Pairwise Develops World’s First Seedless Blackberry
Pairwise, a company pioneering genetics-based innovation in food and agriculture, has developed the world’s first seedless blackberry. Created using the company’s proprietary Fulcrum Platform, a complete suite of novel tools for CRISPR application in plants, this is the first time seedlessness has been achieved in any caneberry.
“We are thrilled to share this breakthrough achievement from our talented R&D team. Pairwise scientists have used their deep knowledge of plant genetics, broad suite of CRISPR tools, and multiplex editing techniques to eliminate the hard pits in berry fruit, creating soft, small seeds like those found in grapes and watermelon that are commonly labeled as seedless,” said Ryan Bartlett, Pairwise chief technology officer. “The result is the first seedless blackberry in the world. We expect that this trait will not only transform the blackberry market, but it also lays the groundwork for accelerated progress in removing seeds and pits in many other fruits such as cherries.”
Recent innovations in produce have been rapidly adopted due to the significant benefits they provide consumers, such as improved flavor, consistency, and convenience.
“The berry variety we edited is consistently sweet year-round and holds up well during shipment; now, consumers will have the option to choose a nutritious blackberry without seeds that also reliably delivers great flavor and quality,” said Haven Baker, Pairwise co-founder and chief business officer. “Blackberries are a snackable fruit with significant health benefits; however, data indicates that more than 30 percent of berry buyers do not like the seeds, and many more do not even buy the fruit because of the seeds.”
In addition to creating the first seedless caneberry, Pairwise has successfully edited the same variety to eliminate thorns and create a more compact plant that delivers benefits for harvesters, growers and the environment. The thornless and compact traits enable more efficient fruit harvesting and improved productivity and profitability for growers. The new compact trait means the plants are smaller and can be planted at a higher density per acre. Early data from Pairwise-led trials indicate the potential to greatly increase yield per acre while necessitating only a minimal increase in inputs – meaning the water and land used per crate of fruit harvested decreases significantly.
“Our high-density compact and thornless traits contribute to a more sustainable food system. The absence of thorns and reduced height of the compact plants allow berry harvesters to better access the fruit and leave less on the plant, reducing food waste and further improving the growers’ economics. With the precision of CRISPR, we’re able to develop these thornless and compact traits without sacrificing consistency in flavor and quality for consumers,” said Baker. “We’re excited to advance these berries into the next phase of product development, including outdoor field trials, as we work toward scaling up and making them available to the public in a few years.”
“A key challenge in our food system is helping people eat more high-quality, healthy foods. As part of our drive to increase the consumption of fruit and vegetables, we’re working to provide consumers with new, highly nutritious food options with improved flavor and convenience,” said Tom Adams, Pairwise Co-Founder and CEO. “With a deep understanding of the plant genome, an accurate, efficient, and scalable process, and streamlined pathway to commercialization, we are not only creating new products with our proprietary CRISPR technology, we are creating a new era of innovation in agriculture.”
Learn more about Pairwise and its Fulcrum Platform here.
Pairwise is pioneering the application of CRISPR technology in food and agriculture. The company brings together leaders in agriculture, technology, and consumer foods to harness the transformative potential of new genomics technologies to create innovative new products. Pairwise is working to develop new varieties of crops, and to partner with organizations that seek to deliver innovation across the plant-based economy. Backed by industry leading investors Deerfield, Aliment Capital, Leaps by Bayer, and Temasek,
Pairwise raised $90 million in a successful series B funding round in February 2021, bringing total fundraising to $115 million. The company was founded by Chief Executive Officer Tom Adams and Chief Business Officer Haven Baker, with scientific co-founders J. Keith Joung, Lead Translator at Arena BioWorks; David Liu, Director of the Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, and Vice-Chair of the Faculty at the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT; and Feng Zhang, McGovern Investigator and a professor at MIT. For more information, visit Pairwise.com, and learn more about the differentiating Pairwise Fulcrum Platform here.
