand-new Coffee +…

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Spotlight on Berlin’s specialty coffee scene 33:39

10M ago33:39

33:39

Next week marks the 15th anniversary of the European Coffee Symposium (ECS), set in the effortlessly cool city of Berlin, Germany. Alongside ECS, we're thrilled to be launching the Coffee & Hospitality Expo – two landmark events coming together in one of Europe’s most dynamic coffee capitals. This gathering is an opportunity to dive into the latest…

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How to win new business 29:32

10M ago29:32

29:32

From coffee roasters and food & beverage providers to packaging and equipment manufacturers, the multi-billion dollar coffee industry is packed with supplier categories. In a crowded marketplace where suppliers are constantly vying for buyers’ attention, the stakes for winning new business are higher than ever. So, as a supplier, how do you stand o…

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The unstoppable entrepreneur – A conversation with Murray d’Almeida 33:56

10M ago33:56

33:56

In today’s episode, we speak with prolific coffee entrepreneur Murray d’Almeida, founder of Retail Food Group and the visionary behind a number of influential hospitality brands across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia. With a career spanning over 50 years, Murray has mentored many industry figures and remains a dynamic source of inspi…

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Staying true to your craft – A conversation with Esther Maasdam 36:06

11M ago36:06

36:06

In today’s episode, we’re speaking with Esther Maasdam, Co-founder of Manhattan Coffee Roasters, a renowned specialty coffee business based in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Esther founded Manhattan Coffee with business partner, Ben Morrow, in 2017, with the vision of bringing world-class specialty coffees to European markets. Esther also runs an even…