Podcast
Coffee Memo with Rob Stephen
Hosted by Covoya Specialty Coffee · EN
Managing Director for Covoya Specialty Coffee, Rob Stephen, talks about coffee industry news and current affairs.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Coffee Memo | Rob Talks Moving Market and the T Word Ep. 20
3w ago00:15:51Tap to summarizeTakeaways We've had price movement down, which is great for roasters. Caution is warranted in the current market. We have very smart people here at Cavoya. It's very frustrating for everyone involved with tariffs. Coffee will be exempt from new tariffs...for now. Hope is not a strategy for pricing decisions. Look at the market through your operating budget. Start looking at the market through the lens of your business. Suggest a Topic for Rob Part of The Exchange Coffee Podcasting Network Visit and Explore Covoya!
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Coffee Memo | Rob Talks El Nino Ep. 19
May 2600:18:16Tap to summarizeTakeaways Weather is a powerful and often misunderstood aspect of the coffee industry. El Niño and La Niña significantly influence coffee production and market dynamics. The impact of weather on coffee is not uniform; it varies by region and time. Coffee trees require specific weather conditions at critical growth stages. Understanding weather patterns helps in assessing risks in coffee production. El Niño can create both risks and opportunities for coffee growers. Regional data is crucial for understanding the specific impacts of weather on coffee. Having a contingency plan is essential in coffee. The conversation emphasizes the importance of separating signal from noise in weather-related news. Suggest a Topic for Rob Part of The Exchange Coffee Podcasting Network Visit and Explore Covoya!
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Coffee Memo | Rob Talks Pipeline, Producers, Prices Ep. 18
May 500:14:21Tap to summarizeTakeaways The coffee market is currently experiencing a sideways trading pattern. Producers are holding onto coffee due to strong financial positions. There is a large crop expected from Brazil, which may affect prices. Physical storage issues may compel producers to sell coffee. Market sentiment suggests prices may drop as supply increases. Producers are psychologically positioned to wait for better prices. The coffee supply chain is facing historic lows in inventory. Market movements can happen slowly and then all at once. Producers are gambling with their coffee supply until the market changes. Suggest a Topic for Rob Part of The Exchange Coffee Podcasting Network Visit and Explore Covoya!
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Coffee Memo | Rob and Mark Talk the Future of Coffee
Apr 2100:27:14Tap to summarizeTakeaways The future of coffee is a current affair. Market trends are influenced by geopolitical events and supply chain issues. Specialty coffee producers face significant challenges, including labor costs and climate change. Mechanization is becoming essential for coffee farming to remain viable. Quality coffee should be priced appropriately to support farmers. Building long-term relationships with producers is crucial for quality assurance. Resilience and adaptability are key to surviving in the coffee industry. Understanding market dynamics is essential for making informed decisions. Quick decision-making can lead to seizing fleeting opportunities. The coffee industry is always facing new challenges, requiring constant vigilance. Suggest a Topic for Rob Part of The Exchange Coffee Podcasting Network Visit and Explore Covoya!
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Coffee Memo | Rob Talks Fertilizer Shortage Ep. 16
Apr 700:14:49Tap to summarizeTakeaways Coffee is a heavily fertilized product. Fertilizer is essential for coffee quality and yield. Global supply chain issues are impacting fertilizer availability. Brazil relies on imports for 85% of its fertilizer needs. Fertilizer prices have significantly increased recently. The war in Ukraine affects global fertilizer supply. Long-term impacts on coffee production could be severe. Market trends may not yet reflect these supply chain issues. Farmers face tough choices regarding fertilizer use. The coffee industry must consider agricultural dependencies. Suggest a Topic for Rob Part of The Exchange Coffee Podcasting Network Visit and Explore Covoya!
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Coffee Memo | Rob Talks War, Brazilian Real, Tariffs Ep. 15
Mar 1200:14:33Tap to summarizeTopics Include Suez Canal Currency fluctuations, especially the Brazilian real and US dollar Brazilian domestic policy and its effect on coffee exports Market volatility driven by geopolitical and logistical factors Tariff refunds Suggest a Topic for Rob Part of The Exchange Coffee Podcasting Network Visit and Explore Covoya!
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Coffee Memo | Rob's Daily Dashboard Ep. 14
Mar 300:17:21Tap to summarizeChapters 01:22 Rob's Morning Coffee and Brain Activation Routine 02:11 First Data Source: Market Screen and Live Feed 03:16 Using Charts for Market Sentiment and Direction 04:45 Monitoring Overnight Market Changes and Pending Grading 05:50 Reading the Crop Report and COT Data for Market Sentiment 06:06 Email and News Digest as Market Indicators 07:06 Skimming Reports and Managing Information Overload 08:21 Using Alerts and External News for Market Fundamentals 09:15 The Value of Bloomberg and Objective Reporting 10:20 Talking to Peers for Perspective and Avoiding Echo Chambers 11:23 Current Events: Tariffs and Legal Decisions Impacting Trade 12:46 Market Outlook: Supply, Demand, and Price Trends 14:25 Brazil Crop Outlook and Producer Strategies 15:08 Market Volatility and Future Contract Expectations 16:11 Upcoming Live Podcast Event in San Diego Suggest a Topic for Rob Part of The Exchange Coffee Podcasting Network Visit and Explore Covoya!
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Coffee Memo | Rob Talks About the Market Moving Ep. 13
Feb 600:13:22Tap to summarizeTakeawaysFebruary is the busiest month for coffee buyers.Current market prices are experiencing a steep decline.The gap between current and future coffee prices is narrowing.Brazil's coffee crop forecast looks promising this year.Coffee stocks are slowly increasing, but still below optimal levels.Brazil's coffee consumption fell by 2.5% last year.No significant news from the White House meeting is a positive sign.Market dynamics can change rapidly, impacting prices. Suggest a Topic for Rob Part of The Exchange Coffee Podcasting Network Visit and Explore Covoya!
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Coffee Memo | Rob Talks 2025 Ep. 12
Jan 1300:27:41Tap to summarizeTakeaways2025 was marked by unprecedented challenges in the coffee industry.Tariffs significantly impacted the cost structure for importers and roasters.The inverted market created disincentives to hold inventory.Financial strain affected even the largest players in the coffee sector.Current market trends indicate a potential recovery with more coffee availability.Adaptability and quick reactions are crucial for survival in the coffee business.New Year's resolutions should focus on improving accounts receivable management.Understanding market dynamics is essential for making informed business decisions.The importance of taking breaks and unplugging from the business was highlighted.The conversation emphasized the need for continuous learning and adaptation. Suggest a Topic for Rob Part of The Exchange Coffee Podcasting Network Visit and Explore Covoya!
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Coffee Memo | Rob Talks Coffee Forecasts Ep. 11
Dec 2300:19:34Tap to summarizeTakeawaysCoffee forecasts are essentially opinions based on various data points.Mother nature plays a significant role in coffee production outcomes.Forecasts can vary widely and are often influenced by market sentiment.Understanding the factors behind forecasts is crucial for industry stakeholders.The coffee market is sensitive to changes in production estimates.Export trends from major coffee-producing countries impact global supply.Consumption patterns in countries like Brazil are changing significantly.Forecasts are not static and should be revisited regularly.Market prices are influenced by the balance of supply and demand.The coffee industry relies on a mix of scientific data and anecdotal evidence. Suggest a Topic for Rob Part of The Exchange Coffee Podcasting Network Visit and Explore Covoya!
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