NAPSI certification will guarantee its authenticity
LONGUEUIL, QC, Feb. 6, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - In what is to be a worldwide first, the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers is announcing the launch of a unique product: 100% pure maple water. This naturally occurring liquid, which has a fresh and delicately sweet flavour, will be harvested entirely this spring and possibly offered all year round. The SEVA, OVIVAMC and MAPLE3 brands are presently in the process of being certified. This innovative product is the result of investment and passion from Quebec's maple syrup producers.
The maple water will be harvested once a year in the spring, and then sterilized using a method developed by the Federation that preserves all its original characteristics for 18 months at room temperature. Historically, maple water was consumed by First Nations people and fur traders as a tonic, and consuming it today helps to preserve our maple tree stands. It contains more than 46 bioactive compounds essential to life and growth of the tree, including a range of vitamins and minerals, amino and organic acids, polyphenols and phytohormones. These compounds are present in light concentrations, as are its sugar levels—typically 6 g or 25 calories per 250 ml serving. This water is ideal as a thirst-quencher in the summer or for rehydrating after physical exercise.
To guarantee authenticity, the Federation is including NAPSI certification. It will ensure that consumers receive an authentic sensory experience of maple water directly from the maple grove. The harvesting methods and processes of NAPSI-certified products meet strict standards that guarantee the maple water is 100% natural, authentic, pure, sterile and integral. This certification is available for national and international promoters who meet the requirements of the certification. In particular, NAPSI stipulates that the maple water must be bought in Canada.
"NAPSI-certified pure maple water is now available thanks to the research and development efforts of the Federation over the last seven years," explains Serge Beaulieu, President of the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers. "We are very proud to announce the launch of this new agricultural product that will help to promote maple and Quebec among the commercial sector and consumers everywhere. This innovative product will also boost employment and the economy in the region."
According to the Director of Promotions and Market Development for the Federation, Geneviève C. Béland: "When you taste it, it's like experiencing or reliving the experience of drinking fresh maple water directly from the tree. It has a distinctive flavour and is slightly sweet. The product has so much promise, in that we can now imagine a range of applications to meet market demand. Considering the water's sugar levels, which naturally vary between 1.7% to 3%, sometimes reaching 3.5% over the season, maple water comprising 1.8% sugar will go very well as part of a gourmet meal. Maple water with 2% to 3% sugar has been unanimously embraced by athletes who have had the chance to try it. We've had similar enthusiasm from those who have tried it as a refreshing summer drink. In the kitchen, it's a wonderful ingredient that can add something extra to savoury, sweet, or sweet and sour dishes. Whether it's enjoyed as-is, with food or in ice cubes, its special character always shines through."
Further information on maple water and NAPSI certification can be found at maplewaternapsi.ca and napsi.ca.
The Federation would like to thank Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Quebec Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and the Conseil pour le développement de l'agriculture du Québec for their respective financial support.
About the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers
The Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers was founded in 1966 with the mission of defending and promoting the economic, social and moral interests of its 7,400 maple businesses. These men and women are working together to collectively market their products. The quality of their work and their products has made Quebec the producer of close to 80% of today's global maple syrup output.
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1 Subject to the Régie des marchés agricoles et agroalimentaires du Québec.
Image with caption: "Pierre Résimont, Serge Beaulieu and Geneviève Béland. (CNW Group/FEDERATION OF QUEBEC MAPLE SYRUP PRODUCERS)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130206_C3382_PHOTO_EN_23366.jpg
SOURCE: FEDERATION OF QUEBEC MAPLE SYRUP PRODUCERS
Source:
Caroline Cyr
Promotion and Communication Officer
Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers
Information:
Micheline Vallée
514 344-9528
[email protected]
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