FAQ - Ethical Addictions - Ethical Fairtrade Coffee

To be honest our in-tray isn’t overflowing with questions however if these don’t answer the question you have then please get on the type pad to question4u@eacoffee.co.uk

1. What is fairtrade?

The FAIRTRADE Mark is an independent consumer label of which there are a number of others such as UTZ KAPEH and RAINFOREST ALLIANCE who all seek to guarantee a better deal for disadvantaged producers in the developing world.

However, we see giving producers a “better deal” as the minimum and by no means the maximum.

2. Are all your coffees “fairtrade?”

No, not all of them. Our 3 single origin coffees are fair trade but only one is branded to carry the Fairtrade Mark consumer label. Another is Utz Kapeh certified responsible coffee.

Why? We often find ourselves working directly with producers on the ground in Africa and we always pay equal or higher than “fairtrade prices” with the understanding that this will be a direct benefit to the farmers. However we believe that this is direct fair trade. Often buying direct means that coffee doesn't go through the certification system.

What about the other coffees?
We have our own crafted espresso blend that combines more than one coffee. Sourcing these in the UK and securing a Fairtrade Mark for all has so far proved impractical. For our decaffeinated coffee we stipulated that it should be African and only Swiss Water Processed. Again sourcing this with any certification has proved impractical.

In a number of coffee producing countries there is no option to be certified, mainly due to political or administrative reasons. However, this doesn't prevent us trading with such producers to benefit them and the country. For us at Ethical Addictions its is a continuing journey of discerning how to source our coffee that is both practical and ethical. We truly believe being ethical is more than just "fair trade", it covers our entire business.

Please know that this is where we're at right now and as a company we're constantly looking to improve in all areas, especially our coffee sourcing.

If you have any queries or concerns please read our ethics as a company or email us and ask!

3. Can I have another cup of coffee please?

Yes

4. Often “fairtrade” coffees don’t taste as good, what about Ethical Addictions?

We agree, but it doesn’t need to be this way. This is why we’re in the business. We wanted to buy great tasting ethical coffee but struggled so we went about sourcing it oursleves direct from Africa. We don’t believe there needs to be a compromise in quality or taste to deliver premium ethical gourmet coffee. Don’t believe us? Try one of our coffees

5. What organisations are you a part of?

Ethical Addictions Ltd are members of Utz Kapeh, the fastest growing coffee certification program in the world. Utz Kapeh implements the global standard for socially and environmentally responsible coffee growing and sourcing.