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Global supply shortages have hit toy shops in the US and coffee producers in Brazil. In Canada, the country's liquid gold - maple syrup - is running low.
The Quebec Maple Syrup Producers (QMSP) - the so-called Opec of maple syrup - has released about 22m kg from its emergency larder, nearly half the total in reserve.
Booming demand and a shortened harvest had caused the shortfall, QMSP said.
It is the first time in three years the reserve has been used.
"That's why the reserve is made, to never miss maple syrup. And we won't miss maple syrup!" Helene Normandin of QMSP told US public radio.
Quebec produces almost three-quarters of the world's maple syrup.
In 2021, 83m kg of maple syrup was produced worldwide and 60m kg came from Quebec's forests, according to QMSP. And the QMSP is already planning ahead to next year's harvest, where it will tap an extra 7 million trees.
Maple sap is tapped directly from sugar maple trees and boiled to concentrate it into maple syrup.
It's painstaking work and is highly dependent on the weather. Maple trees can only be tapped when temperatures are above freezing during the day, but below freezing at night. A shorter and warmer season this year caused supply to drop by nearly a quarter.
At the same time, global sales of maple syrup jumped by more than 36% over the year before, according to QMSP.
Worldwide thirst for Quebec's maple syrup has previously appeared to inspire sugar-stealing.
In 2012, thieves made off with nearly 3,000 tonnes of maple syrup, valued at an estimated $18m (£13.6m). Two-thirds of the stolen syrup was later recovered.
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As an expert in agriculture and global supply chains, I can provide valuable insights into the interconnected factors affecting various industries worldwide. My expertise is rooted in a deep understanding of agricultural production, particularly in the context of maple syrup, a specialty of the Quebec region in Canada.
The recent article highlights the impact of global supply shortages on diverse sectors, including toy shops in the US, coffee producers in Brazil, and notably, the maple syrup industry in Canada. The Quebec Maple Syrup Producers (QMSP), often referred to as the OPEC of maple syrup, has played a pivotal role in managing the challenges faced by the industry.
To substantiate my expertise, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Global Supply Shortages: The article refers to widespread supply shortages affecting different products and industries globally. This is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including disruptions in the supply chain, increased demand, and external factors such as climate change.
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Maple Syrup Production in Quebec: Quebec is a major global producer of maple syrup, contributing almost three-quarters of the world's supply. The Quebec Maple Syrup Producers (QMSP) manages the industry and, in response to booming demand and a shortened harvest, released a significant portion (22 million kg) from its emergency larder.
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Climate Impact on Maple Syrup Production: Maple syrup production is a weather-dependent process. The article highlights that a shorter and warmer season in the year led to a drop in supply by nearly a quarter. Maple trees can only be tapped when temperatures are above freezing during the day but below freezing at night.
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Maple Syrup Reserves: The QMSP maintains reserves for emergencies, and this is the first time in three years that the reserve has been used. The reserve helps ensure a stable supply even in challenging years, showcasing the strategic planning within the industry.
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Global Demand for Maple Syrup: The article notes a significant increase in global sales of maple syrup, with a surge of more than 36% over the previous year. This underscores the popularity of Quebec's maple syrup on the international market.
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Economic Impact: The shortage in maple syrup supply has economic implications not only for producers but also for consumers and the broader industry. It reflects the delicate balance between supply and demand in a globalized market.
In conclusion, my expertise in agriculture and global supply chains allows me to analyze the intricate dynamics affecting industries, as exemplified by the challenges faced by the maple syrup industry in Quebec. The article serves as a snapshot of the broader issues impacting diverse sectors across different regions, highlighting the interconnectedness of the global economy.
