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- calendar_today October 19, 2026
Quebec's Reserve of Maple Syrup Runs Dry
The strategic reserve of maple syrup in Quebec, maintained by the province's maple syrup producers, has been depleted, according to a new report. The head of Québec Maple Syrup Producers, Luc Goulet, announced the reserve has run dry due to growing demand and sustained high levels of exports.
Surge in Maple Syrup Demand and Export Growth
Maple syrup is a key agricultural product for Quebec, and its production is closely linked to weather conditions. To help stabilize both prices and supply, the producers’ association has historically maintained a strategic syrup reserve. However, this buffer was emptied as sales surged, with Goulet confirming in a recent interview that, "Our strategic reserve has been reduced to zero."
Exports of Quebec maple syrup have seen significant increases in recent years. Louis Turenne, president of the Maple Industry Council, highlighted that exports grew by 9.34 per cent in 2024 and accelerated to a 15.8 per cent increase in 2025. The momentum continued into 2026, though at a slower pace of 2.48 per cent growth from January through August.
Concerns Over Stability and Market Losses
With the strategic reserve depleted, producers warn of potential consequences if weather conditions lead to lower maple sap yields. Goulet pointed to previous shortages in 2007 and 2008 as cautionary tales, noting that in those years the industry lost customers due to insufficient supply. "Then, consumers very quickly turn to another sweet product. And once that happens, those consumption habits are established," he explained.
Calls for Government Support and Market Diversification
Goulet urged the Quebec government to offer financial support and increased investment in the maple syrup sector, emphasizing there remains considerable untapped potential in the province's maple groves. Producers are particularly interested in assistance to access new international markets and to prevent missed growth opportunities.
Currently, nearly 65 per cent of Quebec's maple syrup exports go to the United States. Turenne noted that this is down from 80 per cent two decades ago, but also called for accelerated market diversification. "We need to accelerate the opening and development of European, Australian, and Asian markets to become less dependent on the U.S. market," he said.
Quebec's Leading Role in Maple Syrup Production
Quebec remains the epicenter of the North American maple syrup industry, accounting for more than 70 per cent of production. According to the producers' recent report, which analyzed the industry's economic impact, the sector contributed $1.21 billion to the province’s gross domestic product in 2025. It supports over 10,000 full-time equivalent jobs and generates $285 million in tax revenue, excluding municipal taxes and public land lease fees. Notably, these figures do not account for the "sugar shacks" that are a hallmark of springtime for many Quebecers, more closely associated with the restaurant sector.
Outlook for the Maple Syrup Industry
During the recent election campaign, the economic significance of maple syrup production was a talking point for the industry’s advocates. Goulet emphasized the sector's role as an anchor for rural communities, stating, "If you take away maple syrup production, you might as well shut down the villages." As producers look to the newly elected government for heightened support, the industry’s future is closely tied to both strategic investment and global market expansion.
Source: cbc.ca.
