Communiqués

A historic gift of maple syrup to Quebec’s food banks

July 6, 2020

Longueuil, July 6, 2020 – Following this year’s record production of 175 million pounds of maple syrup in Québec, Producteurs et productrices acéricoles du Québec (PPAQ) is giving back to the community in the form of a gift of 10,560 cans of maple syrup—worth an estimated $75,000—to Banques alimentaires du Québec (BAQ). The syrup will be distributed throughout the province by Moissons.

Having missed out on a proper sugaring season this year, PPAQ came up with another way to share this year’s spectacular harvest with the people of Quebec in this generous gift of over 5,700 litres. “Mother Nature smiled on maple syrup producers this spring,” said PPAQ president Serge Beaulieu, “and now it’s our turn to do something for the community. If our liquid gold can ladle a little sunshine onto people’s plates, so much the better,” he declared. BAQ foodbanks have reported increases of 30% to 40% in demand since the start of the pandemic. Normally, the group serves around half a million people each month. For BAQ, the maple syrup couldn’t have come at a better time. “Maple syrup is associated with sweetness and good times,” said Moisson Montréal business development director François Jolicoeur. “That’s just what people need in the throes of the pandemic and the recession, and we particularly appreciate non-perishables. I’d like to thank all of Quebec’s maple syrup producers for their wonderful generosity.”

There is a 30-second video on Facebook and YouTube celebrating the operation and expressing the pride of PPAQ members to be able to help out people in need.

More than just the love of it: PPAQ’s mission

Every year, Producteurs et productrices acéricoles du Québec supports a great number of causes directly related to its mission and values, with a special interest in the well-being and diet of children and families. According to Québec producers maple syrup is richer in vitamins and minerals than other sweeteners, therefore, as a gift, will help provide a substantial number of Quebecers with a healthier and more local diet.

Don en sirop d'érable du Québec pour les Banques alimentaires québécoises

From left to right: François Jolicoeur, Business Development Director of Moisson Montréal, Mylène Denicolaï, Director of Promotions and Market Development for Quebec Maple Syrup Producers and Julie Marchand, Executive Director of the Food Banks of Quebec.

About the Québec Maple Syrup Producers and the Maple from Quebec brand

The mission of the Québec Maple Syrup Producers is to promote the interests of Québec’s maple producers and to develop the production and sale of Québec maple products to their full potential while respecting the principles of sustainable development. The organization represents some 11,300 producers and 7,400 businesses whose hard work has made Quebec responsible for an average of 72% of the world’s maple syrup production on an annual basis. The Québec Maple Syrup Producers proudly support the Maple from Quebec brand and coordinate the international marketing and promotional efforts for Canadian maple products on behalf of Canada’s maple industry. The organization also leads and directs the International Maple Research and Innovation Network.

ppaq.ca@AcericoleQc 

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To schedule an interview with Serge Beaulieu, president of PPAQ, please contact :

Valérie Lavoie
Consultant Massy Forget Langlois Public Relations
[email protected]
Cell : 438-885-9135

Source :

Hélène Normandin Communications Director
Producteurs et productrices acéricoles du Québec
[email protected]
Cell : 514 603-0728