EP1644 Part 4 of 5 | Pricing, Power and the Coffee Supply Chain (Lee Safar) Map It Forward

**Advertising Sponsor** This episode is brought to you by Map It Forward Podcast Advertising. Interested in advertising on this podcast? Email [support@mapitforward.org](mailto:support@mapitforward.org?subject=I%27m%20interested%20in%20Advertising%20on%20the%20MIF%20podcast) to learn more. **Episode Description** This is episode 4 of a five-part solo series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward titled Saying the Quiet Parts Out Loud. In this episode, Lee Safar examines why coffee pricing models so often fail to reflect the real cost of operating a business. Across the supply chain, producers, importers, roasters and cafés frequently set prices based on what the market will accept or what competitors are charging, rather than what is required to cover operating costs and generate sustainable profit. Lee explains the difference between gross profit and net profit, and why failing to account for rent, labour, debt, utilities and other expenses leaves many coffee businesses underpriced from the start. She also explores how every part of the coffee supply chain becomes a price taker. Producers are influenced by the futures market, importers and exporters carry risk, roasters compete against market pricing, and cafés face resistance from consumers. This episode argues that responsible pricing begins with better financial understanding, greater supply-chain awareness and more open conversations about what each participant actually needs to be paid. **Connect with Lee Safar here:** https://www.linkedin.com/in/leesafar/ https://www.instagram.com/leesafar If you found this episode valuable, make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\** About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain. Website: https://mapitforward.coffee Mailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglist Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/ Contact: [support@mapitforward.org](mailto:support@mapitforward.org?)