Carte Noire Coffee

Carte Noire is a premium coffee brand that has become synonymous with French coffee culture. Founded in 1978 by René Monnier, the brand was created to offer a high-quality 'pure arabica' experience, standing out in a market that was then dominated by blends. Its iconic gold and black packaging reflects its positioning as a luxury household staple.

Over the decades, the brand has transitioned through several major global food conglomerates. Originally part of the Grand-Mère company, it was later acquired by Kraft Foods (which became Mondelēz International). Following the merger of the coffee businesses of Mondelēz and D.E Master Blenders 1753 to form JDE, European antitrust regulations required the sale of Carte Noire. Consequently, the brand was acquired by the Italian Lavazza Group in 2016. Today, while owned by an Italian company, its primary production facilities remain centered in France, particularly at the Lavérune site near Montpellier.