Learnings from Dutch coffee pioneers Menno Simons and Paul Sharo – recorded live at The Amsterdam Coffee Festival

Today, we’re bringing you two standout conversations recorded live on the 5THWAVE stage at The Amsterdam Coffee Festival 2026.

First up, we're joined by Menno Simons, Founder of Bocca Coffee and a pioneer of the Dutch specialty coffee scene. In this thought-provoking conversation, Menno reflects on 25 years of Bocca, the evolution and longevity of specialty coffee, and why even the most established brands must continue to adapt and innovate.

We then speak with Paul Sharo, Founder of Man Met Bril Koffie – the Rotterdam-based coffee hotel and roastery. In this conversation we discuss how career pathways in coffee are always evolving, and why the industry can be a platform for entrepreneurship as much as employment.

Credits music: "Here's To" by Pien 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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