Canada - the world’s largest supplier of maple syrup - saw production of the sweet, sticky stuff plummet more than 40 percent due to unfavorable weather, according to national statistics agency data.

Statistics Canada blamed severe storms and big temperature swings in eastern parts of the country for the lower yields. Top producing province Quebec experienced late spring ice storms that cut its production to 35.6 million liters - its lowest level since 2018. Total national production for 2023 was 39.4 million liters.

Ideal temperatures for the sap to flow from maple trees is between 5 degrees Celsius and minus 5 C.

In neighboring Ontario, warmer seasonal temperatures in the south extended the sugaring season, but the slight production uptick was more than offset by lower yields in the north where cold weather delayed the harvest.

As a result, Canadian exports of maple syrup fell 8.7 percent in the first nine months of 2023 compared to the same period last year, according to the national statistical agency. (AFP)