NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.,
June 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --
Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) today announced the Chipotle
Virtual Farmers' Market, powered by Shopify, that will allow
farmers in the Chipotle supply chain to launch improved versions of
their own eCommerce websites. Through individualized online
marketplaces, Chipotle suppliers will be able to sell meat, dairy
and grain products, and other items directly to consumers across
the country. As a digital innovator known for seeking long-term
solutions, Chipotle is assisting in the development of each
supplier's site, covering hosting fees on Shopify for two years and
supporting the design and development of the direct-to-consumer
storefronts.
The agricultural industry has been weathering a crisis for years
that has recently been magnified and accelerated due to the
COVID-19 pandemic. Farmers around the country have had to destroy
millions of pounds of fresh goods due to decreased demand with
restaurants, hotels and schools closed. The Chipotle Virtual
Farmers' Market aims to give Chipotle's suppliers a new stream of
revenue and enhance their commitment to sustainable farming
practices amid unforeseen circumstances.
"It can be intimidating for many family farms to change the way
they do business, so we're giving our suppliers the right tools and
resources to successfully launch improved eCommerce platforms,"
said Chris Brandt, Chief Marketing
Officer. "Our Food with Integrity values start with our farmers and
helping them adapt to new technologies and ways of reaching the
consumer is crucial for both the future of the farming industry and
Chipotle."
To kick-off the program, four different Chipotle suppliers will
sell through their own individual digital storefronts as part of
the Chipotle Virtual Farmers' Market: Niman Ranch, Petaluma
Creamery, McKaskle Family Farm and Meister
Cheese. Each supplier is essential to Chipotle's existing
restaurant supply chain and has been working with the brand for
over a decade. Niman Ranch supplies restaurants with pork for
carnitas and beef for steak and barbacoa. Petaluma Creamery
provides Monterey Jack shredded cheese, Meister Cheese provides Monterey Jack shredded
cheese and Monterey Jack cheese for Queso Blanco, and McKaskle
Family Farm supplies organic white and brown rice. Each product
used in Chipotle restaurants is called out next to each farm on the
Virtual Farmers' Market homepage, so fans can easily order key
ingredients in their favorite menu items. Throughout the week,
Chipotle's Director of Culinary and Menu Development Chef
Chad Brauze will share Chipotle
Virtual Farmers' Market-inspired recipes on Chipotle's TikTok
channel.
Customers from around the country can find links to each
supplier's virtual storefront by visiting:
farmersmarket.chipotle.com. The four storefronts can also be
accessed directly:
- Niman Ranch
- Petaluma Creamery
- McKaskle Family Farm
- Meister Cheese
Over the past month, Chipotle and Shopify have worked together
to lead virtual onboarding sessions with the partner farmers to
help them get acquainted with Shopify's eCommerce platform.
"This new Virtual Farmers' Market gives an opportunity for my
farm, and hundreds of other small, sustainable farmers like me in
the Niman Ranch network raising livestock humanely and without
antibiotics, to remain sustainable and resilient through hard
times," said Kirsten Eckerman,
Wisconsin farmer for Niman
Ranch.
As reported in its latest Sustainability Report Update, Chipotle
is empowering the next generation of farmers by offering education,
scholarships, grants, and three-year contracts to young farmers.
Chipotle and the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation have contributed
over $500,000 to-date to support the
next generation of farmers through the National Young Farmers
Coalition. Most recently, 50 diverse young farmers were awarded
$5,000 grants to begin or grow their
business, 78% of which represent minorities in the industry.
Additionally, Chipotle and Chipotle Cultivate Foundation are
helping growth stage ventures across the country to advance
innovative solutions in farming through the accelerator program,
Chipotle Aluminaries Project 2.0.
ABOUT CHIPOTLE
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is cultivating a better
world by serving responsibly sourced, classically-cooked, real food
with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or
preservatives. Chipotle had over 2,600 restaurants as of March
31, 2020, in the United States, Canada, the United
Kingdom, France and Germany and is the only
restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its
restaurants. With more than 85,000 employees passionate about
providing a great guest experience, Chipotle is a longtime leader
and innovator in the food industry. Chipotle is committed to making
its food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand
with a demonstrated purpose as it leads the way in digital,
technology and sustainable business practices. Steve Ells,
founder and former executive chairman, first opened Chipotle with a
single restaurant in Denver, Colorado in 1993. For more
information or to place an order online,
visit WWW.CHIPOTLE.COM.
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SOURCE Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.