7 Reasons Why Exporting Maple Syrup from Canada is a Sweet Deal
Maple syrup is one of Canada’s most iconic products, and for good reason. It is delicious, nutritious, and versatile, and it has a long history of being produced and consumed by Indigenous peoples and settlers alike. But did you know that maple syrup is also a valuable export commodity that contributes to Canada’s economy and global reputation? Here are seven reasons why exporting maple syrup from Canada is a sweet deal.
1. Canada is the world’s leading producer and exporter of maple products
According to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canada produced 14.3 million gallons of maple syrup in 2020, accounting for 75% of the global market. Of that amount, 61 million kg were exported to 68 different countries, with a value of $515 million. Quebec is the largest producer, representing 96.4% of Canadian product exports, followed by New Brunswick, Ontario, and Nova Scotia.
2. Maple syrup is a natural and renewable resource that supports sustainable forest management
Maple syrup is made by boiling down the sap of maple trees, which are tapped in early spring when the temperature fluctuates between freezing and thawing. The tapping process does not harm the trees, and only a small fraction of the sap is collected each year. Maple trees can live for hundreds of years and provide habitat for wildlife, carbon sequestration, and other ecosystem services.
3. Maple syrup is a healthy and versatile sweetener that can be used in various cuisines and dishes
Maple syrup contains antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals that have health benefits such as reducing inflammation, improving blood sugar control, and boosting immunity. Maple syrup also has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, meaning it causes less spikes in blood glucose levels. Maple syrup can be used as a topping for pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, yogurt, and ice cream, as well as an ingredient in baking, sauces, marinades, dressings, and beverages.
4. Maple syrup is a cultural and historical symbol that reflects Canada’s identity and diversity
Maple syrup has been part of the Indigenous peoples’ diet and culture for centuries, and they taught the European settlers how to tap trees and make syrup. Maple syrup became a staple food for the early colonists, who used it as a sweetener and a preservative. Today, maple syrup is enjoyed by Canadians of all backgrounds and regions, and it is celebrated in festivals, events, and traditions across the country. The maple leaf is also a national emblem that adorns the Canadian flag, currency, coat of arms, and other symbols.
5. Maple syrup is a source of income and employment for thousands of Canadians, especially in rural areas
According to Statistics Canada, there were 8,976 maple farms in Canada in 2016, employing 9,383 people. Most of these farms are family-owned and operated, and they generate income from selling maple products directly to consumers or through intermediaries such as processors, distributors, retailers, or exporters. Maple syrup production also supports other sectors such as tourism, hospitality, transportation, packaging, and marketing.
6. Maple syrup is a competitive and innovative industry that adapts to changing consumer demands and market opportunities
Canadian maple producers use modern technology and equipment to improve the efficiency and quality of their operations, such as vacuum systems, reverse osmosis machines, digital thermometers, and grading instruments . They also invest in research and development to enhance the production, processing, storage, and marketing of maple products. They also diversify their product offerings to include not only different grades and flavours of maple syrup, but also maple butter, sugar, candy, taffy, cream, and vinegar.
Maple syrup is a distinctive and attractive product that enhances Canada’s image and reputation abroad. Canadian maple products are recognized for their high quality, authenticity ,and traceability, and they comply with strict food safety and environmental standards. They also reflect Canada’s values of respect, collaboration, and innovation ,and they showcase Canada’s natural beauty, diversity ,and heritage .Canadian maple products are sought after by consumers around the world who appreciate their taste, nutrition ,and versatility.
Exporting Maple Syrup from Canada: A Sweet Success Story
Canada is the world’s largest producer and exporter of maple syrup, a natural sweetener that is derived from the sap of maple trees. Maple syrup is a quintessential Canadian product that symbolizes the country’s rich natural resources and cultural heritage. In this blog post, we will explore some of the statistics and trends that show the global demand and potential for Canadian maple syrup exports.
Production and Sales
According to Statistics Canada, Canadian maple producers harvested 14.3 million gallons of maple syrup in 2020, surpassing the previous record of 13.2 million gallons in 2019 by 8.3%. The increased production resulted in total sales of $558.5 million in 2020, up 7.9% from a year earlier. Maple products accounted for 6.4% of all Canadian horticulture farm cash receipts in 2020.
The majority of Canadian maple syrup production comes from Quebec, which accounted for 92% of the national output in 2020, followed by New Brunswick (4%), Ontario (3%), and Nova Scotia (1%). The production of maple syrup depends on the weather conditions during the spring season, when the sap flows from the maple trees. A warm spring in 2021 reduced the maple syrup production by 20.9% to 11.3 million gallons, but the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers released some of its reserves to meet the demand.
Exports and Markets
Canada is also the world’s largest exporter of maple products in terms of value and volume, with exports valued at $515 million in 2020, up 19.8% from 2019. In terms of value, Quebec accounted for 96.4% of Canadian maple product exports in 2020. Canadian maple products were exported to 68 different countries around the world in 2020; 59.1% of the exports were destined to the United States, 9.8% to Germany, 6.0% to the United Kingdom, 5.2% to Australia, and 4.8% to Japan, and 4.4% to France, with the other export destinations accounting for the remaining 10.8% of total exports.
The global demand for maple syrup is growing, as consumers seek natural and healthy alternatives to refined sugar and artificial sweeteners. According to Volza’s Canada Export Data, Canada exported 7.6 million gallons of maple syrup in the first three quarters of 2021, up 1.3 million gallons compared with the same period a year earlier.
References:
https://agriculture.canada.ca/sites/default/files/documents/2021-08/MapleReport_2020_EN.pdf
https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/230-maple-syrup-quintessential-canadian-sweetener
https://www.volza.com/p/maple-syrup/export/export-from-canada/
https://reviewmoose.ca/blog/how-much-maple-syrup-does-canada-produce/
https://agriculture.canada.ca/sites/default/files/documents/2021-08/MapleReport_2020_EN.pdf
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/maple-sugar-industry
https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/sector/horticulture/reports/canadian-maple-syrup
https://www.volza.com/p/maple-syrup/export/export-from-canada/
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