Maple Syrup Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Source (Sugar Maple, Black Maple, and Red Maple), By Category (Organic and Conventional), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, Online Sales Channels, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The maple syrup market size was valued at USD 1.44 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 1.54 billion in 2024 to USD 2.62 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.91% during the forecast period.

It is a natural sweetener produced from the sap obtained from maple trees. It is specifically manufactured in North America, with Canada being the largest producer of this syrup. The sweetener is consumed with breakfast foods, such as pancakes, cereals, waffles, and others. The syrup has a distinct flavor and sweetness profile depending on the variety of tree from which the sap is collected. It is a healthy alternative to sugar and has several health benefits, thus commanding a premium price in the market.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic caused fewer tourists to visit the farms, thereby affecting farmers' revenue. This also compelled many farm owners to borrow credit to make up for their losses and also reduce their workforce during the pandemic. However, the retail demand for this product remained strong.

Maple Syrup Market Trends

Adoption of New Dietary Regime to Promote Market Growth

Locally produced syrup is also growing at a strong pace, especially in North America. Consumers in the region, especially Canada, the U.S., and many European countries are opting for such diets, making vegan food products, such as product is popular in these countries. It is a suitable sugar alternative for vegan consumers as it is sourced from maple trees through tapping and without harming the trees. The syrup also has calcium, potassium, zinc, and other essential minerals, providing the necessary nutrition to vegan consumers. Among several global maple syrup market trends includes the development of new products specifically designed for such consumers.

• According to a study by the University of Vermont, in 2020, around three-quarters of the respondents were willing to pay extra for “Family Farmed” syrup (72.3%), followed by all-natural (49.6%), organic (37.3%), wood-fired (33.6%), bird-friendly (31.4%), and kosher (11.4%) product.

Maple Syrup Market Growth Factors

Growing Demand for Healthy Food Products among Consumers to Boost Market Growth

Syrup derived from maple trees is regarded as a high-value product that is claimed to be healthier and more nutritious than artificial sweeteners, such as sugar. Compared to other organic sweeteners, it has emerged as a preferable choice to refined sugar for its high concentration of phenolic compounds and mineral content. The presence of organic acids, amino acids, and minerals, such as zinc, potassium, and manganese makes it a unique and superior alternative.

• For instance, a study conducted by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health in 2022 showed that bioactive substances in these syrups have the potential to reduce the risk of cancer and mutagenesis in individuals.

It has a long-standing history of consumption, particularly in the North American region, where it is highly appreciated. More recently, interest in this product has spread to other areas across the globe, such as Europe and Asia Pacific, owing to the surging demand for natural sweeteners. It is healthier and nutritious compared to other sugar alternatives, making it appealing among health-conscious consumers. Other key factors, such as the growing ageing population, rising awareness about the health benefits and nutraceutical properties of this syrup, and increasing use as a dressing in baked goods are anticipated to boost the maple syrup market growth.

Favorable Bilateral Trade Agreement Between Manufacturing and Importing Countries to Support Market Growth

Maple trees are mainly grown in North American countries due to favorable weather conditions in that region. Hence, other countries across the world rely heavily on Canada and the U.S. to procure and meet their respective market requirements. The demand for such product is increasing exponentially across the globe, especially due to its import duty-free advantages, unlike sugar taxes. Moreover, it is recognized as a better alternative to sugar, which is why the government of Canada is working on strengthening its export facilities.

• For instance, the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) removed 8% tax on imports and 94% of the E.U.’s agricultural and 96% of seafood and fish import tariffs.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Strict Government Regulations and Weather Changes to Impede Market Growth

Canada and the U.S. have established stringent regulatory measures and quality control processes to ensure that the countries produce only high-quality products. For instance, in the U.S., the products should not have more than 68.9% solid weight content. Similarly, Canada has also established its own grading and product packaging regulations that need to be followed by the manufacturers.

Its production is highly vulnerable to rapid climate change. Increase in global temperature, changes in precipitation, and early onset of winter impacts the thaw cycle and hampers its production. The growing temperatures over the past decades, along with rising variability and more extreme weather conditions, such as shorter winter spells and warmer climates, are harshly impacting the yield as well as the quality of the maple sap. The maple season usually starts between February and April of each year when sap from the maple trees is extracted and converted into syrups.

