Sticky year for maple syrup

Photo: The Canadian Press

Statistics Canada says maple syrup production fell by 21.7 per cent to 44.5 million litres in 2018, the lowest level in three years.

Production was down in every syrup-producing province except Nova Scotia and Ontario, which saw output rise 9.4 per cent to 2.1 million litres, the most since 2011.

Quebec produced 40.4 million litres, down 22.4 per cent from 2017 due to unusually late snow and cold, while New Brunswick output fell 34.5 per cent to 1.6 million litres.

The total value of Canadian maple products decreased 22 per cent to $384.4 million, with the price of syrup remaining relatively unchanged at $39.24 per gallon.

The Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers tapped its strategic reserves this year to avoid wild price swings or supply shortages.

Quebec produces about 72 per cent of the world's maple syrup, with the rest of Canada producing eight per cent and the United States producing 20 per cent.