Chipotle Vows To Serve Over 10 Million Pounds Of Local Produce

Chipotle plans to more than double its use of local produce this year, increasing its fresh food supply by at least 10 million pounds.

In a business wire released today, Chipotle announced plans to increase their use of local produce grown from farms within 350 miles of their 1,100 restaurants.

Chipotle founder and Co-CEO Steve Ells said in a statement:

While sourcing produce locally can be difficult -- particularly in regions with short growing seasons -- we continue to find like-minded suppliers to allow us to serve this better food. Not only is local produce fresher and better tasting, but it also helps support the environment and regional farming communities around the country.

Fresh ingredients vary by region. For example, in California where the growing season is almost year-round, Chipotle sources locally grown lemons, cilantro and avocados. Other regions may provide fresh bell peppers, oregano and other vegetables.

Chipotle began serving local produce in 2008 and has been working to increase its local produce supply every year.

According to the Associated Press, the company's shares were up by $1.80 in midday trading to $288.85.

Comments

[BluebirdofUnhappiness]

09:26 PM on 06/23/2011

Does that mean I can only eat fresh veggies on my burrito 3-4 months out of the year?

[Kyle Perry]

06:31 AM on 06/27/2011

Versus any other chain where you never do...yes.

[frank day]

07:41 PM on 06/23/2011

Will those farms be hiring the illegals that Chipotle let go of?

[Kyle Perry]

06:39 AM on 06/27/2011

Probably yes, since unemployed Americans won't sign up for a $7 per hour manual labor job with zero benefits.

[Viper1st]

10:49 AM on 06/27/2011

Makes sense ~ unscrupulous farmers violating U.S.C. 8 § 1324a : US Code - Section 1324A: Unlawful employment of aliens

Selling their produce to

Unscrupulous restaurant chain violating U.S.C. 8 § 1324a : US Code - Section 1324A: Unlawful employment of aliens

Americans you can be proud of ~

[KurtMichaelFriese]

11:08 AM on 06/23/2011

This is all well and good, but they oughta refine their definition of "Local" a little bit. 350 miles?!?! I live in Iowa City, and that would make Indianapolis food local. They should try maybe 100 miles.

[onionboy]

04:18 PM on 06/23/2011

I think, depending on where they are, that might make it impossible for them to make some of their food. If they had a flexible menu, they probably could. Hooray for flexible menus.

[KurtMichaelFriese]

12:44 PM on 06/26/2011

but they are not buying EXCLUSIVELY local food. At my restaurant we purchase everything FEASIBLE from local sources (which we define as 100 miles), and that's all I would ask of any restaurant. We're not going to find local sources of olive oil or oranges anytime soon (though with global warming, who knows?)