The production dimension focuses on the volume of maple syrup produced, the resources used in production, and the efficiency of production processes. It examines key metrics such as crop production volume, resource units (taps and acres in maple production), technology adoption, and yield. Please visit the UVM Maple Statistics Webpage for more general Vermont maple statistics and information.
Maple Quality
The analysis of maple syrup compliance test of syrup samples purchased online for golden syrup from 2023 to 2024 reveals several noteworthy changes in quality and characteristics. The acceptance of color experienced a slight decrease, falling from 26.4% in 2023 to 21.9% in 2024, suggesting a minor darkening or variation in appearance that may affect consumer preference. Research is needed to develop a new type of syrup packing material that slows or prevents syrup darkening to maintain color compliance standards for golden samples. Clarity remained relatively stable, with a minimal decline from 97.8% in 2023 to 96.9% in 2024, indicating consistent visual quality. On the other hand, Flavor acceptance saw a significant improvement, increasing from 92.2% in 2023 to a perfect 100.0% in 2024, signifying enhanced taste quality. In contrast, density showed a slight reduction, dropping from 86.8% in 2023 to 84.4% in 2024, which might reflect a change in the syrup’s consistency or thickness, though this alteration is relatively minor. Overall, the syrup in 2024 appears to have an improved flavor while experiencing slight changes in appearance and density.
% Acceptance of Golden Labelled Syrup
Key Insights
Flavor acceptance for golden maple syrup improved markedly, rising from 92.2% in 2023 to 100% in 2024, indicating a notable enhancement in taste quality.
Color compliance declined from 26.4% to 21.9%, suggesting a need for improved packaging to preserve the visual standards expected of golden syrup.
The analysis of maple syrup compliance test of syrup samples purchased online for dark syrup from 2023 to 2024 showcases both consistency and certain declines. The acceptance of color remained stable, with a modest decrease from 64.8% in 2023 to 64.6% in 2024, indicating that the visual appeal of the syrup has not changed significantly. Clarity, on the other hand, exhibited a small yet positive improvement, increasing from 91.2% in 2023 to 91.7% in 2024, suggesting advancements in filtration or a reduction in impurities. Conversely, flavor acceptance experienced a notable decline, dropping from 79.5% in 2023 to 73.9% in 2024. In a more favorable development, density saw a significant rise from 91.2% in 2023 to 95.8% in 2024, which may indicate a thicker, more desirable consistency. Overall, while clarity and density have improved, the decline in flavor suggests that greater emphasis may be needed on taste quality in the 2024 batch.
% Acceptance of Dark Labelled Syrup
Key Insights
Density and clarity of dark maple syrup improved in 2024, with density rising to 95.8% and clarity reaching 91.7%, indicating better consistency and filtration.
Flavor acceptance declined notably from 79.5% to 73.9%, highlighting a need for renewed attention to taste quality in dark syrup products.
Syrup Packaging
The analysis of packaging materials for dark and golden maple syrup purchased online between 2023 and 2024 reveals a significant shift. In 2024, the percentage of dark maple syrup packaged in plastic containers decreased from 86.8% in 2023 to 45.1%, while the use of glass containers increased from 13.2% to 33.3%. Similarly, for golden syrup, plastic packaging experienced a substantial decline, decreasing from 83.5% in 2023 to 52.9% in 2024, with glass container usage rising slightly from 16.5% to 17.6%. This trend suggests a growing preference for glass packaging, likely driven by consumer demand for more environmentally sustainable or premium materials, as well as concerns about the impact of plastic on product quality and darkening. Overall, the data indicates a significant reduction in plastic usage across both syrup varieties, signaling a move toward more eco-friendly packaging solutions in 2024. This trend is expected to help in reducing the level of syrup darkening, which leads to color compliance issues.
Syrup Packaging Container Type
Key Insights
Plastic packaging use dropped sharply for both dark and golden syrups in 2024, indicating a major industry shift away from plastic containers.
The increased use of glass packaging reflects growing consumer demand for sustainable materials and may help address syrup darkening issues.