As we take a short break over the New Year period we’re bringing you a couple of our favourite conversations from the past year. We start with Christophe Servell, Founder of Terres de Café - a trailblazing Paris-based specialty roaster and café group.
In this conversation, Christophe discusses the evolution of the specialty coffee landscape in Paris as well as the challenges and future opportunities for coffee across France.
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As a special Christmas bonus episode we're bringing you a playlist of some of our favourite The Coffee Music Project tracks featured on the podcast this year - including a few special Festive numbers from our talented artists.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all those celebrating. We wish everyone a warm and peaceful end to the year, and a happy start to 2026.
Tracklist:
Thank you to SEB Collective for all your support, creativity and championing of emerging and talented musicians.
Discover more of the artists featured on the podcast by tuning into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify
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In this episode, we continue the conversation around technology, automation and the future of coffee with an expert panel discussion recorded at the COHO Business Insight Summit.
In this session we're joined by Scott Martin, CEO, Unity Coffee, Miranda Caldwell, Marketing Director, Eversys, and Boris Zwick, CEO, Übermilk, to explore the latest advancements in technology and how automation helps baristas deliver quality and consistency at scale.
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We continue our European Coffee Symposium + COHO series with a keynote from Scott Martin, founder of Unity Coffee and the mastermind behind Coffee Nation and Costa Express.
In this fascinating session, Scott explores the impact of technology and automation on our industry, arguing that robust infrastructure will outlast flashy innovation. He also shares why the future of coffee will not be defined by “human vs. machine” but a seamless combination of both.
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Continuing our series of unfiltered discussions from The European Coffee Symposium, we are at the COHO Head of Coffee Summit, led by James Hennebry, Co-founder of Rosslyn Coffee.
James is joined by an exceptional panel of leaders: Agnes Potter, Managing Director, Allpress UK, Josh Brown, Commercial Director. WatchHouse, Julian Weresch, Head of Coffee UK&I, Sodexo and Travis Wilson, Head of Coffee, La Maison.
This candid and inspiring session brought together some of the most experienced minds in specialty coffee to explore what truly moves the dial when scaling a high-quality coffee programme across multiple sites.
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Next in our series of unfiltered talks from the European Coffee Symposium + COHO stages, we turn our attention to the future of the UK coffee shop market with a panel of seasoned leaders in specialty coffee.
We’re joined by Marta Pogroszewska, Non-Executive Director, Bread Holdings, Paul Kelly, Global Marketing Director, La Marzocco, and Caroline Ottoy, Managing Director, WatchHouse.
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Next up in our European Coffee Symposium Live series, is a talk from Egor Kolpakov, Founder & CEO of The Miners – an unconventional specialty coffee chain from Prague that’s expanding at remarkable pace across Europe.
In this session, Egor shares his vision to inject the energy of New York’s coffee scene into Eastern Europe, and discusses how The Miners’ fast-paced, movement-driven service model is designed for efficiency, connection and contemporary active lifestyle.
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Last month saw the return of the European Coffee Symposium (ECS) + COHO in Berlin. Across three days, we welcomed 50 influential speakers from around the world to share their insights, inspiration, and bold ideas shaping the future of coffee and hospitality.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll bring you a collection of these unfiltered conversations, panel discussions and keynote sessions – direct from the ECS + COHO stages. We start with a talk by Matt Chitharanjan, Co-founder & CEO of Blue Tokai – a coffee shop chain and specialty coffee roastery in India.
In this session, Matt offers sharp insights into India’s rapidly-growing coffee market, highlighting the huge opportunities in an under-served coffee landscape, and the difficulties of balancing growth with profitability.
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In today’s episode, we're joined by Sarina Prabasi, Co-founder of Buunni Coffee – a business of two community-driven cafés and a wholesale roastery based in New York City.
Sarina has had a remarkable journey from her native Nepal via Ethiopia to New York City. She’s also had impressive career in social justice and sustainability, especially in her role as CEO of WaterAid USA.
She founded Buunni Coffee in 2011 with her partner, Elias Gurmu, Their vision was to share exceptional Ethiopian coffee and hospitality with New Yorkers, while creating spaces that nurture connection, community and joy.
In this conversation, Sarina reflects on the realities of starting a business, the immigrant experience, and what it means to build a meaningful community in a new city. We also unpack her memoir, The Coffeehouse Resistance: Brewing Hope in Desperate Times, highlighting how cafés can become places for connection with a deep sense of belonging.
Credits music: "The Weight" by Eirra in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the show
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In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the dos and don’ts of signing a retail property lease – from due diligence and heads of terms to rent reviews and exit strategies.
We'll speak with a leading broker and two real estate lawyers in London and New York to uncover how operators can navigate the small print, negotiate a fair deal, and protect themselves from personal exposure.
Our guests are Russel Helbling, Managing Director, Katz & Associates, Jason Dunietz, Real Estate Group Chair, Helbraun & Levey, Ian Leigh, Partner, CBG.
Credits music: "Talk About A Movie" by Z.M.A in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the show
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In today’s episode we're delighted to be speaking with Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the Specialty Coffee Association.
