Consumers who value the Fairtrade label
You want to check that a product is Fairtrade certified, rather than infer it from the brand, origin or organic claim. Look for the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label on the pack and read the accompanying details.
Who is this choice for?
Households that buy coffee with their weekly shop
You want to add coffee to your usual basket at Carrefour or E.Leclerc. In that case, pack size and availability at your chosen store matter just as much as the product itself.
People who choose coffee to suit their coffee maker
You make your coffee using a filter machine, moka pot, cafetière or espresso machine. Check the brewing instructions on the specific pack: the label and intensity alone won’t tell you which method is recommended.
What should you check?
Start by checking the label on the pack for your weekly shop. Then compare the options that meet this requirement by pack size, availability and brewing method.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Fairtrade label | Look for Fairtrade/Max Havelaar on the pack and read the accompanying details. | I want to confirm that the coffee I add to my basket is Fairtrade certified, rather than relying on its origin or an organic claim alone; around 40% of consumers make this their priority. |
| Pack size and in-store availability | Compare pack weights and check whether the product is available at your store or through your chosen collection option. | If I shop at a particular retailer, I need to be able to add the coffee to my usual basket; this convenience comes first for around 30% of consumers. |
| Coffee maker and taste | Read the recommended brewing method and the descriptions of the roast or flavour notes. | Whether I use a filter machine, moka pot, cafetière or espresso machine, I look for a product whose instructions suit my brewing method and taste; this is the priority for around 30% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing organic, origin and Fairtrade claims
These claims don’t mean the same thing. The Carte Noire Bio product listing mentions organic certification and Rainforest Alliance, while the listings for Carrefour Bio Pérou and Malongo Petits Producteurs specify Fairtrade/Max Havelaar.
If Fairtrade certification is essential to you, look for the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label on the pack you choose.
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Choosing based on intensity alone
Brewing recommendations vary by product. Malongo recommends its Petits Producteurs – L’original ground coffee for espresso, while Carte Noire and Lavazza describe other uses across their ranges.
Check the recommended method for the specific pack before deciding based on its flavour profile.
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Leaving coffee open in heat or damp conditions
Lavazza recommends keeping opened ground coffee away from light, moisture and heat to preserve its aromas.
Once opened, transfer it to an airtight container and store it away from these conditions.
Brands to consider
Malongo
Malongo describes Petits Producteurs – L’original as 250 g of ground coffee produced according to Fairtrade/Max Havelaar Fairtrade standards.
- Malongo’s product listing specifies the label claimed for this product and recommends preparing it as espresso.
- This brewing recommendation applies to this particular coffee, not the entire Malongo range.
Carrefour Bio
The Carrefour Bio Pérou listing describes 250 g of 100% Arabica organic ground coffee, stated to be Fairtrade certified under Fairtrade/Max Havelaar.
- The listing gives the pack size, origin and Fairtrade claim for this product.
- Check that it’s available at your chosen store or through your selected collection option.
Bio Village (E.Leclerc)
E.Leclerc lists Bio Village pure Arabica ground coffees from Ethiopia and Guatemala, described as organic and Fairtrade, in 250 g packs.
- The two origins let you compare products within the same range.
- Check the pack and your store’s selection before buying.
Carte Noire
Carte Noire offers ground coffees for a range of brewing methods, including moka pot, filter and cafetière.
- The brewing instructions can help you choose a coffee to suit your coffee maker.
- The organic and Rainforest Alliance claims on the Bio product are no substitute for checking the Fairtrade label on the pack you choose.
Lavazza
Lavazza describes different ground coffee profiles and, depending on the product, recommends brewing with a moka pot, filter machine or espresso machine.
- Brewing and storage advice can help you compare products for different uses.
- If Fairtrade is your starting point, check the label on the product you buy.
Ground coffee available on Joybuy
These two ground coffees could suit a Fairtrade-focused weekly shop. For each one, check the label on the pack and make sure the brewing instructions suit your coffee maker.
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MALONG Petit Producteur Fairtrade ground coffee, 250 g
If you’re looking for ground coffee with Fairtrade in its product name, check the label on the pack too. Stated pack size: 250 g; check the brewing instructions for your coffee maker.
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MALONGO La Tierra organic ground coffee, 250 g
If you’re considering this product for a Fairtrade-focused shop, its listing describes it as certified. Check the label on the pack, separately from the organic claim. Stated pack size: 250 g; check the recommended brewing method.
Frequently asked questions
How can you recognise Fairtrade/Max Havelaar ground coffee?
Look for the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label on the pack you choose. Fairtrade Max Havelaar France explains that the label indicates compliance with its standards; the origin or brand alone isn’t enough to tell you.
Is organic coffee always Fairtrade?
No. Check separately for the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label. For example, Carte Noire describes one Bio product with organic and Rainforest Alliance claims, while the Carrefour Bio Pérou and Malongo Petits Producteurs listings mention Fairtrade/Max Havelaar.
What pack size should you look for in your weekly shop?
Check the net weight and choose a pack size that suits how much coffee you usually drink. The Carrefour Bio Pérou, Bio Village Éthiopie and Malongo Petits Producteurs products listed by their retailers or brands come in 250 g packs. Then check which one is available as part of your usual shop.
How should you store ground coffee after opening?
Store it in an airtight container, away from light, moisture and heat. This is the method Lavazza recommends to preserve the aromas of opened ground coffee.