Maple Syrup - Quebec Maple Syrup

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Quebec is the largest producer of maple syrup in the world. The quality of the product and its exquisite taste instill in recent years a wave of creativity in the culinary and gastronomic offer of the province. Pillars of the traditions of sugaring, maple products are constantly being reinvented by our leaders and artisans who diligently develop new ways to enhance them.


 According to the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers (FPAQ) in 2010, the 7 420 maple businesses in the province generated 75% of maple syrup consumed in the world and 91% of the Canadian production. The value of the crop produced on the farm during that year, estimated at 39.96 million pounds, represents almost 241 million CD. The maple products of Quebec travel a lot. They are exported in vast majority in nearly 50 countries. In 2009, the principal markets consist of the United States (71.2%), Japan (6.4%) and Germany (5.3%). These sweet treats are also sold in souvenir shops in the province. In addition, Quebecers regularly offer them as a gift to visiting friends or relatives abroad.


 A true example of culinary tourism


 This little taste of home evokes a strong tradition in the Quebec culture, that of the sugar shack. Quebecers know the menu, and their passage to the sugar bush is somehow part of an annual ritual. Going to the Sugar Shack is an experience that goes beyond the taste of a meal. It corresponds perfectly to the concept of culinary tourism, which brings the activity of eating or drinking to another dimension, that of "eating the real thing" and embrace the "spirit of the place" through various activities. Visit the sugar bush, learn the process of water transformation, and enjoy a sleigh ride, dance and music.
During the few weeks when the temperature meets the necessary conditions for the flow of sap, the sweet tables of Quebec compete across the province to attract fans, from here or elsewhere. The offer is important, more than 200 maple syrup groves in Quebec are listed on the site cabaneasucre.org, besides those found in other Canadian provinces and U.S. neighboring states.


In this competitive context, some participants decided to unite to better position their products and to share their promotional efforts. This is the case in Montérégie, where the ATR and its partners are organizing, since 2004, various promotional campaigns "Maple, from pallet to fork," which showcases 20 maple groves, 12 restaurants and a dozen of hotels. This initiative creates a taste for the region and results in a very welcome tourist traffic during the months of March and April.


 Several regions of Quebec have on their territories one these of these culinary artists listed on the site laroutedelerable.ca  and classified into ten categories: butchers, bakers, shop, brewery, chocolate factory, alcool manufacturer, ice cream parlors, pastry shops, restaurants and caterers.

 

Whether you live in town or in the country, the sugaring time is part of traditional celebrations in Quebec. Although it is possible to buy maple products from around the world, it is certainly not common to eat them in their place of origin, where the sap is collected and transformed. In this sense, Quebec maple groves are well placed to welcome fans of maple products, and visitors eager for authentic and cultural experiences.