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Green Life Farms Launches Updated, Recyclable Packaging
Green Life Farms, the leading controlled-environment agriculture grower in the Southeast United States, has launched new packaging, featuring a “peel and reseal” container style for its Sandwich Leaf and Butter Leaf, along with updated label designs for all products. All Green Life Farms packaging is made from 100 percent PET recyclable plastic which reflects the company’s commitment to quality, innovation, and environmental sustainability. By prioritizing sustainable packaging options, the company aims to minimize its environmental impact without compromising on its product integrity.
The new design, developed by Green Life Farms’ dedicated team of experts, utilizes 40 percent less plastic while extending produce shelf life. This advancement reduces environmental impact and minimizes food waste. In tandem with the development of the new container, the company also revamped its label design. The result is a sleek and modern design that highlights the flavor, freshness, and locally grown benefits of its products.
“We’re thrilled to introduce our new packaging design,” said Sarah Boone, director of marketing. “We are confident that our customers will love not only the new look but also the functionality of the new packaging, which enhances the freshness and flavor of our Florida-grown greens.”
Green Life Farms’ dedication to automation, environmental sustainability, and cost-efficiency is evident in every aspect of its operations. The introduction of this new packaging is just one example of the company’s ongoing efforts to innovate and lead the way in sustainable agriculture. By reducing plastic usage, extending shelf life, and ensuring recyclability, the company is making strides as an industry leader within the controlled agriculture industry.
Green Life Farms operates state-of-the-art hydroponic greenhouses in Lake Worth and Punta Gorda, Fla. By incorporating agriculture with technology and focusing on food safety and local delivery, it provides consumers with fresh, tasty, and clean greens that are good for their bodies, families, communities and planet.
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GoVerden Expands Products in Walmart, Whole Foods
GoVerden, the maker of all-natural, ready-made guacamole, launched a nationwide retail expansion of products. Beginning The brand’s distribution in Walmart will increase from 200 to 1,050 stores across the country, offering the brand’s top selling Guacamole Mild and Guacamole Spicy to a larger customer base. Second only to the Super Bowl, this time of year is the United States’ biggest consumption occasion for guacamole, and GoVerden is ensuring shelves are stocked to meet demand.
Following the expanded nationwide distribution in Walmart, GoVerden is also excited to announce that Guacamole Mild will be available nationally at Whole Foods starting in June. This expansion reflects the brand’s growing popularity and commitment to making its high-quality, convenient products accessible to a wider range of consumers.
“Guacamole and processed avocado products are registering double-digit growth in sales year over year, in retail and food service, which is why we are expanding our national distribution further,” says Rick Joyal, vice president of North American Sales at GoVerden. “Our goal is to meet the growing needs for our high-quality, all-natural guacamole, and ensure that everyone across the nation can enjoy our industry leading avocado products,” the 20 year guacamole sales veteran shares.
GoVerden is owned by three of the largest avocado growers in Michoacán, Mexico. The family farming operations date back more than three decades, boasting a rich history of producing avocados for both the fresh and processed markets. The inception of the brand started in 2018 when the passion for creating a ready-to-enjoy guacamole brand united the like-minded growers.
GoVerden sets itself apart with its unexpectedly fresh flavor, crafting guacamole exclusively with non-GMO Certified fruits and vegetables, maintaining a 100% natural product. The brand uses a high-pressure pasteurization process that eliminates pathogens and extends shelf life, without the use of artificial preservatives. “We prioritize taste and quality above anything else. Our unique farm-to-table approach ensures that every spoonful of GoVerden guacamole is packed with the freshest ingredients. You will taste the difference,” says Joyal.
Every GoVerden product starts with hand-scooped Hass avocados, grown in Michoacán, Mexico, the avocado capital of the world. This attention to detail results in a chunky yet creamy texture that is synonymous with homemade guacamole. For the consumer who values quality, flavor and freshness, GoVerden’s all-natural, non-GMO, ready-made guacamole and fresh avocado products are an ideal choice. Look out for GoVerden Guacamole in your local Walmart today, and in Whole Foods starting in June.
For a more information about GoVerden visit us at www.goverden.com and follow us on Instagram @go.verden
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