McDonald’s Corporation (MCD), Starbucks Corporation (SBUX): The Paradigm Shift in American Food

Earlier this year, the company also purchased a 240-hectare farm in Costa Rica to serve as an international center and testing ground for improving and expanding C.A.F.E. These types of moves are especially important as “locavores” may already be concerned that all coffee consumed in the United States is shipped long distances before arriving in their respective cups.

Finally, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) offers a stark contrast to its former parent company, McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD). While some have criticized the burrito maker for trying to oversimplify the process of ethically sourcing its meat products, its “Food with Integrity” program was the first of its kind when introduced in 2001.

The program aims to only buy antibiotic-free pork raised outside, naturally raised cattle beef, cheese and sour cream from rBGH-free cows, and antibiotic-free chicken. The program gives preference to buying from organic, family-owned local farms. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) also scored big points earlier this year when it disclosed on its website types of food it sells that contain GMOs.

If you’re looking to invest in any company associated with food, investigate how it is addressing the organic and local food movement. This crucial and underappreciated viewpoint could lead to much better returns than simply looking at a company’s balance sheet.

Fool contributor Brian Stoffel owns shares of Starbucks and Whole Foods Market (NASDAQ:WFM). The Motley Fool recommends and owns shares of Chipotle Mexican (NYSE:CMG) Grill, McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Whole Foods Market. 

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