More About Malongo

The Malongo collection at Epicerie Corner brings together 6 products from this French independent coffee roaster: three ground coffees (Arabica Suprême, organic La Tierra, organic single-origin Laos), a fair-trade small-producers ground coffee, and two soft-pod formats (Grande Réserve and Pur Arabica from small producers) — all 100% Arabica, with strong emphasis on ethical sourcing, organic farming and fair-trade certification.

About Malongo

Malongo is a French coffee roaster founded in 1934 in Nice. One of France's longest-established independent roasters, Malongo has built its range entirely around pure Arabica coffees and around ethical sourcing — the brand was among the first in France to offer Max Havelaar certified fair-trade coffees and bio (organic) certified coffees. Malongo sources from small producer cooperatives and plantations across Latin America, Africa and Asia, with a particular emphasis on transparency about origin. The brand produces ground coffees, whole beans and soft ESE pods (dosettes souples) compatible with standard pod espresso machines.

Malongo Ground Coffees

• Malongo Arabica Suprême Ground Coffee 250g: a finely ground premium 100% Arabica blend — Malongo's flagship ground coffee. The Suprême blend combines Arabica beans from several origins for a balanced, full-bodied cup with complex aromatics. Suited to filter, cafetière and stovetop espresso (moka pot) preparation.
• Malongo Bio La Tierra Ground Coffee 250g: a Max Havelaar certified fair-trade and organic (Bio) pure Arabica blend grown under shade and harvested by hand. Max Havelaar (Fairtrade) certification guarantees minimum pricing and premiums for coffee growers in developing countries; organic certification ensures the coffee was grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers. La Tierra is shade-grown — coffee cultivated beneath a canopy of native trees rather than in open sun plantations — which is associated with slower cherry ripening, more complex flavour development and better biodiversity in growing regions.
• Malongo Laos Pure Arabica Organic Ground Coffee 250g: a single-origin organic Arabica from the Boloven Plateau (Plateau des Bolovens) in southern Laos — a high-altitude coffee-growing region at 1,000–1,350 metres above sea level. The Boloven Plateau's combination of altitude, red basaltic soil and tropical climate produces coffees with a distinctively soft, medium-bodied character and sweet, slightly fruity notes. A single-origin format for those interested in exploring the flavour profile of this less commonly found origin.
• Malongo Pure Arabica Small Producers Ground Coffee 250g: a fair-trade (commerce équitable) certified ground Arabica sourced from small producer cooperatives. The small-producers format reflects Malongo's commitment to direct sourcing — buying from smallholder farming families rather than large industrial plantations. A well-rounded, accessible 100% Arabica ground coffee with ethical sourcing credentials.

Malongo Coffee Pods (Dosettes Souples)

Malongo's pod range uses soft ESE pods (dosettes souples — Easy Serving Espresso, 45mm diameter), compatible with all ESE pod espresso machines. ESE pods are a widely used format in France, distinct from proprietary capsule systems (Nespresso, Dolce Gusto), as the soft pod format is an open standard accepted by multiple machine manufacturers.

• Malongo Grande Réserve Dosettes ×16: the premium intensity pod in the Malongo range — a bold, elevated Arabica blend with more intensity than the standard pods, designed for a full-flavoured espresso. The Grande Réserve designation indicates the top tier of the Malongo pod selection.
• Malongo Pur Arabica Small Producers Coffee Pods ×16: ESE soft pods made from fair-trade sourced Arabica from small producers — the pod format of Malongo's ethical-sourcing range. Suited to those who prefer pod convenience without compromising on fair-trade provenance.

For the full coffee range, see Ground Coffee and Coffee Pods. For organic drinks, see Organic Drinks.

Malongo FAQs

What is the difference between Arabica and Robusta coffee?

Arabica (Coffea arabica) and Robusta (Coffea canephora) are the two commercially dominant coffee species. Arabica accounts for about 60–70% of global production and is grown at altitude (typically 900–2,000m); it produces a sweeter, more complex cup with floral and fruity notes and lower caffeine content (about 1.2–1.5% by weight). Robusta grows at lower altitudes, produces higher yields and has roughly double the caffeine of Arabica (about 2.5%); it delivers a harsher, more bitter cup with a heavier body, commonly used in espresso blends to add crema and a caffeine boost. All Malongo products are 100% pure Arabica, free from Robusta.

What does Max Havelaar fair-trade certification mean for coffee?

Max Havelaar is the French and Swiss member of the Fairtrade International network — the same certification as Fairtrade in the UK and other markets. For coffee, Fairtrade/Max Havelaar certification guarantees a minimum price to producer cooperatives (currently USD 1.40/lb for Arabica, plus a Fairtrade Premium of USD 0.20/lb), protecting farmers from extreme market-price volatility. The Premium is invested by cooperatives in community or farming improvements. Certification also requires democratic cooperative governance and adherence to environmental and labour standards. It does not guarantee an organic product — the two are separate certifications, though Malongo's La Tierra holds both.