Written By Jan Sims
ILDERTON - The sap is running at maple syrup farms across the region, including Rolling Ridge Maple Products near Ilderton.
Following what has felt like a long and cold winter, Rolling Ridge owner Jamie Robson says the season began about a week later than normal this year. “It’s been average so far. It just depends on what the weather does. We need winter to come and go a few times for a great syrup year,” says Robson.
As well as the maple trees themselves, visitors to the Vanneck Rd. sugarbush and store can’t miss the Canadian flag that’s proudly displayed at Rolling Ridge. And the buy Canadian movement among customers is apparent. “A lot of people talk about it when they come in here. It’s definitely on the consumer’s mind,” says Robson.
In regards to tariffs and the supply chain, Robson says most of the equipment used at Rolling Ridge is produced in Canada. “On maple syrup it doesn’t really affect anything. Quebec is still the largest syrup producer followed by Vermont, followed by Ontario and some of the Maritimes. I think domestically we can use what’s here, and the rest will go to Europe and other countries besides the U.S.”
Overall, Robson says maple syrup sales have been robust in recent years. “Sales have been fantastic. The last three years, we can sell more than we can make. People are eating natural food products.”
As for the trees themselves, they’ve been helped by a good summer for weather in 2024. “We had all kinds of moisture early in the summer last year and lots of sunlight,” says Robson. “A good warm rain wouldn’t hurt anything right now,” Robson adds.
Rolling Ridge syrup is also sold in London at Remark locations.
