The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by MAP IT FORWARD

Welcome to the 5th episode of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro by the Map It Forward Podcast, hosted by Lee Safar.

Our guest in this series is Anne Djerai, the CEO of Metropolis Coffee Company, based in Chicago. Anne was invited to the podcast after a recent LinkedIn post describing the impact of market volatility on a company like Metropolis Coffee Company which has been around for 20+ years.

In this insightful episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Anne discuss the future landscape of the coffee industry with a focus on rising costs, specifically the increasing price of green coffee, projected to hit $5 per pound.

The conversation delves into the challenges this poses for coffee businesses, including potential closures, acquisitions, and the necessity for financial strategies to cope with increased overhead.

Predictions on market consolidation, the impact on small to medium-sized roasters, and the evolving role of private equity in the industry are examined.

The episode ends on a note of optimism and resilience, encouraging coffee professionals to adapt, learn, and prepare for a challenging but promising future.

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Welcome to the 4th episode of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro by the Map It Forward Podcast, hosted by Lee Safar.

Our guest in this series is Anne Djerai, the CEO of Metropolis Coffee Company, based in Chicago. Anne was invited to the podcast after a recent LinkedIn post describing the impact of market volatility on a company like Metropolis Coffee Company which has been around for 20+ years.

In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Anne explore complex themes around the coffee industry, such as the challenges and misconceptions associated with selling to big retailers like Costco.

Ann explains the rigorous operational and pricing standards required to penetrate Costco's market and defends the decision against accusations of 'selling out.' The discussion also tackles the inherent conflict between grocery retail and specialty coffee, largely fueled by the industry's self-imposed myths regarding coffee quality and freshness.

Additionally, Ann shares insightful strategies on how Metropolis has adapted through innovation, such as producing compostable Nespresso capsules, and emphasizes the importance of strong partnerships in the supply chain.

With references to past episodes and other influential figures in the industry, this engaging conversation is a deep dive into the evolving landscape and future of specialty coffee.

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Welcome to the 3rd episode of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro by the Map It Forward Podcast, hosted by Lee Safar.

Our guest in this series is Anne Djerai, the CEO of Metropolis Coffee Company, based in Chicago. Anne was invited to the podcast after a recent LinkedIn post describing the impact of market volatility on a company like Metropolis Coffee Company which has been around for 20+ years.

In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Anne delve into the complexities of leadership during challenging times, specifically addressing how to handle disruptions such as the longshoreman strike and the resulting supply chain issues that significantly impacted their business.

Anne shares her experiences on maintaining trust, managing stress, and the importance of vulnerability and accountability. The conversation also touches on the personal struggles faced by one of Metropolis's founders, Tony, and the team's resilience amidst personal and professional hardships.

Additionally, the episode introduces upcoming mastermind groups for the coffee industry launching in January 2025, aimed at helping participants sell more coffee, grow their businesses, or start new cafes or roasteries. Tune in for an insightful discussion on leadership, stress management, and navigating the volatilities of the coffee industry.

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Welcome to the 2nd episode of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro by the Map It Forward Podcast, hosted by Lee Safar.

Our guest in this series is Anne Djerai, the CEO of Metropolis Coffee Company, based in Chicago. Anne was invited to the podcast after a recent LinkedIn post describing the impact of market volatility on a company like Metropolis Coffee Company which has been around for 20+ years.

In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Anne explore the challenges and realities of running a medium-sized coffee business in 2024 and the anticipated shifts for 2025.

Topics discussed include the implications of rising green coffee prices, the significant role of change in the industry, and how businesses are managing volatility.

Key points also cover the philosophy behind Metropolis Coffee's tagline 'Great Coffee for Everyone,' their ESG initiatives, and the criticism they face.

This discussion provides valuable insights on how specialty coffee companies like Metropolis are navigating economic pressures and market dynamics.

Don't miss Anne's candid take on business adjustments, small margins, and the future landscape of specialty coffee.

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Welcome to the 5th episode of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro by the Map It Forward Podcast, hosted by Lee Safar.

Our guest on the podcast in this series is Ana Donneys, a 5th generation coffee producer and CEO of Cafe Primitivo, based in Quindio, Colombia.

In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee welcomes Anne, CEO of Metropolis Coffee in Chicago and they delve into the financial planning challenges faced by Metropolis amidst the unstable coffee market and operational obstacles in 2024.

Anne shares insights from her impactful LinkedIn post, highlighting their struggles with profit margins, increased costs, and unpredictable market dynamics.

The discussion reveals the emotional toll on leaders and the importance of empathy, emotional intelligence, and servant leadership in navigating volatile business environments.

When Ana took over the farm 6 years ago, she inherited significant debt along with the legacy of her grandfather's farm. Having studied business at university, Ana's determination to implement a business strategy for the farm focused on specialty coffee, profitability, and regenerative farming practices is seeing those decisions paying off as the C-Market hit record highs.

In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Ana discuss the critical importance of regenerative farming for the future of coffee production amidst climate change and market volatility.

The conversation covers the increasing consumer demand for high-quality coffee, the challenges of growing Arabica beans, and the potential rise of Robusta coffee.

Ana shares her optimism and belief in the power of relationships and direct connections within the coffee industry.

The episode also explores the impact of major market players, such as Luckin Coffee and Starbucks, on coffee prices and supply.

As the coffee sector faces unprecedented changes, the emphasis on regenerative agriculture and sustaining farmer livelihoods becomes crucial.

This insightful discussion aims to inform and inspire both coffee producers and consumers about the evolving landscape of the coffee industry.

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