Quebec's strategic reserve of maple syrup, the only one of its kind in the world, will be empty by the end of February, according to the province's producers' association, CBC News reports.
The Producteurs et productrices acericoles du Quebec (PPAQ), which represents about 13,500 producers, said strong global demand, particularly from the United States, had driven a sharp rise in exports. The reserve was set up in 2000 to smooth out supplies and prices after poor harvests, and Quebec produces more than 70% of the world's maple syrup.
The association said this year's harvest was not poor. Instead, processors have bought up the stock, so inventories have shifted to buyers' warehouses and overall supply is similar to a year ago. The reserve held about 18 million kilograms in February. PPAQ president Luc Goulet said the stockpile needs replenishing.
Source: CBC News Canada
