11 October 2024 | 25 mins

Episode 131: Celebrating UK Coffee Week!

Next week marks the start of UK Coffee Week – a nationwide celebration and fundraiser led by Project Waterfall, which aims to bring clean water and sanitation to coffee-growing communities.

Every year, hundreds of coffee shops, restaurants, and roasters across the UK come together to host exciting events and activities, raising both awareness and vital funds for this important cause.

In today’s episode, we’re getting into the spirit of the celebrations by speaking with three incredible supporters to explore the positive impact the coffee industry can make when working together, and what they’re looking forward to this year.

We’ll hear from Rob Colicci, Director, Colicci, Emily Shepherd, Brand Manager, Alpro UK&I and Matthew Van Elkan, Owner, Maude Coffee Roasters alongside Rebecca Hodgson, Director Project Waterfall.

UK Coffee Week runs from 14 to 20 October 2024! Discover the events happening near you: ukcoffeeweek.com

Learn how to Create an Autumnal Tablescape with Colicci: colicci.co.uk/events

Credits music: Wake Me Up by Faith Child in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective

Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the show

Subscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

Guests

Rebecca Hodgson

Director, Project Waterfall

Rebecca Hodgson is the Director of Project Waterfall, a charity that works to bring clean drinking water, sanitation, and education to coffee-growing communities. Under her leadership, Project Waterfall has completed 20 initiatives in countries like Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Nicaragua, helping improve access to clean water for tens of thousands of people.

Rob Colicci

Director, Colicci

Colicci is a family-run business of cafes, restaurants, and architectural kiosks across London. Founded 43 years ago from a single ice cream van, Colicci now operates around 40 sites, primarily in London’s parks, plus an in-house bakery. Rob Colicci has worked for the business for nearly two decades, overseeing its evolution into a coffee-led chain.

Emily Shepherd

Brand Manager, Alpro UK & Ireland

Emily Shepherd is the Brand Manager for Alpro UK & Ireland, overseeing key campaigns focused on innovative plant-based barista products and initiatives. With over 40 years of experience, Alpro was one of the first plant-based brands, committed to innovation in the sector and promoting sustainability within the coffee industry and beyond.

Matthew Van Elkan

Owner, Maude Coffee Roasters

Matthew Van Elkan is the Owner of Maude Coffee Roasters, a specialty roaster focused on sourcing the highest quality coffee. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Maude prioritises small-batch roasting and offers exclusive limited releases, ensuring each selection scores above 86, bringing exceptional coffees to discerning customers.