Looking to start your business as a coffee consultant? Our workshop "It's Time To Become a Coffee Consultant" is for you - https://mapitforward.coffee/workshops

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

Our guest on the podcast today is Lennart Clerkx, the co-founder of This Side Up Coffee, an independent coffee trading house and importer based in the Netherlands.

In this series, Lee and Lennart will explore whether or not an independent, values-driven, coffee trader can maintain their values long-term.

The episodes of this 5-part series:

1. Independent Coffee Traders vs. The Big Guys - https://youtu.be/h-U9E8L5Q-w

2. How is Coffee Trading Funded - https://youtu.be/u8W46VUSAFo

3. Values Driven Coffee Trading Companies - https://youtu.be/MTWN_MOS4Hw

4. EUDR for Values Based Traders - https://youtu.be/L13jBcrA8_Y

5. The Volatility of 2025 For Coffee Traders - https://youtu.be/5gKlL9PrxKM

In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Lennart discuss the vision of remaining an independent, values-based coffee trader amidst a highly hierarchical and consolidated industry.

Lennart shares the unique approach of This Side Up Trading, their journey from reluctant importers to key facilitators of direct trade, and the difference between small traders and large trade houses.

The episode also delves into the challenges of capitalism, the importance of transparency and ethical practices in trade, and the future of the coffee industry. Additionally, they touch upon alternative ownership structures that ensure long-term resilience and sustainability.

Don't miss this insightful discussion on navigating and thriving in the coffee trade industry while upholding values and integrity.

00:00 Introduction and Vision for This Side Up

00:44 Sponsorship Message

01:23 Welcome and Series Overview

01:48 Guest Introduction and Background

02:22 Challenges and Trust in Coffee Trading

05:29 Independent vs. Big Coffee Traders

18:28 Ownership Structures and Resilience

22:06 Capitalism and Business Ethics

26:39 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

Connect with This Side Up Coffee here:

https://www.instagram.com/thissideupcoffees/

https://thissideup.coffee/

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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/