As consumers increasingly seek healthier and fresher options for their diets, a small North Carolina startup, Pairwise, is striving to eliminate some of the barriers that deter many from enjoying fruits and vegetables. Leveraging CRISPR gene-editing technology, the two-year-old company aims to alter the DNA of produce items by removing bitterness from nutrient-rich greens, eliminating seeds from blackberries, and extracting the pits from cherries. Pairwise believes that by addressing these challenges, consumers will be more inclined to incorporate these foods into their meals. Enhanced flavors in greens could lead to increased salad consumption, providing essential nutrients like calcium, vitamins, and fiber. Additionally, fruits that were previously difficult to eat in public, such as cherries, become more appealing, while children may favor seedless berries in their lunchboxes.
“We believe that introducing more innovation in the produce aisle could generate greater interest in fruits and vegetables,” stated Heather Hudson, Pairwise’s head of collaboration. According to a 2017 report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 12.2% of American adults consumed the recommended daily intake of fruit in 2015, and merely 9.3% met the suggested vegetable intake. The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend adults consume 1.5 to 2 cups of fruit and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables daily.
Hudson, who manages vegetable initiatives at Pairwise, expressed optimism about launching the company’s first leafy green by 2022, given that greens have a quicker growth cycle. Fruits, however, require more time due to the lengthy growth periods of trees and bushes before production can be scaled. Ryan Rapp, head of product discovery overseeing fruits, indicated that seedless blackberries may not reach the market until 2023, with cherries taking longer due to the development time required for the trees.
Both Rapp and Hudson are quick to defend the use of CRISPR, which alters the genome to suppress undesirable traits or enhance preferred ones. Unlike traditional genetic modification that introduces new materials, Pairwise modifies existing genetic sequences. Criticism has long surrounded GMO crops regarding their safety and the secrecy of large agribusiness firms. In contrast, Pairwise is committed to transparency about its food production methods and the genetic influences involved in achieving desired results. “Consumers are eager to know where their food comes from and how it is produced, and we are embracing that,” Rapp noted. “By adhering to our values of transparency, we believe consumers will appreciate our efforts.”
Rapp emphasized that while GMOs have primarily focused on increasing yields for farmers, Pairwise’s innovations prioritize consumer benefits. “In the past, our work on corn and other crops was often more abstract for consumers,” he explained. “With Pairwise, they will recognize the tangible benefits of our products.”
To fund its research, Pairwise has sought support from unexpected sources, including major agribusiness firms. In 2018, Pairwise struck a deal with Monsanto, now under Bayer, which invested $100 million to enhance Pairwise’s intellectual property in row crop applications and the potential for commercializing products from the partnership. Monsanto Growth Ventures, along with Deerfield Management, also co-led a $25 million Series A financing round for Pairwise. Rapp mentioned that the company is exploring further funding avenues to support its growth trajectory.
While Pairwise has yet to bring a product to market, it is already considering future projects. Following the development of seedless blackberries, the company may explore other seedless berries like raspberries or strawberries, or potentially fruits with pits, such as peaches or apricots. Hudson pointed out that modifying flavor profiles to create unique offerings, such as a spicy tomato, is also on the table. “If we can find a way to remove a barrier to consumption,” she concluded, “it’s absolutely on the table.”
In line with their mission, Pairwise is committed to enhancing the nutritional value of their products, potentially contributing to dietary needs like nature made calcium citrate 600 mg, offering consumers a healthier and more enjoyable eating experience.