NAPSI-Certified Maple Water Expands Reach in North America - Quality Seal Guarantees Consumers Same Experience as Drinking Maple Sap Straight from the Tree

LONGUEUIL, QC, May 13, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - The Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers is proud to announce that consumers in North America will now be able to enjoy NAPSI-certified pure maple water, which ensures consumers get the authentic sugar bush experience, unique to maple trees. SEVA and WAHTA, two of four NAPSI-certified brands, are now distributed in the United States. SEVA has been available since last year in more than 500 outlets across Canada, as well as at Whole Foods Markets, a leading natural food chain, on the American West Coast. This brand will soon also be available in more than 8,000 points of sale on the American East Coast. WAHTA is currently sold in many The Fresh Market outlets, as well as on Amazon.com.

The NAPSI Certificate Protects Consumers

In 2013, the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers created the NAPSI certification, according to a production process which preserves the taste and quality of Canadian maple water.  "It is the first quality seal on the market that guarantees you are drinking 100 percent pure, authentic maple water with all of its natural components," states Simon Trepanier, Executive Director of The Federation. Unlike other maple water offerings currently available in the U.S., NAPSI-certified maple water is unrefined and preserves not just some, but all of the original characteristics of maple sap. NAPSI is an acronym for natural, authentic, pure, sterile and integral, and is used to certify pure Canadian maple water that has been sterilized and contains no chemical preservatives or additives. The NAPSI sterilization and packaging techniques preserve maple water's crystal clear, its fresh taste and healthy properties for 18 months at room temperature.

Maple Water Is Good Source of Hydration 

Maple water is another term for maple sap, the clear liquid that flows naturally through sugar maple trees. Maple syrup, on the other hand, is a concentrated form of maple sap, and the result of evaporating water from the sap until it reaches the consistency of syrup. Forty liters of maple sap make one liter of maple syrup. Maple water is a healthy choice for hydration because it contains all of the same unique benefits of a natural product that directly comes from a maple tree. These include 46 unique bioactive compounds, some of which have antioxidant properties, as well as beneficial minerals including potassium, manganese and zinc. Maple water is naturally low in sugar and has only 20 calories per serving size (250ml), compared to an average of 50 calories for the same serving size of coconut water.

Much More Than a Refreshing Beverage

NAPSI-certified maple water is a refreshing drink on its own, but also adds a subtle hint of sweetness and maple flavor when used in cooking and baking (for recipes, click here). Mixologists use pure maple water in ice cubes or as an ingredient for cocktails, and chefs choose it as an ingredient for marinades, soups, ice creams and sorbets. The bioactive compounds and trace amounts of minerals in maple water make it an excellent thirst quencher for athletes looking for a beverage to help fuel their bodies. "As maple water is low in carbohydrates, it is an interesting option for those looking to hydrate after light effort, such as walking, yoga or even working outdoors", explains Mélanie Olivier, Sports Nutritionist.

NAPSI-Certified Brands in the U.S.

"The quality of Quebec maple trees, along with the unique harvest protocol of the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers, allow us to offer the world a maple water product of unmatched quality," explains Denis Normandin, co-owner of SEVA, a maple water product distributed across Canada, available in the U.S. market since 2013, and also available in four countries within the European market, namely France, Belgium, Norway and the Netherlands. "Previously, you had to visit a maple farm in spring to get the authentic experience of drinking sap directly from the tree. The NAPSI quality seal is the only certificate guaranteeing consumers the same, fresh sap tasting experience year-round" suggests Geneviève Béland, Director of Marketing, Innovation and Market Development at The Federation. "We are excited to bring this seal of authenticity and quality to the industry. NAPSI-certified maple water is one of the biggest agricultural innovations in the maple industry in recent history."

The other NAPSI-certified brands are WAHTA, now available in the United States, as well as OVIVA and MAPLE3, sold in several outlets across Quebec. For more information about maple water and NAPSI certification, please click here.

About The Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers

Founded in 1966, the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers is driven by its mission to defend and promote the economic, social and moral interests of 7,300 Quebec maple syrup businesses and to develop initiatives to collectively market their products. Today, Quebec produces nearly 75 percent of the world's maple syrup, and 93 percent of the total Canadian maple syrup supply. Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia contribute seven percent of the total Canadian production. The Federation is proud to lead the International Innovation Network on Maple Products from Canada in the name of the entire Canadian maple syrup industry.

About NAPSI

NAPSI is a certification created by the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers to ensure the authenticity and quality of maple water. The harvesting methods and processes of NAPSI-certified products meet strict standards that guarantee the maple water is:

• Natural: harvested from maple trees
• Authentic: it is the same sap that the trees themselves produce
• Pure: no agents or ingredients added
• Sterile: devoid of any microorganisms
• Integral: it is unrefined, not from concentrate and contains all the original compounds provided by nature

SOURCE: Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers

Bridget Ann Peterson
Project Manager
Massy Forget Langlois Public Relations
T: 514-842-2455, ext. 26 / C: 514-377-1752 / [email protected]