Tapping into new market opportunities for Canadian maple products

QUÉBEC, April 28, 2017 /CNW/ - Canadian maple syrup may appear on more kitchen tables in the United Kingdom and India in the near future. Canada's maple sector will get up to $1.5 million to develop new markets and consumer demand for maple products. Jean-Claude Poissant, Member of Parliament for La Prairie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Brome-Missisquoi, Denis Paradis, made the announcement today on behalf of Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay.

Through its "Stratégie nouvelle génération de l'érable 2020", the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers will direct their public relations and advertising efforts to promote Canadian maple products in the United Kingdom, and will introduce maple syrup products to the Indian market. Activities will include traditional and social media, shows and blogs, gourmet and commercial events, and educational and promotional tours.

The Growing Forward 2, AgriMarketing program, provides the support and tools the sector needs to seize new market opportunities, at home and abroad.

Quotes

"Maple syrup is a symbol of Canada's pride and we are pleased to support efforts to commercialize it in international markets. Helping companies maximize their ability to develop new markets is a priority for our government, which will create more jobs, boost economic activity and strengthen the middle class."
- Jean-Claude Poissant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay

"Canada is a world leader in maple production and exports. New market development is key to the sector's competitiveness and profitability. The Government of Canada proudly supports the maple syrup industry in its efforts to open up new markets and expand existing ones to drive economic growth, job creation, and prosperity for maple producers and their families."
- Denis Paradis, Member of Parliament for Brome-Missisquoi

"Maple syrup is an iconic Canadian food, and we are proud that Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is working with Quebec maple syrup producers to make it better known and appreciated abroad. By working together, we can develop new markets for our amber gold."
- Serge Beaulieu President, Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers

Quick Facts

• The Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers was created in 1966 and represents 13,500 maple syrup producers who operate 7,300 maple syrup businesses.
• The Federation was able to establish maple products as a distinctive and high quality alternative to traditional sweeteners in several key markets such as Japan and the United States.
• In 2016, Canada exported approximately $380 million in maple products.
• The contribution is made through the Growing Forward 2, AgriMarketing Program, a five-year, $341 million initiative.

Additional links

• Growing Forward 2 (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
• AgriMarketing Program (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
• Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers

Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada
Like us on Facebook: CanadianAgriculture

SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

For further information: Guy Gallant, Director of Communications, Office of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, 613-773-1059; Media Relations, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, 613-773-7972, 1-866-345-7972; Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada, Like us on Facebook: CanadianAgriculture; Caroline Cyr, Communications Advisor, Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers, 450-679-7021, ext. 8609, 1-855-679-7021

Related Links

www.agr.gc.ca