Sugaring season has arrived in Quebec, marking the arrival of spring in the province. As daytime temperatures rise above zero and drop to freezing at night, sap begins to flow, and 11,300 maple producers begin their annual harvest. The sugaring season will last until the end of April in most regions.
Last year, maple syrup achieved record numbers, with production reaching 175 million pounds. Each year, maple syrup production contributes $800 million to Canada’s GPD, as well as provide 10,500 jobs across 12 provinces.
Quebec accounted for 73% of the entire world’s maple syrup supply in 2020 and saw a 14% increase in sales and a 22% increase in exports since 2019. 90% of all Canadian maple syrup exports originated in Quebec forests.
Traditionally, the Quebec Maple Syrup Producers (QMSP) begins each sugaring season with an official tapping of a maple tree. This year, the QMSP changed up the tradition and published an economic report and released a video as a tribute to the all the maple syrup producers in Quebec. The video can be found here.
"In the past 10 years, annual sales of maple syrup have more than doubled, going from 68.2 million pounds in 2011 to over 144 million in 2020,” said Simon Trépanier, QMSP Executive Director. “Last year, we saw a 14% increase over 2019! We're proud that QMSP's efforts and strategies are contributing to our industry's growth."
"All winter, our people have been out in the forest tapping their maple trees,” said Serge Beaulieu, QMSP President. “That's about 50 million taps hand-placed by the men, women, and families who make up Québec's 7,400 maple enterprises. We're all set for the 2021 season with high hopes for a bountiful harvest!"