Best whole bean, organic, fair trade certified coffee in Philly?

[Buckethead]

We are huge fans of Anthony's Italian Market Reserve coffee for brewing at home, but it's neither organic nor fair trade certified, and we'd like to find an everyday replacement that is. Does anyone have a favorite roaster in the city (and maybe a specific roast) that is both of those things?

[Buckethead]

Just updating this thread because Anthony's apparently now DOES use fair trade certified beans. At least, that's what the girl behind the counter said, though the packages don't bear the Fair Trade logo. She said that's coming soon. Apparently I wasn't the only one who was telling them fair trade beans would be nice. I did use a few pounds of french roast beans from Chapterhouse in the interim, that's good coffee too but it's roasted in the originating country, not here, so it's not quite as fresh as Anthony's.

[rabidog]

i don't know if they are fair trade or not - but has anyone tried the beans at the spice terminal in RTM? i wonder how much better they could be if they were not sitting out in bags in the open - but even still, i like their sulawesi beans better than anything else i have found in the city so far. i will have to ask if they are fair trade next time i am in there.

[Panini Guy]

I'd look to see who's carrying Intelligentsia or Counter Culture coffees. Many of the coffees from each are USDA Organic and both work directly with the farmers at origin, paying significantly more generally than fair trade - Intelly's beans will go by Direct Trade and I don't recall exactly how Counter Culture's are labeled, but coffee insiders know that CCC's terms are "fairer than fair trade." The bonus being in both cases you'll be getting coffees that are very likely to blow your mind quality-wise when compared to typical FTC options and it's a better deal for the growers and pickers at origin.. I'd also suggest checking out CoffeeGeek.com in the forums section, look for the East category then check threads for Philly .

[voracious eater]

Latte Lounge up in Northern LIberties always has fair trade coffee and it's fabulous. I don't think they sell beans, but the Almanac Market, a local/organic market, just down the street from the Latte Lounge (4th and Poplar) sells bags of beans.

[mazza3]

chapterhouse at 620 s 9th between bainbridge and south is my favorite coffee house in the city and they only sell free-trade coffee (and lucky for you, is only 4 blocks from anthony's). i grew up and still live 2 blocks away and always went to the supreme bean/the bean on south street until this place opened up. delicious and semi-hidden still and a lovely atmosphere.

they sell free trade sante fe select and a french roast by the pound if i remember correctly. you can call and ask 215.238.2626. they have a myspace page too if you're so inclined. i would recommend you stop by regardless since the set up really is excellent, and there's a lovely outdoor area outback as well.

[Bigley9]

Old City Coffee usually has an organic and/or fair trade coffee as its "special" of the week - I am not sure if they stock any regularly. The specials, at least at the RTM, are described on a sign at the corner of the booth.