Pairwise Develops First Seedless Blackberry with Transformative CRISPR Technology

Core Insights - Pairwise has developed the world's first seedless blackberry using its proprietary Fulcrum™ Platform, marking a significant achievement in genetics-based innovation in food and agriculture [1][2] - The seedless blackberry is expected to transform the blackberry market and facilitate advancements in seedless varieties of other fruits, such as cherries [2] - The new blackberry variety is consistently sweet, holds up well during shipment, and addresses consumer preferences, as over 30% of berry buyers dislike seeds [3] Company Innovations - Pairwise has also edited the blackberry variety to eliminate thorns and create a more compact plant, enhancing harvest efficiency and productivity for growers [3][4] - The compact and thornless traits contribute to a more sustainable food system by reducing food waste and improving growers' economics [4] - The company aims to advance these innovations into outdoor field trials and plans to make them available to the public in a few years [4] Market Context - Recent innovations in produce have been rapidly adopted due to benefits such as improved flavor, consistency, and convenience for consumers [2] - Pairwise's mission includes increasing the consumption of high-quality, nutritious foods by providing new options with enhanced flavor and convenience [4] - The company has raised a total of $115 million, with $90 million from a series B funding round in February 2021, indicating strong investor confidence in its potential [5]