Conscious Foods, a purpose-driven brand launched today by food+tech company Pairwise, announced its entry into produce at the Future Food-Tech show, offering a taste of its first product Conscious Greens. The introduction of Conscious Foods represents a significant next step in the Pairwise mission to build a healthier world through better fruits and vegetables using CRISPR and gene editing to grow nutritious, flavorful new varieties.
Image: Business Wire
The first product from Conscious Foods will be the new nutrient-dense, leafy salad greens called Conscious Greens, slated to hit grocery store shelves in the form of packaged salads in 2023. Conscious Greens were developed with variety-seeking salad lovers in mind–they come in rich green and deep purple colors and were unveiled today at a tasting event led by chefs Sean Regan and Henry Chen of San Francisco-based mise en place. Regan is formerly of Octavia, and Chen previously served as Chef de Cuisine at Momofuku Noodle Bar.
“When my co-founders and I started the company in 2017, we wanted to create a different kind of food+tech company, one that really focused on the end benefits of its products to consumers and customers,” said Haven Baker, Chief Business Officer at Pairwise, Conscious Foods’ parent company. “Now, in 2022, we believe that the best way to realize this vision is by launching a purpose-driven consumer brand–Conscious Foods.”
The brand also is developing seedless blackberries, black raspberries, and pitless cherries. Pairwise will continue to serve as the parent brand for the company. The Durham, North Carolina-based company has raised $115 million in funding through two rounds, and it will continue to lead the way in gene editing technology in row crops and other plant-based applications.
Conscious Foods is focused on lowering the barriers that prevent people from consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables. Currently, only one in ten American adults eats the recommended amount (CDC, 2019). By making fresh fruits and vegetables more convenient and versatile, Conscious Foods is on a mission to change that figure.
“As a purpose-driven brand, we are supporting access to healthy food in the communities where we operate,” said Megan Thomas, Head of Marketing and Communications at Pairwise. “We know that consumers, especially younger adults, are increasingly interested in mission-focused brands, and we are excited to bring purpose into the produce aisle with Conscious Foods.”
Conscious Foods also announced today the launch of its Nutritionist Advisory Council, with Kristen Gradney, MHA, RDN, LDN, and Luis Gonzalez, MS, RD, serving as inaugural members. The Council will help the brand to develop new fresh produce items that are both convenient and easily integrated into familiar meals and snacks.
For more information: 
Emily Smith
Tel.: +1 703-888-7025
Emily.Smith@GlobalPrairie.com