Canada dips into ‘emergency’ maple syrup supplies amid shortage

Canadians are known for many things, but possibly one of the country’s most well-known culinary exports is maple syrup.

This year, however, shortages of the delicious syrup have meant the country has had to go into its emergency reserves.

The Quebec Maple Syrup Producers (QMSP) organisation represents maple syrup producers in Canada and helps regulate and oversee maple syrup production in the region.

Due to global shortages, it is using approximately half of its emergency maple syrup stockpile to ensure it doesn’t knock on to consumers, equating to almost 50 million pounds (over 22 million kilograms) of syrup.

It’s the first time in three years that the emergency stock has had to be utilised, but QMSP communications director Helene Normandin told NPR there’s no reason to panic.

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Normandin reassured people: “That’s why the reserve is made, to never miss maple syrup. And we won’t miss maple syrup!”

Maple syrup is made from the sap of sugar maple trees. It is thought the sap harvest was lower than average this year, which has helped contribute to the global shortage.

Approximately 70 per cent of the world’s maple syrup is produced in Quebec and global demand for the sweet nectar has risen by 21 per cent, according to Bloomberg.

The QMSP’s stockpile last made the headlines in 2012, when it was discovered that almost 3,000 tonnes of maple syrup, worth around $18.7 million, had been stolen in the so-called “Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist”.