Mars has partnered with biotech company Pairwise to “speed up the development of more resilient cocoa using CRISPR-based gene editing technology,” reported CNBC.

CRISPR is a gene editing tool that makes changes to DNA. In farming, it’s reportedly used to improve crops by targeting different traits like drought and disease resistance.

“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,” the outlet wrote.

The goal is to create cacao plants which can better withstand disease, heat and other climate-related stresses that could possibly harm the crop and damage supply levels. Gene editing allows for faster and more precise trait development than traditional breeding, Pairwise said.

"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."

This announcement comes at a time when cocoa prices continue to hover above historic levels as poor weather and plant disease deplete West Africa’s cocoa bean supply—or about 70% of the world’s cocoa supply.

This has led to some chocolate manufacturers announcing they may need to raise prices to keep up. The average unit price of a chocolate bar in the United States in July 2021 was $2.43, according to NIQ. As of July 2025, it was $3.45, a 41% increase.

Last month, NACS Daily reported that Mars plans to invest another $2 billion into its United States factories over the next 18 months. The investment will reportedly span Mars’ snacking, food and pet-care businesses.