• As per data provided by Agricultural Canada, the warm spring temperatures in 2021 caused a decline in the production by 21% compared to 2020. Similarly, the climate change-induced production problems hampered the manufacturing of a million gallons of syrup in 2023.

Maple Syrup Market Segmentation Analysis

By Source Analysis

Sugar Maple Gains Traction Owing to Having Highest Sweet Content

Based on source, the market is classified into sugar maple, black maple, and red maple.

Sugar maple led the market in 2023. Sugar maple is one of the most popular tree species used for the production of this syrup and is the second most popular source for obtaining this syrup. The segment is expected to register steady growth in the future. Sugar maple produces sap, which is sweeter than that of other maple varieties. Hence, syrup producers prefer to use this tree species for production.

Black maple also has a similar sugar concentration to sugar maple, and it is also used for syrup production. The sweetness content of black and sugar maple is 2-3%.

Other maple tree species, such as red maple trees have lower sugar content compared to that of black and sugar maple. Changes in climate conditions can significantly hamper the health of sugar maple tree species. Hence, manufacturers are looking for other alternative tree species for producing the syrup.

By Category Analysis

Conventional Is Widely Consumed By Consumers Owing to the Wider Availability of Such products

Based on category, the market is segmented into conventional and organic.

The conventional type segment accounts for the largest market share, followed by the organic type segment. Although these products are harvested naturally, not all maple trees are organically grown.

Organic segment will be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period as these trees are grown without the use of pesticides and other chemical products. The demand for natural and organic products is increasing among consumers. Several maple farms are slowly adopting organic cultivation practices to grow organic maple trees to meet the high consumer demand. Therefore, countries across North America have established stringent regulatory policies to ensure that the products are organically made.

• Vermont Organic Farmers (VOF), a branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), reviews the farms to ensure that they are suitable to be certified organic.

By Distribution Channel Analysis

Supermarkets/Hypermarkets Account for the Largest Market Share among Various Distribution Channels Due to Availability of Wider Product Options

On the basis of distribution channel, the market is segmented into supermarkets/hypermarkets, specialty stores, online sales channels, and others.

Supermarkets/hypermarkets are the most widely adopted channels for product purchases and hence they hold the dominating market share. They provide better and wider product options for consumers. Consumers in European countries prefer to purchase these products from supermarkets as they have a wider product range to select and purchase from.

Specialty stores are suitable for consumers who want to enjoy specialty products, such as organic products, which are not readily available in the market. These stores provide a personalized shopping experience and increase the probability of repeat product purchases and higher brand loyalty.

The adoption of online sales channels has increased over the past few years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumption is growing among consumers in Europe and Asia Pacific, and it is available through online stores, which helps them place purchase orders from the comfort of their homes.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Regionally, the market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America holds a major part in the maple syrup market share and was valued at USD 1.09 billion in 2023. The U.S. is the largest importer of this product and accounts for the highest market share. This syrup, a natural sweetener with essential nutrients, has been a renowned item in the American and Canadian cultures since ancient times. Canada conducts events that help consumers celebrate the importance of this syrup, learn about its production, and enjoy delicious samples of the iconic Canadian maple syrup. These instances will open numerous opportunities for the market players to improve their brand recognition and business profitability.

For instance, in March 2023, Credit Valley Conservation of Canada hosted three separate events, such as Maple Syrup in the Park, Maple Syrup by Limelight, and Sap to Syrup. The events offered a chance to the visitors to take a tour of the event and enjoy pancakes with real product. In addition, it helped visitors learn the process of tapping the trees and bottling the syrup. High-quality syrup production is considered a signature of Quebec-based producers in Canada.

Europe is the world’s second largest consumer and maple products in syrup form are popular among all age groups. The country did not seize the “maple syrup fever” in the way that it has become a common name in North America. The syrup originated in North America, specifically Canada, in the 80s and 90s, when it was ideally served as a dressing over bread rolls, French toast, and waffles. Owing to the growing tourism and rising number of affluent consumers, it has discovered its way to enter the European markets.

