Who is this choice for?

Canteen managers with a grinder

You’re looking for Fairtrade whole-bean coffee to make espresso with your machine, while managing the settings and restocking needed for a busy service.

Buyers responsible for evidencing Fairtrade sourcing

You need to be able to link proof of Fairtrade sourcing to the exact product delivered, including when a supplier offers a substitute.

Teams looking for fixed portions

You’re considering pods to simplify preparation, provided they’re compatible with the system used by your machine.

Criteria to consider

To serve Fairtrade espresso in your canteen, start with the equipment you have, then check the exact product, its flavour profile and its packaging. Whole beans, ground coffee and pods aren’t interchangeable: check that each format is suitable for your equipment.

Criterion What to check Consumers concerned
Proof of Fairtrade sourcing Check the claim or label for the product being delivered, then confirm it again if a substitute is offered. If I need to justify the canteen’s coffee choice, I need proof linked to the product ordered rather than a general brand statement; around 33% of consumers would put this proof first.
Machine and service Check which formats the machine accepts, whether it requires a particular pod system, and what service volume you need to manage. When service needs to continue with the equipment already installed, I want to avoid ordering a format I can’t use; around 27% of consumers would prioritise compatibility and continuity of service.
Flavour profile Read the roast and flavour descriptions, then try the product in your canteen’s machine. If customers expect a milder or stronger espresso, I’d rather taste the coffee before placing a large order; around 20% of consumers would prioritise flavour profile.
Packaging Compare pack sizes, order volumes and delivery arrangements for products with documented Fairtrade sourcing. To manage ordering and storage, I need packaging that suits the site’s consumption; nearly 20% of consumers would make this their main criterion.

Pitfalls to avoid

  • Confusing ‘organic’ with Fairtrade certification

    A coffee being organic doesn’t, on its own, mean it meets a Fairtrade/Max Havelaar requirement. Carrefour lists this certification for its Carrefour Bio whole-bean coffee; Lavazza describing its Espresso Maestro Organic as organic coffee does not, by itself, provide equivalent proof for that product.

    Specify the proof of Fairtrade sourcing you require in your brief and check it against the product delivered, particularly if it changes.

  • Ordering a format that isn’t compatible

    Malongo’s professional range distinguishes between whole beans, ground coffee and pods, depending on how they’re used. A machine designed for a particular pod system won’t necessarily accept another format.

    Check your machine, any separate grinder and the pod system before choosing your coffee. Also confirm the cleaning and restocking tasks involved.

  • Choosing an intense flavour without trying it first

    Ethiquable describes its Expresso Grains as dark-roasted, while Auchan describes Cafés Sati Pérou 500 g as mild and balanced. These descriptions won’t tell you which one will suit your canteen’s customers.

    Try the products you’re considering in the machine used for service before making your choice.

Brands to consider for this requirement

Malongo

Malongo offers a range for professional customers, including whole-bean coffee, ground coffee and pods, as well as products sourced through Fairtrade.

  • The clearly differentiated formats make it easier to choose coffee to suit your equipment and service style.
  • Check the Fairtrade evidence and sourcing arrangements for the product you choose; don’t assume they apply to the whole range.

Ethiquable

Ethiquable offers its 500 g Fairtrade and organic Expresso Grains for espresso machines or percolators.

  • The product information specifies the format, intended use and origin from Fairtrade co-operatives.
  • Its stated intense flavour and 500 g pack size should be weighed against your customers’ preferences and the volume you serve.

Carrefour Bio

The Carrefour Bio listing for an organic 100% Arabica whole-bean coffee names Fairtrade/Max Havelaar certification for this product.

  • Carrefour specifies that the coffee in this product, representing 100% of its total weight, meets Fairtrade/Max Havelaar standards.
  • A retail product listing alone doesn’t set out the sourcing arrangements for a canteen.

Cafés Sati

Auchan describes Les Cafés Sati Pérou 500 g whole-bean coffee as organic and Fairtrade/Max Havelaar certified.

  • The product listing specifies pure Arabica and an intensity rating of 8 for this particular product.
  • Consider whether the 500 g pack size and stated flavour profile suit your canteen service.

Lavazza

Lavazza describes Espresso Maestro Organic as a 1 kg pack of organic whole-bean coffee for espresso.

  • The format and intended use for espresso are specified for this product.
  • If your purchase requires Fairtrade/Max Havelaar evidence, ask for proof relating to the product you’re considering: being organic isn’t enough.

Coffee available on Joybuy

This 500 g ground coffee could be considered for a canteen with equipment that accepts pre-ground coffee. Confirm compatibility and proof of Fairtrade sourcing before choosing it for your service.

MALONG Petit Producteur Fairtrade ground coffee, 500 g pack

MALONG Petit Producteur Fairtrade ground coffee, 500 g

Worth considering if your canteen’s machine accepts ground coffee; check compatibility before ordering.

The product name includes ‘Fairtrade’. Ask for proof of Fairtrade sourcing for the product being delivered before adding it to your specification.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is organic coffee automatically Fairtrade?

No. Check the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar claim or proof separately for the product you’re buying. Carrefour lists it for its Carrefour Bio whole-bean coffee, while Lavazza Espresso Maestro Organic being described as organic isn’t enough to establish the same thing.

Whole beans, ground coffee or pods: which format should you choose for a canteen?

Choose a format that your machine accepts and that suits the way your service is run. Whole beans need equipment that can grind them, pods must match the system installed, and ground coffee requires equipment designed for that format.

What should you ask the supplier before confirming your order?

Ask them to identify the exact product, provide proof of Fairtrade sourcing, confirm its format and check that it’s compatible with your machine. Also confirm delivery arrangements and, if a machine is included in the offer, who is responsible for maintenance and cleaning.