Key Points:
- Mars is using gene-editing CRISPR technology from Pairwise to enhance cocoa plants and combat climate challenges and disease pressure in the chocolate industry.
- The global cocoa shortage has led to significant price increases for chocolate, prompting companies like Hershey to raise prices and explore alternative ingredients.
- Lindt has also raised prices due to high commodity costs and dwindling cocoa supply in West Africa, which accounts for 70% of the world’s cocoa crop.
- Mars’ investment in gene-editing research aims to address farming challenges in cocoa production and ensure a stable cocoa supply.
- Pairwise’s Fulcrum platform allows for faster development of new crops using CRISPR technology, with successes in creating seedless blackberries and bitterless mustard greens.
- Food giants like Hershey, Mondelēz, and Nestlé are investing in improving cocoa output and sustainable farming practices, with some exploring alternatives like lab-grown cocoa production.
Insight:
Mars collaborating with Pairwise to leverage CRISPR technology to enhance cocoa plants is a strategic move to address the challenges faced by the chocolate industry. The global cocoa shortage has created a ripple effect, leading to price hikes and a shift towards alternative ingredients by major chocolate companies like Hershey. Lindt’s decision to raise prices reflects the ongoing struggles in cocoa production, particularly in West Africa. Despite these challenges, companies are actively investing in research and innovation to ensure a sustainable cocoa supply chain. Pairwise’s innovative approach to gene-editing through Fulcrum offers promising solutions for crop development, with potential applications beyond cocoa plants. The industry’s collective effort towards sustainable farming practices and exploring alternative sources of cocoa indicates a commitment to long-term resilience and innovation in the face of changing market dynamics.