The candy giant Mars is partnering with Pairwise, a biotech company, to use gene-editing techniques to develop improved cacao plants for chocolate production.
CNBC reported that the agreement will allow Mars to access Pairwise technology and a library of plant traits to make DNA adjustments in cacao plants to address disease resistance, drought survival, and other factors.
A critical component in the advanced work is the use of the Pairwise gene-editing tool called "CRISPR." It can make precise DNA edits to enhance cacao plants, which produce cacao beans, the source of the base ingredient for chocolate used in many Mars candy products.
Mars has a webpage that focuses on its long-term genetic research. It indicates that the McLean, Virginia-based company is "working with leading universities, including the University of California, Berkeley, to conduct preliminary research into the potential benefits of CRISPR on cacao, peanut, maize and mint."
Mars said it has no involvement in gene-altering work involving humans or animals.
Mars produces a range of products in addition to candy, including pet food, pet care products, and veterinary care items and services. The company last year committed to a $6 billion investment in its U.S.-based manufacturing operations and last week upped that by $2 billion.
Jim Mishler ✉
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