This is the first episode of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward Podcast, hosted by Map It Forward founder, Lee Safar.

The guest on this podcast series is Antonie Fountain, managing director and co-founder of VOICE Network (cocoa) and VOCAL Alliance (coffee).

In this series, Lee and Antonie explore the state of the cocoa industry with particular attention on the impact recent price spikes are having on producers and the sustainability of the market at large.

In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Antonie discuss how cacao is a primarily export-focused product, cultivated mostly in just eight countries.

Antonie provides insights into the specialized market of cacao, including its unique heirloom qualities and the limited appreciation for good quality chocolate.

He explains his role in sustainable cocoa and the extensive relationships he maintains with various stakeholders across the globe.

They also explore the narrow power dynamics in cacao trading, contrasting it with coffee and discussing its concentrated market structure.

The episode wraps up with a teaser for upcoming discussions about recent trends and price shifts in the cacao market.

00:00 Introduction to Cacao: A Unique Export Product

00:41 Sponsorship Message: Become a Coffee Consultant

01:19 Welcome and Guest Introduction

01:38 Understanding the Cacao Industry

02:28 Antonie Fountain's Role and Experience

04:54 The Voice Network's Mission and Approach

06:21 Comparing Cacao and Coffee Markets

10:01 Global Consumption and Market Dynamics

10:44 Cacao Trading and Market Concentration

13:58 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

Connect with Antonie Fountain and Voice Network here:

https://www.voicenetwork.cc

https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonie/

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The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward Podcast Host: Lee Safar

https://www.mapitforward.coffee

https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee

https://www.instagram.com/leesafar

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🤑 This episode is brought to you by Map It Forward's revised on-demand online workshop "It's Time to Become a Coffee Consultant" available now on our website with additional new bonus material including the coffee consultant career map. Get more details on how you can create an alternative revenue stream today at https://mapitforward.coffee/workshops

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💡Support this podcast, watch this episode without sponsor messages by becoming a paid member of this YouTube channel or joining our community on our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward

For more information about MAP IT FORWARD go to https://www.mapitforward.coffee or https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/