Chipotle Considers Dropping Guacamole Because of Climate Change

Are you ready for the guacamole and salsa-free Chipotle burrito? Think Progress points out that in a recent investor report, Chipotle states that "increasing weather volatility" and "long-term changes in global weather patterns, including any changes associated with global climate change" could have a "significant impact" on the price and availability of raw ingredients. In the event that prices get too high, the burrito company says: "we may choose to temporarily suspend serving menu items, such as guacamole or one or more of our salsas, rather than paying the increased cost." The report notes that menu changes like that could "adversely affect" the Chipotle bottom line.

Of course, this is speculation on Chipotle's part in an effort to warn investors about potential risks the company faces. Chipotle currently uses some 97,000 pounds of avocados a day. Still, the burrito chain has had to respond to supply issues before, especially with beef. Because of their ever-increasing demand, the company has considered using beef treated with antibiotics. Chipotle has also used "conventionally raised" meats when there's been a supply shortage of humanely raised meats.

UPDATE: A Chipotle spokesperson tells NPR that the situation is not dire: "There is no looming 'guacapocalypse' and I wouldn't read too much into this."

· Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc SEC Filings 10-K [Official]
· Chipotle Might Stop Serving Guacamole [TP via Jezebel]
· All Chipotle Coverage on Eater [-E-]