THE TRUE COST OF COFFEE: A Journey from Yemen to Your Cup

This episode was originally published July 7, 2021 as episode 24. It is re-shared today with a new intro by the host as she reflects on an upcoming episode featuring the co-founders of Biggby Coffee, Bob & Michelle Fish. This episode offers a great primer and context to the coffee issue in advance of that upcoming episode, which will be released on 10/23/2024.Host: Corinna BellizziGuest: Mokhtar Alkhanshali, CEO & Founder of Port of Mokha, In this episode, Corinna Bellizzi is joined by Mokhtar Alkhanshali, a Yemeni-American entrepreneur, historian, and coffee innovator, to discuss the fascinating journey of coffee from Yemen’s highlands to high-end coffee shops worldwide. Together, they explore the deep connections between coffee, social impact, and sustainability.Key Topics Covered:The Origins of Coffee in Yemen: Mokhtar shares the historical roots of coffee, which began in Yemen centuries ago, including the rise of the city of Mocha as the coffee trade center. He connects this rich history to the present and the coffee his company sources.Mokhtar’s Personal Journey: From law school to community organizing, Mokhtar’s path took a surprising turn toward coffee, rooted in his desire to uplift coffee farmers and create a sustainable business model in Yemen.Challenges in Yemen: Mokhtar recounts his harrowing experience bringing Yemeni coffee to market amidst Yemen's civil war. From dodging bombs to navigating civil unrest, his perseverance led to Port of Mokha’s success.The Importance of Sustainability in Coffee: Mokhtar emphasizes the need for fair pay for coffee farmers and describes his vertically integrated business model. By working directly with Yemeni farmers, he ensures that they receive fair wages, which is critical to the long-term sustainability of their communities.The Different Coffee "Waves": Mokhtar explains the evolution of coffee culture through the first, second, and third waves, noting the rise of specialty coffee and how consumers are becoming more conscious of origin, processing, and flavor.Coffee Processing Methods: A deep dive into how different processing techniques (natural versus washed) impact flavor profiles, and why Mokhtar's naturally processed Yemeni coffee has unique and complex flavors, often compared to fine wine.Taste Test: Corinna shares her experience tasting two different Port of Mokha coffees, highlighting how coffee tasting can be as nuanced as wine tasting. Mokhtar explains the difference between light and dark roasts and how each processing method brings out distinct flavors.JOIN OUR CIRCLE. BUILD A GREENER FUTURE: 🌴 Subscribe to our newsletter, and we'll plant a tree in your honor! https://caremorebebetter.com🌲 Subscribe and rate us wherever you listen, and we'll plant another tree 🌳 Shop our cause-before-commerce store and support earth-first charities through our partnership with 1% For The Planet.Follow us on social media:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/caremorebebetter TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@caremorebebetter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CareMore.BeBetter/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareMoreBeBetter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/care-more-be-better

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Care More Be Better, invites you to care more so we can create a better world together. We amplify the voices of environmentalists, activists, scientists, and leading experts who seek to make the world a better place. We share actionable insights and tools so you can make a measurable difference each day. Over the course of more than 230 episodes, you'll hear from inspired individuals, ecologically responsible entrepreneurs, and conscious companies from diverse communities and backgrounds. Listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, on our website, and on most major podcast platforms.Notable guests include: Jean-Michel Cousteau, Paul Hawken, Nina Simons, Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, Captain Liz Clark, Nana Aba Anamoah, Dr. William Li, Miyoko Schinner, John Roulac, Chef Babette Davis, Kelly Reyerson (@glyphosategirl), Starhawk, Donna Grantis and many more. These global change agents and activists create positive impacts and encourage us to think globally while also acting locally. Inspired by Paul Hawken’s aspirational book Regeneration - Ending The Climate Crisis In One Generation, and the late Dr. Wallace J. Nichols' Blue Mind Movement, this show aims to create a realistic roadmap to build a better future. As Paul Hawken simply states: “Global warming is not a science problem. It’s a human problem.” On this journey, you'll become the person you aspire to be by remaining curious, thinking deeply, and listening intently while looking inward. You'll discover your internal wisdom and learn to listen to your inner voice to receive the gifts nature provides fully. Tune in to understand the most important issues that affect us all.Hear experiences from the front lines of social policies and political struggles.Feel enlightened by conversations about health, wellness, and mindfulness.Discover valuable entrepreneurship and business strategies. Hone your communication and leadership skills.Become part of the regeneration nation by expanding your knowledge of agriculture, social systems, and help us build a more circular and just economy. As a community, we aim to evolve our understanding of social impact, sustainability, and regenerative, circular living to create a healthier and more just world. The stories we tell will get you thinking about how to secure the future for the human race and all Earth's inhabitants - from how you can build positive change in your local community, to how you might broaden your reach and impact globally.About Our Host: A natural products industry executive, Corinna Bellizzi helped develop and grow several responsible, sustainable nutrition brands including: Nordic Naturals and ORLO Nutrition. With these achievements and experience, Corinna went back to school to earn her MBA, graduating at the top of her class at Santa Clara University, and is now pursuing her PhD at the intersection of Sustainability, Education and Nutrition at Prescott College. Her colorful career and exceptional experiences fill this show with life-changing conversations and insights you're sure to benefit from. Beyond elevating business ventures and earning massive profits, she exemplifies how to deliver genuine value, achieve bigger things, and pursue significant positive change. Care More Be Better is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, our website and most major podcast platforms. JOIN OUR CIRCLE. BUILD A GREENER FUTURE! https://caremorebebetter.com When you join our email list, we plant a tree with the help of ForestPlanet! Remember, our aim with Care More Be Better is to help you use less, waste less, and live more! Engage with us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok!