Reassuring arrests following the theft of about six million pounds of maple syrup at the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers

LONGUEUIL, QC, Dec. 18, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers was reassured to learn that the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) has made several arrests following the major maple syrup theft that occurred in the summer of 2012.

As you may recall, as part of a routine inventory check, the Federation realized that some of the barrels from one of the warehouses where is stored the Global Strategic Maple Syrup Reserve were empty. Following a more thorough inventory, the Federation discovered that about 60% of the warehouse's maple syrup had been stolen, which represented 6 million pounds. The scope of the theft suggested that this was the work of a very well organized group. The Saint-Louis-de-Blandford warehouse where the theft occurred was being rented out.

Moreover, about two thirds of the stolen syrup has apparently been traced by the SQ. Part of the volume was in fact seized by the SQ in various Canadian provinces, while it seems another part was located in the United States. The Federation has already initiated several procedures to recover the stolen maple syrup as well as the proceeds from its sale. The Federation fervently wishes that provincial and federal authorities will do everything they can to recover the volumes stolen from Quebec maple syrup producers.

The Strategic Reserve is currently stored in three locations. As it totals about 46 million pounds, half a normal annual harvest of syrup in Quebec, it can still supply markets without stock shortages despite the 2012 theft.

Also, seizures made by the SQ brought to light a few cases where maple syrup might have been illegally sold by producers to buyers outside the collective marketing system in place, in Quebec. The involved producers and buyers may have to answer for their actions before the Régie des marchés agricoles et alimentaires du Québec, the administrative tribunal responsible for settling these types of issues.

About the Federation
The Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers was founded in 1966 with the mission of protecting and developing the economic, social and moral interests of its 7,400 member producers in Quebec. It represents men and women who work together and favour the collective marketing of their product. The quality of their work has made Quebec the producer of close to 80% of today's global maple syrup production. Furthermore, the Federation is responsible for managing the Sales agency of bulk maple syrup as well as the Global Strategic Maple Syrup Reserve.

SOURCE: FEDERATION OF QUEBEC MAPLE SYRUP PRODUCERS

Source: 
Simon Trépanier, eng.f.
Acting General Manager
Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers

Information:
Pierre Rhéaume
Pierre Rhéaume Communications Inc.
Tel. [phone] / Cell. 450-501-0226
[email protected]