Mars Inc. has entered into an agreement with Pairwise to utilize gene-editing technology in developing more resilient cocoa plants. This initiative aims to address challenges posed by climate change and diseases that threaten cocoa supply, which is critical for the production of Mars' popular chocolate products such as M&M’s. The company’s adoption of genetic editing is part of broader efforts in agricultural technology to secure crop yields amid environmental pressures. Similar advances are being observed in other sectors, such as Del Monte Fresh increasing defenses against diseases affecting banana crops. Mars’ strategy reflects a growing trend among major food producers to leverage biotechnology to sustain agricultural productivity and supply chains.