Chipotle says no to genetically modified ingredients
Two years ago, without pressure from consumers or court orders demanding disclosure, Chipotle became the first national restaurant chain to reveal the genetically altered ingredients found in its food. Above and beyond this announcement, Chipotle committed to transitioning their menu offering away from genetically modified organisms (GMO). After some supply chain and ingredient adjustments, the restaurant has now claimed it has reached its non-GMO goals. It was however not an easy road. Finding a sufficient number of non-GMO suppliers to meet the demand of over 1,800 locations was no easy task. For example, unaltered soybean oil, a main ingredient in the restaurant’s chips and taco shells, proved to be quite a challenge to find.
Chipotle’s commitment to non-GMO ingredients has put pressure on other restaurant chains to make similar moves. McDonald’s, for example, seems to be following suit on this matter. The biggest challenge to all of this will be found at the supplier level.
To read more about Chipotle’s recent changes, click here.
Walmart set to reach sustainability targets
While Walmart may not make it on the major lists recognizing sustainable corporations, the company does deserve some recognition for its successful supply chain sustainability initiatives. Over the course of the past several years, Walmart has committed to improving its operations on several fronts, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, more efficient water use, and reducing waste.
The company is currently on track to meet one of the goals it set for 2015, namely the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 20 million metric tons. This progress can be credited in part to the company’s partnership with the Environmental Defense Fund. Furthermore, through the creation of its Climate Smart Agriculture Platform, the company was able to establish partnerships with 17 of its suppliers, cooperatives and service providers. These organizations are working together to increase efficiency in water and fertilizer use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Click here to read more on Walmart’s progress.
California dreamin’ … about water
As a former Californian (I will always be a Californian at heart), this was a story I could not pass up. The current drought the state is facing has been covered in the headlines quite a bit lately, and rightfully so. If the water supply continues to dry up, California’s agricultural industry, which uses up to 80% of the state’s fresh water, will have a tough time keeping the balance between supply and demand for produce.
At the moment, Nestle’s bottled water production and almond growers are being tagged as top contributors to the problem. All finger-pointing aside, the current drought situation California is facing serves as a reminder that natural disruptions will always be a threat to supply chain operations.
To read more on the water supply issues in California, click here.
Have a great weekend!
