Chipotle Invests in AI Supply Chain Platform to Enhance Food Safety

Chipotle has invested in an AI supply chain platform and fast-casual restaurant concept that the company says will enhance safety, yield, efficiency, quality, traceability and trust in food production.

The investment in the Lumachain AI supply chain platform and fast-casual restaurant concept Brassica was made through Chipotle’s $100 million Cultivate Next venture fund. 

Chipotle introduced Cultivate Next in 2022 for early-stage investments to help it strategically align with companies that further its mission to “cultivate a better world” and help accelerate its long-term growth plans of having 7,000 restaurants in North America.

Lumachain’s software as a service traceability platform in real time monitors the origin, location and condition of each item in the supply chain, from farm to table, leading to reduced waste and enhanced efficiency.

It’s complemented by Lumachain’s computer vision AI platform to monitor food production plant operation to help 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, Chipotle’s chief customer and technology officer. 

Related:IoT Food Safety Program Enhances Supply Chain Transparency, Traceability

Chipotle has also invested in Columbus, Ohio-based Brassica, a fast-casual restaurant concept that uses high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and offers healthy dining options without compromising flavor. 

“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, Chipotle’s chief business development officer. “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 also includes GreenField Robotics, Hyphen, Local Line, Meati Foods, Nitricity, Vebu and Zero Acre Farms.  

This article first appeared on IoT World Today's sister publication AI Business.