Mars counts on genetic engineering to make cocoa resilient to global warming

Using genetic technology, snack giant Mars aims to protect cocoa crops from diseases and climate change. The stakes are high, as the global price of cocoa rose to record levels earlier this year.

Innovative technology

Cocoa, a raw material needed for chocolate, is under pressure worldwide from extreme weather and diseases. In January, the price of cocoa reached an all-time high of 10.75 dollars (approximately ten euros) per kilogram. Poor harvests in West Africa, the main region for cocoa cultivation, are behind these records. Although the market has stabilised somewhat in recent months, analysts warn that uncertainty remains for the time being.