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Chipotle Mexican Grill debuts first seasonal beverage LTOChipotle Mexican Grill debuts first seasonal beverage LTO

Watermelon Limeade was developed in partnership with Tractor Beverage Co. to support organic farming

Lisa Jennings, Executive Editor

June 9, 2022

2 Min Read
Chipotle limeade
The chain has pledged to donate 5% of sales to causes that support farmers and organic practices.Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle Mexican Grill has been adding more variety to its food offerings in recent years and now the chain is looking to bring some attention to the beverage side.

On Thursday, Chipotle announced its first seasonal beverage limited-time offer: Watermelon Limeade, developed in partnership with Tractor Beverage Co., a company that supports organic farming practices.

Offering the new beverage as an LTO in U.S. and Canada, Chipotle has committed 5% of sales of the drink to causes that support farmers. The Watermelon Limeade is made with “real ingredients” that are not genetically modified and 100% certified organic, with no additives or preservatives, Chipotle said.

It’s served in the “Bubbler” as a fountain drink, so it’s only available for dine-in and carry out. Prices for Bubbler drinks average about $2.40 for 22 ounces, and $2.70 for 32 ounces.

Like all new menu items, the drink went through the chain’s stage-gate testing process in Atlanta, Kansas City and Orange County, Calif.

“We’re thrilled to introduce our first seasonal beverage with the freshest flavors of summer,”
 said Stephanie Perdue, Chipotle’s vice president of marketing, in a statement. “The consumer response to Watermelon Limeade surpassed expectations as it quickly became our bestselling Tractor Beverage in test markets last year.”

Related:Will this steak dish make it to Chipotle Mexican Grill’s menu?

Tractor also produces Chipotle’s lemonades, agua frescas and tea, some of which are exclusive to the fast-casual chain.

Chipotle has long been a supporter of organic farming. Last year, the chain purchased more than 40 million pounds of organic and transitional ingredients for its restaurants. The company has also committed $5 million by the end of 2025 to support farmers and help younger farmers meet the chain’s Food With Integrity standards. 

In addition, Chipotle supports the National Young Farmers Coalition’s movement to ensure equitable access to land for the next generation.

Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected]

Follow her on Twitter: @livetodineout

About the Author

Lisa Jennings

Executive Editor, Nation's Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality

Lisa Jennings is executive editor of Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. She joined the NRN staff as West Coast editor in 2004 as a veteran journalist. Before joining NRN, she spent 11 years at The Commercial Appeal, the daily newspaper in Memphis, Tenn., most recently as editor of the Food and Health & Wellness sections. Prior experience includes staff reporting for the Washington Business Journal and United Press International.

Lisa’s areas of expertise include coverage of both large public restaurant chains and small independents, the regulatory and legal landscapes impacting the industry overall, as well as helping operators find solutions to run their business better.

Lisa Jennings’ experience:

Executive editor, NRN (March 2020 to present)

Executive editor, Restaurant Hospitality (January 2018 to present)

Senior editor, NRN (September 2004 to March 2020)

Reporter/editor, The Commercial Appeal (1990-2001)

Reporter, Washington Business Journal (1985-1987)

Contact Lisa Jennings at:

[email protected]

@livetodineout

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-jennings-83202510/

 

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