One Quebec Cartel Calls the Shots for the World's Maple Syrup Production

The next time you pour a stream of golden-hued maple syrup over your pancakes consider this: odds are it was sold by a Canadian group that acts as the de facto cartel for the sticky stuff. The Quebec Maple Syrup Producers controls output and sets prices for most of global production, and even stockpiles unsold syrup in a strategic reserve it can tap in lean harvest years.

Quebec is the world’s largest producer of maple syrup, accounting for more than 70% of global output. Farmers selling containers of 5 liters (1.3 gallons) or less to a grocery store or restaurant need to have a production quota from the government-sanctioned agency formerly known as the Federation. All bulk sales above 5 liters are sold to the agency or authorized buyer and farmers must have a quota.