Newport Beach-based Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. (NYSE: CMG) said it struck a deal with Tractor Beverage Co. that adds new items to the menu, while also marking what it’s calling its first product additions with a philanthropic angle.
Four new beverage flavors will be added to the menu as a result of the deal: organic lemonade, organic hibiscus lemonade, organic mandarin agua fresca and organic berry agua fresca. Tractor Beverages also bottled its organic lemonade and organic black tea flavors for Chipotle orders.
The restaurant operator, OC’s second largest with a market cap of $32.4 billion, said 5% of the profits from those beverage sales will be funneled to programs aimed at helping local farmers. This continues Chipotle’s focus on supporting local farms and the next generation of farmers.
It more recently launched the Chipotle Virtual Farmers’ Market, a digital platform aimed at helping local farmers sell their products to consumers via an online marketplace.
Tractor, started by organic farmer Travis Potter, is based out of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and produces organic, non-GMO beverages. Tractor beverages are currently distributed through restaurant partners and venues.
