CapsiBreed signs key deal with Dutch seed firm to boost pepper breeding
Israeli agritech firm moves forward with gene editing to meet growing food demands.
ISRAEL – CapsiBreed, an agritech startup based in Israel, has entered into a major commercial agreement with Dutch seed company Erma Zaden, aiming to boost the quality of hybrid hot and bell pepper seeds through gene editing.
The deal marks an important step forward for CapsiBreed’s crop improvement technology, which has shown strong potential in addressing ongoing challenges in agriculture.
Under the agreement, Erma Zaden will supply elite parental seed lines that CapsiBreed will modify using its gene editing tools. The goal is to introduce new traits such as improved shelf life, flavour, higher yields, and resistance to both pests and environmental stress.
The project also aims to align with shifting consumer demands, including preferences for texture and colour.
“This is a major milestone for CapsiBreed,” said Dr. Oded Skaliter, co-founder and CTO of CapsiBreed. “This agreement marks CapsiBreed’s entry into the big leagues, serving as a testament to the company’s technology and capabilities.”
CapsiBreed’s platform focuses on peppers, which have long resisted gene modification methods compared to other crops in the same family, such as tomatoes.
“Our technology removes this bottleneck, enabling the efficient application of molecular breeding techniques to rapidly and precisely introduce multiple desirable traits – such as disease resistance and enhanced flavour – that were previously unattainable through traditional pepper breeding,” Dr. Skaliter said.
The agreement also allows CapsiBreed to access Erma Zaden’s broader portfolio, including tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, and watermelons.
Faster, more accurate breeding
Traditional pepper breeding methods require a lot of time and resources, especially when introducing traits into both parent seed lines. CapsiBreed’s approach shortens this process, making it more accurate.
“By integrating CapsiBreed’s cutting-edge technology will allow to speed up and elevate the process to a new level of precision and innovation,” the company said.
CapsiBreed is backed by Hebrew University of Jerusalem through its tech transfer company, Yissum. “This partnership embodies Yissum’s mission to transform academic excellence into real-world solutions,” said Alon Natanson, CEO of Yissum. “CapsiBreed’s breakthrough is not just an academic achievement – it’s a significant commercial leap forward for sustainable agriculture.”
Gene editing gains ground in agriculture
According to Dr. Oded Sagee, co-founder and CEO of CapsiBreed, gene editing is becoming essential in seed production. “Seed companies that do not adopt gene-editing technologies will fall behind,” he said. “Meeting the global need for more resilient, high-quality crops requires innovation. This is the next green revolution – and it’s already underway.”
The bell pepper market has also seen strong demand. In 2024, it was valued at about US$10.65 billion, supported by growing interest in healthy eating and plant-based diets. It is projected to reach US$17.57 billion by 2033.
Improvements from gene editing — such as longer shelf life, stronger disease resistance, and better taste — are making peppers more appealing to both farmers and consumers.
CapsiBreed’s agreement reflects a wider move toward using modern breeding techniques to support global food needs amid rising climate and supply concerns.
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