Canada’s ‘OPEC of maple syrup’ taps into strategic reserves amid global shortage

Canada’s ‘OPEC of maple syrup’ taps into strategic reserves amid global shortage

The Quebec Maple Syrup Producers comprised of some 11,000 Canadian maple syrup producers controls roughly 70% of the world’s maple syrup supply, and its stranglehold on the market has been “compared to the Organization of the Petroleum Countries’ grip on oil” according to The New York Post.

But the group says they have been hit with a surge in demand due to more folks cooking at home amid the pandemic, coupled with a 24% year-over-year drop in production due to warmer temperatures during spring along with a shorter season.

maple syrup
A tube system runs out of a tapped maple tree in the Wagler Maple Products sugarbush in Wessesley, Ontario, Canada (Photographer: James McDonald/Bloomberg via Getty Images) (James McDonald/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Not only will the Quebec Maple Syrup Producers release its reserves, but they plan to authorize more production next season to make up for this year’s drop. According to NPR, the group will tap an extra 7 million trees in an effort to get back to typical production levels and to replenish their reserves.

maple syrup
MONTREAL, QC – MARCH 18: Members of Team Canada drink maple syrup after finishing third in the men’s 5000 meter relay Final during the World Short Track Speed Skating Championships at Maurice Richard Arena on March 18, 2018 in Montreal, Quebec, Canad (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis – International Skating Union/International Skating Union via Getty Images / Getty Images)

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“That’s why the reserve is made, to never miss maple syrup,” Quebec Maple Syrup Producers’ communications director Helene Normandin told the outlet. “And we won’t miss maple syrup!”

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