Ben Szobody is a multifaceted figure in the coffee industry and a former political journalist. He is known for his work in developing skilled baristas and promoting social projects within the coffee sector. Szobody is the founder of Pro Baristas, a program in Brighton, UK, that trains and mentors individuals, particularly those from vulnerable populations, for careers in coffee. Pro Baristas aims to solve the shortage of skilled coffee workers while providing opportunities for those who might otherwise be overlooked. He also oversees Skylark, a non-profit coffee roasting company that directs its profits towards social and environmental initiatives.
Szobody's work extends to challenging traditional coffee trading norms through Skylark, where he focuses on fair and inclusive practices. He co-published "Longberry," a coffee magazine, and contributed research to James Hoffmann's "The World Atlas of Coffee". Ben's interest in coffee began as a hobby, chronicling "the way stellar coffee collides with real life" on his blog from 2007. In addition to his work with Pro Baristas and Skylark, Szobody manages Rock Farm and Florence Road Market, all operating under the charity umbrella of OCB Initiatives, which supports marginalized communities in Sussex.
