Introduction
Maple syrup is a healthy alternative to artificial sweeteners and stands alone as a favorite topping for breakfast dishes! The market is projected to witness over 6.7% CAGR between 2024 and 2032.[1] We increasingly get inquiries for glass packaging options that work well with maple display and storage. Here, we share the basics of collection, production and packaging to help you get started with your next sticky sweet maple project!
Production
Maple syrup is tapped from several varietals of sugar maple trees in the middle of February through mid-March depending on where you live. Daytime temperatures need to be above freezing, and nighttime temperatures need to be below freezing. The temperature changes will cause the sap to flow, ultimately delivering the sweet gooey good-good into your bucket.
To boil it down to the basics, trees are tapped and spigoted to buckets or tubes directed to a collection area. Sap is then boiled to evaporate water content until sugar content is around 60%.
Simplified, the process can be broken down to:
Keep your maple syrup tasting like maple syrup by using glass bottles for your primary packaging. Glass imparts no taste or odor to products contained within it and is 100% recyclable and re-useable. Best yet, using clear glass lets you show off the great looking color of your hard-won syrup!
Did you know? 92% of all consumers said they prefer glass packaging because of its lower environmental impact than other materials? & 75% of consumers are more likely to buy maple syrup when it is packaged in glass! [2]
Once it is packaged, it is time to get creative with labelling to build your brand or send your message!
Ready to package your maple syrup? We offer a multitude of glass bottle options and closures to get the job done whether you need one case of bottles or 10 truckloads. We also have 4-head pneumatic filtered fillers for medium to larger-sized productions. We also offer many great customization options and our friendly customer service team-members can help you with samples!
1 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/maple-syrup-market#:~:text=Maple%20Syrup%20Market%20size%20crossed,sweeteners%20like%20maple%20syrup%20increases.
2https://www.gpi.org/news/gpi-releases-poll-showing-consumers-value-glasss-sustainability-want-more-companies-to-offer-glass
Helpful resources:
https://www.ams.usda.gov/grades-standards/maple-syrup-grades-standards
https://mapleresearch.org/institution/cornell-maple-program/
https://nysmaple.com/about-nys-maple/maple-facts/
- -Gathering the appropriate supplies
- -Drilling the hole (Tapping the Tree)
- -Collecting the Sap
- -Boiling the Sap
- -Filtering the Syrup
- -Bottling
There are differences between larger scale and smaller operations, and there are many videos available to highlight the required steps and processes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CltzQcrM68Y It is important to note that government filling and labelling regulations may need to be followed if your product will be sold at the market or stores. Supplies Needed
- -Metal or Plastic Spiles (taps)
- -Collection Buckets
- -drill with 5/16″ or 7/16″ tapping bit
- -tapping hammer
- -5/16″ or 7/16″ spiles (taps)
- -Food-safe lidded buckets
- -cheesecloth or strainer
- -a heat source
- -open-air evaporators that come with a special sugaring pan
- -optional: syrup filter and pre-filters (optional)
- -Tubing
- Sap bags
- -Fillers (hand or pneumatic as shown here)
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- -Primary packaging (preferably glass bottles and matching closures)
Packaging
Are you a Maple Syrup producer looking to take your production to the next level, or maybe just getting started? Once you determine what you can produce, which grade and style will determine which direction you should go with respect to desired look and branding of packaging. Syrup Grade:
- Golden syrup has a light transmission 75% or above
- Amber syrup has a light transmission of between 50% and 74.9%
- Dark syrup has a light transmission of between 25% and 49.9%
- Very Dark syrup has a light transmission of less than 25%
Keep your maple syrup tasting like maple syrup by using glass bottles for your primary packaging. Glass imparts no taste or odor to products contained within it and is 100% recyclable and re-useable. Best yet, using clear glass lets you show off the great looking color of your hard-won syrup!
Did you know? 92% of all consumers said they prefer glass packaging because of its lower environmental impact than other materials? & 75% of consumers are more likely to buy maple syrup when it is packaged in glass! [2]
Once it is packaged, it is time to get creative with labelling to build your brand or send your message!
Ready to package your maple syrup? We offer a multitude of glass bottle options and closures to get the job done whether you need one case of bottles or 10 truckloads. We also have 4-head pneumatic filtered fillers for medium to larger-sized productions. We also offer many great customization options and our friendly customer service team-members can help you with samples!
1 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/maple-syrup-market#:~:text=Maple%20Syrup%20Market%20size%20crossed,sweeteners%20like%20maple%20syrup%20increases.
2https://www.gpi.org/news/gpi-releases-poll-showing-consumers-value-glasss-sustainability-want-more-companies-to-offer-glass
Helpful resources:
https://www.ams.usda.gov/grades-standards/maple-syrup-grades-standards
https://mapleresearch.org/institution/cornell-maple-program/
https://nysmaple.com/about-nys-maple/maple-facts/
