Natural sweetener trend drives record Canadian Maple Syrup imports into UK

The UK’s enduring consumer preference for natural, less-processed ingredients has fuelled a historic rise in imports of pure Canadian maple syrup, according to newly released figures from the Québec Maple Syrup Producers (QMSP).

The value of pure maple syrup and associated products, such as maple sugar, imported into the UK reached its highest-ever mark during the January–August 2025 period, totalling more than CAN $24 million (nearly 5.5 million lbs). This represents a 17% jump in value compared to the same period in 2024.

The robust growth is attributed to strategic shifts in sourcing by UK retailers, moving towards products bottled at the origin. Maple from Canada, the marketing organisation for QMSP, noted an increase in direct imports of maple syrup in flasks, rather than bulk syrup intended for local repacking.

Vincent Grondin of Maple from Canada explained the consumer driver behind this shift for the trade: “Our research tells us that the authenticity of pure Canadian maple syrup is important to consumers, so UK retailers are meeting this demand in their purchasing strategies. Bottling at source means consumers have the reassurance that they are buying a pure, unblended maple syrup with a unique taste and authentic origins.”

This trend signals a growing demand for ingredient traceability and premium positioning within the natural sweetener and baking categories.

Beyond the demand for natural alternatives to processed sugar, Grondin credits the success to a conscious marketing strategy that repositioned maple syrup from a mere breakfast condiment to a versatile, functional ingredient.

“We have made a conscious decision in our marketing to focus on the visuals of exciting new recipes that often tap into the latest viral food craze,” Grondin stated. “Maple syrup has been repositioned as a naturally grown and harvested, functional ingredient that can be used in a vast range of savoury and sweet recipes.”

This versatility has made maple flavour a highlight in several retailers’ Christmas 2025 ranges, further underscoring its relevance beyond its traditional seasonal usage. The upward trajectory in quantity imported is positive news for the over 13,300 maple syrup farmers and processors QMSP represents.