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 best tracks we’ve featured this year.

So grab a glass of mulled wine, settle into your cosiest spot, and enjoy this hand-picked collection of incredible music. A huge thank you to all the talented artists who’ve shared their music with us throughout the year.

Tracklist

1. Two Fish – Nicole Zuraitis
2. Christmas Time – Erin Bowman
3. Rise – The Elidas
4. For Me – Norman Alexander
5. Can I see You Tomorrow – Natalie Oliveri
6. Fool – Alessia Piermarini
7. CLOUDS – Pien
8. Calling It – HOLNE
9. Wild Wind – PHILDEL
10. Streets of London – Charlotte Campbell
11. One Year – Kirsten Izer
12. Hold On To Us – The Dunwells, Hollie Rogers, Daisy Chute

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 exciting shared roasting concepts: Philipp Reichel, Co-founder, Communal Coffee, Andy Wells, Founder, Press Coffee & Co., and Leonardo Azeredo, Founder Co-Roasting Community. 

Credits music: Christmas Time by Erin Bowman in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective

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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 conversation, David shares his strategies for securing capital to fuel Grind’s impressive growth. He also explores how the transition to a multi-channel business model has been instrumental in shaping the brand’s ongoing success.

Credits music: What on Earth by HOLNE in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective

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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 Marketing Manager at Bluewater Group, and Sergio Barbarisi, International Key Accounts Manager at BWT water+more, about the latest innovations in water purification technologies and their role in shaping sustainable and more flavourful coffee .

Credits music: Consent by Rosie Smith in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective

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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. Hendon, Associate Professor of Chemistry at the University of Oregon. Together, they co-authored the groundbreaking book Water for Coffee and are now working on its highly anticipated sequel, Water for Coffee 2.

In part two, we’ll turn to innovative solutions for coffee filtration with Maximillian Lundin from Bluewater and Sergio Barbarisi from BWT water+more.

Credits music: Wild Wind by PHILDEL in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective

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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 Pilose, Success Manager at technology platform Era of We.

In this important conversation, we’ll explore how coffee businesses can prepare to meet EUDR requirements by supporting farmers and supply chain partners to achieve compliance.

We’ll also discuss the broader implications for sustainability in coffee and how technology and digital platforms can enable companies to track and demonstrate compliance effectively.

Credits music: Can I See You Tomorrow by Natalie Oliveri in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective

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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 dedication to fostering a global coffee community.

In this conversation, Chris shares how La Marzocco continues to grow as a global, community-led brand - one that’s built on a foundation of culture, authenticity, and deep connections with its customers. We’ll also explore La Marzocco’s core values of Integrity, Curiosity, Impact, Courage, and Celebration - and how these principles drive the brand forward.

Credits music: Fool by Alessia Piermarini in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective

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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 + Hospitality Expo!

As part of the conference programme, we were delighted to host 5THWAVE LIVE: a series of exclusive podcast interviews with some of Europe’s most inspiring business leaders, recorded in front of a live audience at the event.

Today, we’re thrilled to share the first of those conversations in full. Our guest is David Baumgartner, Founder and CEO of health-focused food-to-go chain dean&david. Founded in Germany in 2007, dean&david has since expanded to over 160 locations across Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, and Switzerland.

In this interview, David shares his passion for promoting nutritious food and reflects on the challenges of scaling a health-focused brand in a market traditionally dominated by bread and pastries. He also discusses the importance of innovation, perseverance, and how building a strong team has been key to his success.

Credits music: Green Goddess by Florence Noon in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective

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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 market insights, create new business connections, and celebrate the exceptional people shaping the European coffee scene.

And, to get us excited for our trip to Berlin, today we’re exploring the city’s thriving specialty coffee scene and how it has evolved over the past decade. We’ll hear from some of Berlin’s standout specialty operators – Ralf Rueller, Founder, The Barn, Sophie Hardy, Co-founder, Annelies and Distrikt Coffee and Kresten Thøgersen, Founder, Father Carpenter.

Check out our guide to the city's best coffee hotspots on the COHO website.

Credits music: "30 and Alone" by Lexie 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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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 out from the crowd? How do you impress operators? And what strategies can you employ to turn opportunities into success?

To explore these questions, we’ll be speaking with Aiden Keegan, CEO, Esquires Coffee, to understand what buyers are really looking for from suppliers. We’ll also hear from Ian Bryson, Managing Director, Lincoln & York, for a seasoned supplier’s perspective on building successful partnerships.

Both Aiden and Ian will also be participating in this year’s one-to-one meeting programme at the European Coffee Symposium in Berlin – an event designed to drive new connections and business development across the coffee industry.

Credits music: "Older" by Molly 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 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 inspiration and wisdom today. In this conversation, Murray shares his core principles for business success and strategies for building multiple brands across diverse markets. Murray also highlights the importance of mastering the basics and establishing a solid structure – emphasising that when the fundamentals are strong, business performance naturally follows.

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