Canada: OPEC of Maple Syrup

In $18 Million Theft, Victim Was a Canadian Maple Syrup Cartel
Excerpt:

Depending on the year, the province can produce more than three-quarters of the world’s supply. And its marketing organization appears to have taken some tips from the producers of another valuable liquid commodity when it comes to exploiting market dominance.

“It’s like OPEC,” said Simon Trépanier, acting general manager of the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers. “We’re not producing all the maple syrup in the world. But by producing 70 to 78 percent, we have the ability to adjust the quantity that is in the marketplace.”

Since 1999, Quebec’s maple syrup industry has used a marketing system found in other Canadian agricultural sectors, particularly dairy and poultry. Put simply, the supply management system sets strict quotas for producers and, in the case of maple syrup, requires them to sell their product through the federation.

Comment: Image capture from Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers
More on:

• Apparently There's A Global Strategic Maple Syrup Reserve, And Someone Stole It
• $30 Million Maple Syrup Theft Sheds Light On A Canadian Cartel

Final comment: We're spoiled. We only use real maple syrup on pancakes - a Saturday tradition.