From Backyards To Big Business: Outside Investors Tap Into Vermont Maple Syrup Industry
Bob Sabolefski is a small batch syrup producer in Stowe. He said he’s not surprised by the arrival of out-of-state investors who hope to leverage rising syrup demand.
Photo by Lorne Matalon for VPR
Demand for maple syrup and maple products is growing by about 6 to 8 percent per year globally. The prospect of that kind of return is drawing in investors to Vermont like moths to a flame.
About 3,000 Vermont producers are on their annual marathon to produce a commodity that is conservatively estimated to represent upwards of $300 million in sales each year.
After two banner years, Vermont producers and processors are trying to walk a fine line between price and production.
Production is rising thanks to ever more efficient technology. That is putting downward pressure on prices as the supply expands, but it isn’t scaring off out-of-state investors who are increasing the number of taps they’re installing to try to satisfy rising demand for syrup worldwide.