CRISPR for ‘stronger, sweeter’ cocoa: Mars bets on gene editing technology to future-proof chocolate supply

Candy maker Mars said … it has partnered with biotech company Pairwise to speed up the development of more resilient cocoa using CRISPR-based gene editing technology.

The agreement gives the M&M’s maker access to Pairwise’s Fulcrum platform, which includes a library of plant traits, and gives Mars the ability to tailor its crops to be stronger and more sustainable.

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The goal is to create cacao plants — the source of cacao beans, which are then roasted and made into cocoa — that can better withstand disease, heat and other climate-related stresses that can put global chocolate supply at risk.

Gene editing allows for faster and more precise trait development than traditional breeding, Pairwise said in a press release.

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CRISPR has garnered attention in recent years for its applications in health care. In late 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first gene-editing treatment for sickle cell disease.

“At Mars, we believe CRISPR has the potential to improve crops in ways that support and strengthen global supply chains,” said Carl Jones, Plant Sciences Director at Mars, in the release.

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