Northern Ontario maple syrup ranked best in the world
CBC News | Posted: November 15, 2016 5:09 PM | Last Updated: November 15, 2016
Sucrerie Seguin Sugarbush in Lavigne wins first prize at Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
Quebec has always been the sweet spot when it comes to maple syrup, but now a northern Ontario family-run business is giving them some serious competition.
Dan and Tracy Seguin were awarded the grand champion for their light maple syrup at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair held in Toronto last week.
The family has been making maple syrup at their Sucrerie Seguin Sugarbush in Lavigne, Ont. for generations.
Dan credits Quebec products for the maple syrup industry's research and development, but said it's nice to see local syrup come to the forefront.
"I feel that our producers here are not as industrial [or] commercial," he said. "We are more family oriented, family-run businesses, instead of large corporations."
Ontario producers only make up a small percentage of maple syrup consumed around the world, he said.
The maple syrup competition, which brings in top competitors from Ontario, Quebec, and New York, grades the syrup on things like clarity, taste, and consistency.
"Every little area has it's own little taste, it's own characteristics," Dan said.
The couple have been entering their products at the fair since 2009. This was their first time winning.