Canadian city supports maple syrup production expansion

A recent report has revealed plans to support the expansion of maple syrup production in Sault Ste Marie in Northern Ontario, Canada.

The city and the wider Algoma District have an expanding agri-food sector where maple syrup plays an important role and are now mapping out plans to continue industry growth. City councillors received the report from their economic development division, which stated that the sector was displaying measurable diversification and growth.

The document detailed that local producers, food entrepreneurs and processors in the area were pursuing value-added opportunities increasingly across multiple subsectors, like maple products, specialty foods, honey, baked goods and beverages among other consumables. It also noted to the council that further growth opportunities existed in the sector.

Researchers highlighted that production of maple syrup as well as value-added maple products was expanding, and that there is currently an increasing interest in product diversification and value-added processing.

Pure Canadian maple syrup is a high-value product that offers diversity even in its most basic state. A completely organic food with only one natural ingredient, it is suitable for vegetarians, vegans and those on a gluten-free regimen. It is also exceptionally diverse, with various types available offering different characteristics in line with when the sap is harvested. These range from golden delicate to dark robust maple syrup. Value-added processing of maple syrup also lets standard syrup become transformed into specialty confections and premium products like organic maple butter.

A three-phase plan has now been recommended to the city council to capitalise on current growth and promote further expansion.