- Lumachain's SaaS platform uses Computer Vision-based Artificial
Intelligence to enhance safety, yield, efficiency, quality,
traceability, and trust in food production
- Brassica is a Mediterranean inspired sandwich and salad concept
committed to wholesome ingredients and sustainable practices
NEWPORT
BEACH, Calif., Oct. 15,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:
CMG) today announced it is making a minority investment in
Lumachain, an AI supply chain platform, and Brassica, a fast-casual
restaurant concept, through its $100
million Cultivate Next venture fund. Introduced in 2022,
Cultivate Next makes early-stage investments into strategically
aligned companies that further Chipotle's mission to Cultivate a
Better World and help accelerate the company's longer term growth
plans to operate 7,000 restaurants in North America.
Lumachain
Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, Lumachain's mission is to
improve how food is produced, for good. The minority female-founded
company has developed a traceability solution that, in real-time,
tracks the origin, location, and condition of individual items in a
supply chain, from farm to table, enabling reduced waste and
increased efficiency. Lumachain's traceability platform is
complemented by its Computer Vision AI platform that monitors
operations inside food production plants, to improve quality,
efficiency and safety.
"The visibility in real time and quality data analytics that
Lumachain's software provides could optimize the management and
quality of perishable goods for the food service industry," said
Curt Garner, Chief Customer and
Technology Officer, Chipotle.
Brassica
The Columbus,
Ohio based fast-casual restaurant serves wholesome,
Eastern Mediterranean-inspired cuisine for guests to personalize
their own salads and sandwiches. Founded in 2015, Brassica is
committed to using high quality, locally-sourced ingredients at its
six restaurant locations. The concept provides healthy dining
options without compromising flavor. It includes a front-line
ordering experience and a welcoming atmosphere defined by natural
materials and standout architectural details. Signature items
include house-made falafel, baked-to-order organic pita,
antibiotic-free meats, roasted vegetables, Brassica seasoned fries,
vegan tahini chocolate chip cookies, and fresh-squeezed minty pink
lemonade.
"Investing in emerging culinary concepts that align with
Chipotle's commitment to using real, fresh ingredients and making
craveable food daily is consistent with our mission to Cultivate a
Better World," said Nate Lawton,
Chief Business Development Officer, Chipotle. "Funding from
Cultivate Next's minority investment will help Brassica scale to
open new locations and expand to new markets."
Chipotle's Cultivate Next venture fund portfolio includes:
Brassica, GreenField Robotics, Hyphen, Local Line, Lumachain, Meati
Foods, Nitricity, Vebu, and Zero Acre Farms. Companies interested
in collaborating with Chipotle through the Cultivate Next venture
fund can apply by emailing CultivateNext@Chipotle.com.
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. There are over 3,500 restaurants as of June 30, 2024, in the
United States, Canada, the
United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Kuwait and it is the only restaurant company
of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants in
North America and Europe. Chipotle is ranked on the Fortune 500
and is recognized on Fortune's Most Admired Companies 2024 list and
Time Magazine's Most Influential Companies. With over 120,000
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. For more information or to place an order online, visit
Chipotle.com.
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SOURCE Chipotle Mexican Grill
