Fair Trade Coffee

• How should I store my coffee?
• What is the best way to brew coffee?
• Do you provide single servings of coffee?
• What coffee maker is your ground coffee suitable for?
• Is your decaf process 100% chemical free?
• Why is decaf only available in Decaf Colombia?

Frutos de los Andes

• How is Frutos Dried?
• What is the shelf life for Frutos?
• Are there traces of nuts in the Frutos?
• Is your Frutos organic?
• Why is fruit mélange taxable?

Shopping

• Where can I buy Level Ground Products?
• Can I order directly from you?
• What is the cost of shipping?

Packaging

• Can I recycle the coffee packaging?
• Can I recycle the Frutos and Panela packaging?
• Do you offer alternatives to the coffee packages?

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Fair Trade Coffee

How should I store my coffee?

The "enemies" of coffee are oxygen, light, heat and moisture. Reducing exposure to these enemies can be achieved by storing coffee in an airtight container located in a cool, dark, dry place and by purchasing beans instead of grounds; a smaller surface area of beans decreases susceptibility to oxygen, light, heat and moisture.

What is the best way to brew coffee?

For some, brewing coffee is an art; for others, a satisfying morning or mid afternoon ritual; and for many, a timely task necessary to fulfilling a caffeine craving. Whichever category you fall into, knowing which brewing equipment to use is key to great-tasting coffee. Stick to brewing equipment that doesn't require paper filters—espresso machines and French presses are best—this will ensure the wonderful aromas and oils of your coffee make their way into your cup instead of sticking to your filter. While strength is generally subjective to the coffee drinker, lower ratios of water to grounds will result in stronger coffee.

Do you provide single servings of coffee?

We have chosen not to produce single serving packages of coffee due to the amount of packaging waste single servings such as pods create. Instead, we encourage the use of our eco-cube with a reusable coffee measure as a consistent and convenient method of measuring coffee for brewing. We understand that in large organizations pre-measured coffee is important, so we are exploring a method of providing pre-measured portions using recyclable packaging.

What coffee makers is your ground coffee suitable for?

We grind all of our coffee to a medium ground. We recommend this grind be used for all brewing equipment except espresso machines, which require a finer grind.

Is your decaf process 100% chemical free?

Decaffeinating of Decaf Colombia is made possible by DESCAFECOL; a decaffeinating plant located In Colombia. DESCAFECOL uses clear mountain water and naturally extracted ethyl acetate (EA). While EA can be found in many fruits, and vegetables, DESCAFECOL chooses sugar cane as their source for EA.

Why is decaf only available in Decaf Colombia?

Similar to Frutos de Los Andes, and Panela Cane Sugar, Decaf Colombia has been added to Level Ground's product line as a value added product. By decaffeinating Decaf Colombia green beans in Colombia, Level Ground Trading is able to leave the value-added process in the local economy. Currently, our other origins do not offer Decaf coffee.

Frutos de Los Andes

How is Frutos dried?

There are no additives or sulphides used in the preservation process of our Frutos; it is preserved simply through air-drying.

What is the shelf life for Frutos?

Shelf life for dried fruit is approximately one year; keeping it out of direct sunlight and areas of extreme heat will help to preserve your Frutos. Please find best before dates (month/year) located on the back of all Frutos packages.

Are there traces of nuts in the Frutos?

While Fruandes, our processing plant for Frutos and Panela Cane Sugar, is not currently certified as being nut free, we are able to confirm that there are no nuts processed in the plant.

Is Frutos organic?

Fruandes, our Frutos processing plant in Bogotá, Colombia is now certified organic by BCS ÖKO-GARANTIE. Although Frutos is not certified organic, it is grown without the use of herbicides or pesticides. The first priority for Fruandes is to support small-scale farmers with a fair price for their fruit. Certification of mango, golden berries and pineapple is in transition for select farmers who have joined an organic conversion and certification program. Panela Cane Sugar farmers are also in an organic conversion process.

Why is fruit mélange taxable?

Under the Excise Tax Act (i.e Goods and Services Tax) any product, for example Frutos mélange (Mix 4), containing more than one type of fruit is to be considered a "snack mixture" and is therefore subject to HST.

Shopping

Where can I buy Level Ground Products?

Our coffee, fruit, and sugar can be found at over 300 grocery stores and cafés throughout Canada and over 50 stores in the United States. Please visit our store locator to find a store convenient to you.

Call us at 1.888.565.6633 if you're unable to find a location near you, or order directly online.

Can I order directly from you?

Yes, please feel free to order online, send us an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or give us a call at 1.888.565.6633

What is the cost of shipping?

Shipping costs are included in our pricing; the price you see is the price you pay.

Packaging

Can I recycle the coffee packaging?

Yes. If you separate the paper from the foil liner you can recycle it under the #4 category. In the Victoria area Pacific Mobile Depot accepts foil coffee packages for recycling. Level Ground Trading recycles all our foil packages through Pacific Mobile and we are happy to take back your used packages for recycling.

If you purchase your coffee at Ten Thousand Villages you can return empty packages to your local Ten Thousand Villages store. Please visit our store locator to find a Ten Thousand Villages near you.

Can I recycle the Frutos and Panela packaging?

Yes. Frutos and Panela packaging are recognized as Low Density Polyethylene (LDP) and can be recycled under the #4 category.

Do you offer alternatives to the coffee packages?

Yes. For high volume coffee consumers who are within reach of our delivery vehicles (Greater Victoria, and select areas in Vancouver), or for customers who choose to visit us in person, we offer 5 lb (2.2 kg) eco-cubes, which are fully recyclable containers. *Upcycling*