How Mars Is Using Gene-Editing to Fortify Cacao Supply
To address mounting pressures on the global cocoa supply chain, confectionery producer Mars is leveraging a strategic partnership with the biotechnology research company Pairwise.
This collaboration aims to use advanced gene-editing technology to address major agricultural challenges and fortify the future supply of cacao.
The move could represent a major shift in how the industry approaches crop development in an era of increasing climate and economic volatility.
The partnership provides Mars with a licence to use Pairwise’s Fulcrum platform, a suite of proprietary gene-editing tools.
Pairwise, founded in 2017 by leading scientists in the field of CRISPR technology, focuses on creating a healthier and more sustainable food system by making crops easier to grow and more resilient.
Pairwise's work in targeted crop improvements has already shown a high degree of success, suggesting a promising outlook for its application in cacao.
Harnessing gene editing for cacao research
The core of the collaboration lies in applying Pairwise’s Fulcrum platform, which utilises tools like the SHARC enzyme, to Mars’ cacao research and development programmes.
This technology allows for precise modifications to the plant's genome, a process that is considerably faster and more targeted than traditional crop breeding methods.
Historically, developing new plant varieties could take many years with unpredictable outcomes.
With access to Pairwise's gene editing tools enzymes and trait libraries, Mars can explore modifications to the cacao plant that enhance its natural characteristics.
The goal is to develop plants that are better equipped to handle environmental stressors while producing more reliable yields.
"At Mars, we believe CRISPR has the potential to improve crops in ways that support and strengthen global supply chains," explained 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."
Addressing supply chain volatility
The business imperative for this innovation is clear. Cocoa prices have been reaching new highs due to poor harvests and the growing impacts of climate change.
A major portion of the world's cocoa, with some reports suggesting as much as 70%, is cultivated in West Africa where drought, ageing trees and disease have severely hampered crop yields. These factors have created instability for chocolate producers globally.
By investing in genetic modification, Mars is taking a proactive step to create a more dependable supply of cacao.
Cacao trees typically take between three to five years to mature and produce pods making recovery from poor harvests a slow process.
Gene-editing techniques could accelerate the testing and deployment of new plant varieties that are more resilient and productive, helping to mitigate supply chain disruptions.
The future of sustainable crop development
This initiative by Mars and Pairwise highlights a broader trend toward using biotechnology to address agricultural vulnerabilities.
As climate threats impact numerous crops worldwide, traditional growth and breeding cycles are often too slow to adapt effectively.
The ability to speed up the development of more robust plant varieties is becoming essential for ensuring long-term food security and supply chain stability.
"We're pleased to provide Mars with access to our Fulcrum platform for their cacao research and development initiatives," says 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."
Through this application of scientific innovation, the partnership aims not only to strengthen value chains and increase cocoa yields but also to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural model for a critical global commodity.
