Latest news with #Pairwise
CNBC
4 days ago
- Business
- CNBC
Candy giant Mars partners with biotech firm to gene-edit cocoa supply
Candy maker Mars said Wednesday it's 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. CRISPR is a gene editing tool that makes fast and precise changes to DNA. In farming, it's used to improve crops by targeting different traits like drought and disease resistance. 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. In October, Starbucks invested in two innovation farms in Central America to protect the chain's coffee supply from global warming. The farms develop climate-resilient coffee and test technologies like drones and mechanization. Gene editing allows for faster and more precise trait development than traditional breeding, Pairwise said in a press release. 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. Last month, the candy giant announced a $2 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing through 2026. This includes a new $240 million investment for a Nature's Bakery facility in Utah.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Mars and Pairwise Collaborate to Accelerate Cacao Research and Development
Durham, N.C., Aug. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mars, Incorporated has licensed Pairwise's Fulcrum® gene editing tools for cacao research and development. This licensing agreement grants Mars access to Pairwise's CRISPR tools, including the SHARC™ enzyme. The Pairwise Fulcrum platform encompasses gene editing tools, enzymes and trait libraries, enabling precise changes that unlock the plant's inherent potential. This capability significantly accelerates the development of impactful crop traits compared to traditional breeding methods, allowing for the activation or deactivation of characteristics and fine-tuning traits, much like adjusting a dimmer switch to achieve optimal results. Mars aims to develop this advanced plant breeding technology to improve cacao production and effectively tackle agricultural challenges. The ultimate goal is to help address the pressures cacao faces globally from climate variability, plant diseases and environmental stresses. This strategic initiative underscores the potential of this technology to drive meaningful advancements in agriculture. "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. "Our focus is to transparently and responsibly conduct CRISPR research in plant science that helps crops better adapt to climate challenges, disease pressures and resource constraints." "We're pleased to provide Mars with access to our Fulcrum platform for their cacao research and development initiatives," said Ian Miller, Chief Operating Officer at Pairwise. "Plant breeding innovation has the potential to help address important agricultural challenges, and we look forward to supporting Mars' research goals." The Pairwise Fulcrum platform includes gene editing tools, enzymes and trait libraries, enabling precise changes that unlock the plant's inherent potential to greatly accelerate the development of impactful crop traits compared to traditional breeding methods.### About Pairwise Pairwise is agriculture's gene editing powerhouse, building a healthier world through partnership and plant innovation. Co-founded by the inventors of CRISPR, our Fulcrum® Platform accelerates the development of climate-resilient, nutritious, and sustainable crops. As trusted partners to global industry leaders and nonprofit institutions, we help breeders move faster while transforming food and agriculture for farmers, consumers, and the planet. Founded in 2017 and based in Durham, NC, Pairwise is committed to delivering innovation that makes food easier to grow and better to eat. For more information, visit CONTACT: Communications Pairwise communications@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Bloomberg
4 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
M&M's Maker Turns to Gene Editing in Bid to Secure Cocoa Supply
Mars Inc. is tapping gene-editing technology that could speed up the development of hardier cocoa plants — part of the company's efforts to ensure continued supplies of the crucial crop. The maker of Dove chocolate and M&M's is entering into a licensing agreement with Pairwise, an agricultural gene editing firm, in order to accelerate the development of plants with desirable traits, according to a statement. Under the agreement, Mars gets access to Pairwise's CRISPR tools, which allow scientists to modify organisms' DNA sequences.
