Shoppers who want a clearly identifiable certification
You want to see the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar mark on the coffee you choose, rather than relying on a general claim about sustainability.
Who is this guide for?
People whose machine requires a particular format
You need to choose between beans, ground coffee and pods to suit your equipment, then check the grind or compatibility of the system you use.
Shoppers checking the terms of a clearance sale
You want to know whether the product you’re looking for is available at your store and whether the offer terms suit the way you shop.
What should you check?
Start by checking the certification on the specific coffee, then rule out formats that won’t work with your machine before looking at the clearance sale terms.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fairtrade certification | Look for Fairtrade/Max Havelaar on the packaging or product listing for the specific coffee, and check which aspects of the coffee the certification covers. | If I’m primarily looking for a Fairtrade guarantee, a vague sustainability claim isn’t enough. Around 42% of shoppers prioritise a clearly identifiable certification. |
| Format compatibility | Check which formats your machine accepts. For ground coffee, check the grind; for pods, check system compatibility. | If my machine requires a particular format, I want to be able to make espresso with the coffee I buy. Around 33% of shoppers put compatibility first. |
| Clearance sale terms | Check the pack size, whether the product is available, and the offer terms at your store or for your chosen collection method. | Before choosing an offer, I want to make sure I can get the certified product in the format I need. This is the top priority for around 25% of shoppers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming “organic”, “Arabica” or “sustainable” means Fairtrade
These terms describe other characteristics and don’t, on their own, prove that the specific product carries Fairtrade/Max Havelaar certification.
Check for the Fairtrade mark on the exact product; treat other claims as separate criteria.
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Choosing a format before checking your machine
Beans need a grinder; ground coffee and pods each require compatible equipment.
Make a note of your machine type, then check the stated grind or pod compatibility before choosing a pack.
A format that isn’t compatible could leave you unable to use the coffee with your equipment.
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Relying on the clearance sale advert alone
The product you’re looking for and collection options can vary by store. Carrefour, for example, states that the terms shown on its listing depend on the store and collection method. E.Leclerc advises customers to contact their store to check whether its Bio Village product is available.
Check the product, its format and availability at the store in question before setting off.
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Assuming certification applies to an entire brand
A brand may offer several ranges, and not every coffee will necessarily carry the same certification.
Check the packaging or product listing for the pack you plan to buy, even if you already know the brand.
Brands to consider
Malongo
Worth considering if you’re looking for Fairtrade coffee in a format that suits your equipment.
- Malongo offers a selection of Fairtrade coffees in beans, ground and pod formats, carrying the Fairtrade Max Havelaar mark.
- Check the certification and format of the product you choose, as well as whether the pods or grind are compatible with your machine.
Carrefour Bio
Worth considering if you use a machine with a grinder or a separate coffee grinder.
- Carrefour offers 100% organic Arabica coffee beans, described as meeting Fairtrade/Max Havelaar standards.
- Check the product and its availability at your store before relying on this option during a clearance sale.
Bio Village
Worth considering if you’re looking for decaffeinated ground coffee.
- E.Leclerc offers a 250 g pack of Bio Village organic Fairtrade decaffeinated ground coffee.
- Check that the grind suits your espresso setup and contact your E.Leclerc store to ask whether it’s available.
Café Chapuis
Worth considering if you’re looking for ground coffee described as Fairtrade.
- Auchan offers a 250 g pack of Café Chapuis ground coffee, described as Fairtrade Max Havelaar 100% Arabica.
- Check that the grind stated on the pack is suitable for your espresso machine.
Lavazza
A brand to consider for espresso formats, but don’t assume a specific product carries the certification you’re looking for.
- Lavazza offers organic blends, including Voix de la Terre.
- An organic claim isn’t a substitute for the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar mark. If this certification is essential to you, check the exact pack.
Ground coffee to consider on Joybuy
These two products are listed as ground coffee. If you make espresso with ground coffee, check that the grind suits your machine and that each pack carries the certification you’re looking for before making your choice.
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MALONGO La Tierra Organic, ground coffee 250 g
Worth considering if your machine takes ground coffee. The pack is listed as 250 g. If the label is important to your purchase, check the grind size and look for the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar mark on this product.
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MALONG Petit Producteur Fairtrade Ground Coffee, 500 g
Worth considering if you’re looking for a 500 g pack for making espresso. Check the format stated on the packaging before choosing it for your machine, and look for the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar mark on this product.
Frequently asked questions
How can I identify Fairtrade/Max Havelaar coffee?
Look for the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar mark or logo on the specific product. Fairtrade/Max Havelaar France says the label covers social, economic and environmental criteria relating to how the product is grown and marketed.
Is organic coffee always Fairtrade?
No. An organic claim alone doesn’t prove that a coffee has Fairtrade/Max Havelaar certification. If you’re looking for both, check for each one on the product you choose.
Which coffee should I choose for my espresso machine?
Choose beans if you have a built-in grinder or a separate coffee grinder. If your machine takes ground coffee, check that the grind is suitable. For a pod system, make sure the pods you choose are compatible.
What should I check before travelling to a clearance sale?
Confirm the product, its format and its availability at the store in question, as well as the offer terms. E.Leclerc, for example, advises customers to contact their store to check whether its Bio Village product is available.