Citadelle Maple Syrup Producers’ Cooperative, headquartered in Plessisville, Quebec, Canada, is one of the largest and most prestigious maple syrup cooperatives in the world. Founded in 1925, the cooperative represents over 2,000 member producers and is internationally recognized for its high-quality maple syrup and derivative products. With a vertically integrated structure and a robust commitment to sustainability, Citadelle has set global standards in the maple syrup industry.
Core Business
Citadelle operates as a producer, processor, and global exporter of 100% pure maple syrup and maple-based products. The cooperative aggregates production from its member maple syrup farmers and transforms it into a wide array of consumer and industrial products under strict quality controls. With multiple production sites across Quebec, Citadelle ensures year-round availability and freshness for its domestic and international partners.
Product and Service Offerings
Citadelle offers a comprehensive line of maple and related products:
-
Maple Syrups and Concentrates:
- Grade A Amber – Rich Taste
- Grade A Dark – Robust Taste
- Grade A Very Dark – Strong Taste
- Industrial maple concentrates for food processing
-
Maple Sugar Products:
- Granulated maple sugar
- Maple sugar chunks
-
Maple Spreads and Toppings:
- Maple butter
- Clearly Maple Taffy
-
Confectionery:
- Maple candies
- Maple lollipops
-
Beverage and Condiment Line:
- Maple syrup for cocktails and mixology
- Maple vinegar
- Maple mustard
- Maple BBQ sauce
-
Bakery and Snacks:
All products are available for retail, bulk, foodservice, and industrial packaging, with private label capabilities.
Specialization and Core USP
Citadelle's competitive edge stems from its cooperative structure and quality assurance:
- Member-Owned Cooperative: Every product supports the livelihood of over 2,000 Canadian maple producers.
- Traceability and Quality: From tree to table, every batch is traceable and tested for purity and quality.
- Sustainably Harvested: Emphasis on long-term forest health and adherence to responsible tapping guidelines.
- Innovation in Processing: High-capacity, energy-efficient evaporators and bottling lines.
- Global Reach: Export to over 45 countries across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.
Financials and Operational Scale
Citadelle's cooperative model and international scale of operations position it among the top global maple syrup players:
- Annual Production Capacity: Over 40 million pounds (approx. 18 million kg) of maple syrup
- Annual Revenue Estimate: Ranges between CAD $100M to $150M based on industry reports
- Export Share: More than 85% of total volume exported globally
- Production Facilities: Multiple state-of-the-art facilities for syrup, honey, and cranberry processing in Quebec
Shipment Data
According to Canadian export databases and trade platforms:
- Top Importing Countries: United States, Germany, Japan, France, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates
- Average Monthly Shipments: Over 1,200 metric tons across product types
- Export Certifications:
- CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency)
- USDA Organic
- EU Organic Certification
- ISO 22000 and BRC Global Food Safety Standards
Citadelle is one of the few Canadian producers certified to export pure maple syrup to markets with stringent quality controls such as Japan and the EU.
Target Market
Citadelle serves a diversified client base:
- International food and beverage brands
- Retail chains and health food stores
- Specialty gourmet shops
- HORECA sector and foodservice distributors
- Food and beverage manufacturers seeking natural sweetener alternatives
Their products are tailored for health-conscious and premium consumers seeking clean-label, traceable ingredients.
Capabilities
- Multi-product production lines for maple syrup, honey, and cranberries
- Custom formulation services for beverage and food manufacturers
- Private labeling with compliance to international packaging standards
- In-house R&D and sensory evaluation lab
- Multilingual export documentation and logistics support
Certifications and Compliance
Citadelle’s commitment to food safety and environmental sustainability is demonstrated through its accreditations:
- Organic Certifications: USDA Organic, Canada Organic, EU Organic
- Food Safety Certifications: HACCP, BRCGS (AA rating), ISO 22000
- Kosher and Halal Certifications
- Sustainable Forestry Compliance: Adheres to responsible forest management protocols
These certifications enable Citadelle to serve regulated markets while reinforcing consumer trust.
Customer Testimonials
“Citadelle's maple syrup has become a staple in our clean-label product line. Their transparency and consistency make them an ideal global partner.”
— Director of Procurement, Natural Foods Corp (Germany)
“Our retail customers love the authenticity and rich flavor of Citadelle's syrup. It's the highest quality we’ve ever sourced.”
— Category Manager, Premium Grocers Asia (Japan)
Major Achievements
- Recognized as the largest maple syrup cooperative in the world
- Winner of the Prix Alizé for Canadian Export Achievement (2020)
- Supplier to major global brands in confectionery and beverages
- Official Supplier to the Canadian Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
- Developed value-added product lines including organic honey and cranberries under the same cooperative model
Citadelle Maple Syrup Producers’ Cooperative stands as a beacon of quality, sustainability, and cooperative excellence in the global maple syrup industry. Its century-old roots and relentless focus on innovation and traceability make it a preferred partner for businesses seeking premium natural sweeteners from Canada.
