Although the idea of drinking tree sap may seem unusual, Ontario maple producers hope to transform maple water into the next world’s unavoidable drink.
Many know the rich sweetness of maple syrupThe thick and amber liquid made by boiling the maple sap. However, many are unaware that sap itself – often thrown or porridge in syrup – can be appreciated as a low -refreshing sugar drink.
This drink, known as the name maple wateris clear, slightly sweet (containing only two percent of natural sugars), and has gained popularity in the Ontario And a wider Canadian market.
In Ontario, where the prosperous maple syrup industry, some maple producers to the new market.
One of these companies is SAP Sucker, founded in 2015 by a passionate family from Ontario with deep roots in maple.
Alex Argiropoulos, principal director of business development at SAP Sucker, shares the history of its creation, explaining how many maple farmers have grown up by drinking maple water.
“The founder, Nancy Chapman, grew up in a small family farm where they hugged trees just for personal use. They drank the sap directly from the bucket before boiling it in syrup, “he said.
“And so, when Nancy wanted to start a business, she thought:” We always drink the bucket of the bucket before boiling it. How can we create something from this? »»
Although the idea of selling Maple SAP as a drink is not entirely new in Ontario, transforming it into a mass market product is delivered with important challenges.
The SAP maple is perishable, generally only lasts 48 hours before spoiling, making it an obstacle for any producer aimed at bringing it to a large audience. But with the right equipment and a vision of the future, Sap Sucker was able to operate it.
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Since 2020, companies like them have gained ground in Canada and abroad.
Sap Sucker maple water is now available across Canada and abroad from France to Japan, thanks to its positioning as a “healthier alternative” to sugary drinks like coconut water. “People like the clean and refreshing taste, without persistent aftertaste such as stevia or artificial sweeteners that give you,” explains Argiropoulos.
Meanwhile, White Meadow Farms in the Niagara region – a fourth generation maple syrup farm – also see the potential in maple water.
Although the farm focuses on the production of maple syrup, Amanda Bearing, partner of White Meadow Farms, says that Maple Water could become a drinks appreciated worldwide with increased consumer education.
“Apart from Canada, it is not known how maple syrup is made and that it comes from the sap of a maple. So I think you will have to educate people if you try to sell it worldwide where it comes from, and what the health benefits are, “said Bearing.
“People often do not realize that maple sap is very slightly sweet, with a sugar content between 2% and four percent, so it’s not like drinking pop,” she added.
Ynez Giancola, vice-president of finance and operations at SAP Sucker, told Global that the potential of maple water to complete the market and take the economy is clear. However, like all new industries, time and investment on a scale will take.
“Consumers do not necessarily understand what the water of a tree is,” explains Giancola. However, she believes that companies like Sap Sucker draw from a unique niche that other global brands of drinks do not offer.
The Ontario maple syrup industry is already booming – the province produces some of the best maple syrup in the world, Ontario representing a significant part of the export of Canada maple syrup.
“Maple production supports Ontario’s economy, the maple industry and guarantees that our supply chain remains entirely Canadian,” said Giancola.
“With everything that happens in terms of price, we see a lot of additional support for Canadian production,” she added.
In terms of scalability, Giancola and Argiropoulos are optimistic about the future of maple water.
They believe that more people become aware of it, especially in urban centers, the market will continue to develop. “We are already seeing growth of national retailers. Customers are now looking for these types of natural, organic and healthy products and we are going, ”explains Giancola.
However, there are still challenges to overcome. The equipment necessary to make the tray with stable maple – through processes such as filtration and pasteurization – is delivered with a high initial cost. “For maple producers, it is an important initial investment,” explains Argiropoulos.
While the future of water maple is still being prepared, Ontario has a central role to play in industry growth.
With a rich national history of maple syrup production and a new touch on an old tradition, Ontario maple water could one day become a choice of basic drinks in many households.
Whether maple water may or may not compete with the world popularity of Coconut Water has not yet been discovered.
However, with local producers such as Sap Sucker and White Meadow Farms optimistic on innovative products and the support of an increasing number of Ontario -based farmers, it is clear that the trend of maple water has only just begun.
“It could be the next great thing,” said Bearing.