Asia Pacific is projected to be among the emerging markets and expected to grow at a stronger pace over the next few years. Uniqueness, limited availability, and premium quality are some of the important reasons for the growing demand for these products. However, the progress of artisanal manufacturers is quite slow in the region due to poor awareness and production facilities. Thus, the companies should concentrate on conducting exhibitions or providing free samples of the syrup so that the consumers can experience the taste and familiarize themselves to the overall color and texture of the product. These initiatives can thus trigger the regional market’s growth. Gifting is another category experiencing growth in popularity as it offers specialty-infused syrups and fruit-flavored syrup in the form of small kits for home.

The rapid economic growth of GCC countries and rise in the disposable income of the regional population are impacting consumers' consumption behavior. Canada has a strong trade relationship with the Middle Eastern countries, creating ample opportunities for manufacturers to expand their market presence in these nations. Food promotion events are being conducted in partnership with these countries to help consumers enjoy sample food items and choose products at their convenience, of their choice. Furthermore, several manufacturers have partnered with supermarket chains in these countries and are positioning themselves to meet the evolving market needs.

The market’s growth in South American countries is limited owing to the high cost of the product compared to other sweeteners available in the market. The popularity of North American and European cuisines in the region is expected to positively influence the adoption in the future. Social media platforms, such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram Reels, and YouTube are exposing young consumers to food cultures followed in other countries. Maple syrup-based recipes were launched on these platforms during the pandemic, which prompted consumers to purchase and experiment with this product, leading to increased sales in the region.

List of Key Companies in Maple Syrup Market

Key Players Adopt Innovative Product Packaging Designs to Attract New Consumers and Increase Product Sales

The major companies operating in the market are B&G Foods Inc., LB Maple Treat Corporation, Coombs Family Farms, Maple Joe, and others. The market players are working on expanding their presence in untapped markets by collaborating with local distributors of a particular region. Some companies are launching new products with innovative packaging designs to make it easier for consumers to add it to their foods. For instance, in May 2020, Coombs Family Farms announced the launch of its first sprayable maple product named “Coombs Family Farms Maple Stream”. At the push of a button, the Maple Stream dispenses a specific amount of organic, grade A, amber colored syrup with no sticky mess, which makes it easier for consumers to use the bottle. These packaging initiatives will help boost the product’s sales in the market.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Golden Dog Farm LLC. (U.S.)


• Les Industries Bernard & Fils (Canada)


• Maple Joe (Canada)


• LB Maple Treat Corporation (Canada)


• Coombs Family Farms (U.S.)


• Butternut Mountain Farms (U.S.)


• Ferguson Farm Vermont Maple Syrup (U.S.)


• Vermont Pleasant Valley Maples (U.S.)


• B&G Foods Inc. (U.S.)


• Judd’s Wayeeses Farms (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• November 2023: Valeo Foods launched a new maple syrup range named Maple Crest Maple Syrup in the U.K., which is available at USD 5.09 in a 330g packaging format. The new syrup has a dark color with a robust flavor and helps the company sell Canada-based syrups to U.K. consumers.


• November 2023: Canadian Maple Co. adopted digital innovation to help it export its products to consumers. The new digital platform launched by the company helps it sell the products to the consumers through digital platforms and ensure authentic product reach to the consumers.


• August 2023: Ben’s Sugar Shack, a Canada-based company, expanded its production capacity and launched a new store to sell its new maple products to consumers.


• May 2022: Valeo Foods acquired maple syrup manufacturer Les Industries Bernard & Fils. This acquisition helped the company expand its product portfolio in the maple syrup segment and increase its product offerings for its consumers.


• May 2021: U.S.-based maple syrup producers Runamok Maple and WhistlePig launched handcrafted, barrel-aged maple products named WhistlePig Rye Whiskey Barrel-Aged Syrup and WhistlePig Barrel-Aged Maple Bitters. The product is available in online stores and retail stores across the U.S.

REPORT COVERAGE

The research report includes quantitative and qualitative insights into the global market. It also offers a detailed analysis of the market’s value, size, and growth rate for all possible segments. Various key insights presented in the report are an overview of the related markets, competitive landscape, recent industry developments, such as mergers & acquisitions, regulatory scenarios in critical countries, and key industry trends.

REPORT SCOPE & SEGMENTATION