QUEBEC CITY, Que. — Quebec's strategic maple syrup reserve is expected to be completely depleted by February 2027, but industry officials say there is no danger of a syrup shortage, even if next spring's crop falls short of expectations.

The Quebec Maple Syrup Producers (QMSP) confirmed to The Maple News that the remaining syrup in the reserve has already been committed to buyers and will be delivered over the next several months.

"We expect the strategic reserve to be completely depleted by the end of February 2027, once all volumes under contract have been delivered to buyers," a federation spokesman told The Maple News.

The clarification comes after QMSP president Luc Goulet warned that the reserve had been exhausted amid growing international demand for Quebec maple syrup.

"Our strategic reserve has been reduced to zero," Goulet told The Canadian Press during the release of a report detailing the industry's economic contributions.

But while the reserve is being drawn down, much of the syrup has simply moved into the hands of commercial buyers.

The federation estimates that buyers' inventories have increased by more than 35 million pounds, leaving overall supplies in a position similar to a year ago.

"However, the supply situation today is similar to what it was a year ago. Inventories have simply shifted from the strategic reserve to buyers' warehouses," the spokesman said.

"As a result, there are no concerns about market supply in 2027, even if the upcoming crop is not particularly strong."

Bruce Bascom of Bascom Maple Farms in Alstead, N.H., one of the maple industry's largest bulk syrup buyers, agrees that supplies are adequate despite the depletion of the reserve.

"Yes the reserve is down to zero. However, since both the US and Canada had a big crop last year it appears that all of the packers have more than enough supply to get to the new 2027 crop," Bascom told The Maple News.

"There is considerable tap expansion continuing in both countries," he added.

The federation says it hopes a strong 2027 crop will allow it to begin rebuilding the reserve.

"That said, we are hoping for an exceptional season so that we can replenish the reserve," the spokesman said.

The organization is also counting on expanded production capacity to meet future demand.

Over the past six years, Quebec has issued production quotas covering an additional 21 million taps, which are expected to increase syrup output in the coming years.