First established in the 1980s, the SCA is the largest coffee trade body globally and represents thousands of coffee professionals – from producers to baristas – all over the world.
In this conversation, Yannis discusses the evolution of the SCA and its ongoing efforts to make coffee more sustainable, equitable, and resilient, through research, standards, and education. He also shares his perspectives on the key challenges and opportunities in the industry, from climate change and sustainability to navigating economic uncertainty and the evolving role of technology and AI.
Credits music: "I Wish You Love" by Mimi Rose in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the show
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Today’s episode is the second instalment in our two-part feature exploring the opportunity for Australian-grown coffee.
In part one, we looked back at the history, commercial viability, and sustainability potential of Australian coffee farming. In this episode, we’re turning our attention to what lies ahead and the developments that are shaping the next chapter for Australian coffee.
We’ll hear from scientist Tobias Kretzschmar about new coffee varietals being developed with Southern Cross University, and David Kennedy, Founder of Bun Coffee about how Australia’s specialty scene is embracing home-grown coffee.
Credits music: "Nothing is Forever" by Australian artist Georgia Mooney in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the show
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Today’s episode is the first in a two-part feature exploring the opportunity and future potential for Australian-grown coffee.
While coffee is typically cultivated in tropical, high-altitude regions, producers in Australia have been able to nurture coffee trees in the country’s subtropical lowlands – where the mild climate and absence of many common coffee diseases offer unique opportunities
In part one, we speak with Rebecca Zentveld, Founder of Zentveld’s Coffee Farm & Roastery in New South Wales. Rebecca also serves as President of the Australian Grown Coffee Association, and in this conversation she explores the history, commercial opportunities, and sustainability potential of Australian coffee farming.
In part two, we’ll hear from Tobias Kretzschmar, a scientist at Southern Cross University, who’s developing new varietals suited to the Australian climate, and David Kennedy from Bun Coffee, to learn how the specialty scene might soon be embracing more home-grown coffee.
Credits music: "War Romance" by Australian artist Georgia Mooney in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the show
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Grinding is one of the most important – yet often overlooked – elements of the coffee-making process. It’s a precise science that directly influences flavour and consistency, and often is the difference between an unforgettable coffee and a mediocre cup.
As consumer tastes and expectations evolve, grinding equipment too is advancing. So what does the future look like for grinding technology – both behind the bar and in the home?
To explore this we’re speaking with Arnaldo Rodrigues, Head of Innovation and Technology, Hemro Group, Marco Tesconi, Group Category Manager, Cimbali Group and Douglas Weber, Founder, Weber Workshop.
Credits music: "I’m Fine" by Bobbi Stella in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the show
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In today’s episode, we catch up with Marco Feliziani, CEO of iconic Italian coffee equipment manufacturer, Simonelli Group.
Founded in 1936 by Orlando Simonelli, the company grew under the leadership of Marco’s father, who helped drive its early international expansion. Today, Simonelli Group operates in over 135 countries and encompasses three key brands – Nuova Simonelli, Victoria Arduino, and 3Temp.
In this deeply personal conversation, Marco reflects on the values and lessons passed down from his father, and how that legacy continues to shape the business today. He also shares how coffee technology is becoming more intuitive, amplifying barista craft and creativity, and why, in his words, “the future of coffee is being written now."
Credits music: "Not Mine" by Alessia Piermarini in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the show
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In today’s episode, we’re exploring the implications of self-ordering within coffee and hospitality. From QR codes and mobile apps to kiosks and premium vending, the ordering experience is becoming increasingly digital and putting more control into the hands of consumers than ever before.
But what are the business benefits of digital and self-ordering systems? Do customers really spend more when they place the order themselves? And crucially, what does this digital shift mean for the human element of hospitality?
We’ll speak with Mariam French, Marketing Director, Leon, Liam Crooks, Managing Director EMEA, Lightspeed, and Vince Kelders, Group Category Leader Hot Drinks, Selecta.
Credits music: "Bare Minimum" by Daisy Peacock in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the show
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In today's episode we're speaking with influential coffee entrepreneur Andrew Tolley, Managing Director of Tolley Coffee & Tea.
Together with his siblings, Laura and Nick, the Tolleys profoundly shaped London’s early specialty coffee scene with Taylor Street Baristas – a pioneering chain whose legacy and culture can still be felt today. They also established Harris + Hoole, a joint venture with Tesco, now run by The Nero Group.
Today, Andrew is as ever focused on education and serves as Knowledge Curator at the Coffee Knowledge Hub and Vice President of the Specialty Coffee Association.
In this candid conversation, Andrew reflects on his career, the realities and lessons from scaling two specialty coffee businesses, and the enduring legacy of Taylor St. He also shares his vision of the opportunities in coffee as a force for good through innovation, education, and positive social impact.
Credits music: The Weight by EIRRA in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the show
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In this episode, we look at how the UK’s at-home coffee market has transformed over the past few years and how increasingly educated consumers and rising expectations are shaping the future of this dynamic segment.
We'll speak with Howard Gill, Head of Coffee, Grind and Helen Cutmore, Marketing Director UK&I, Delonghi.
Credits music: "Mad" by May Roze in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the show
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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 show
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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 show
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