By Kristen Brassard, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
The Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets extends an *extra sweet* thank you to all who participated in this year’s Vermont Maple 100! From September 15 - October 15, approximately 100 different businesses across the state shared unique maple products and hosted sugarhouse tours, concerts, tastings, giveaways, and much more.
This year’s event saw many changes and improvements inspired by past participant feedback, including the addition of Maple 100 road signs offered for free to all participants, and more marketing dollars targeted in-state to reach Vermonters and tourists who were already here looking for tasty adventures. Overall, the marketing campaign reached more than 2 million people and far surpassed engagement found on similar promotions! We even joined forces with @EatVermont to highlight different Maple 100 offerings throughout the state on social media.
Consumers were invited to participate in filling out a Maple Meander passport, which encouraged them to visit a variety of participating businesses. One lucky winner one a basket from Lake Champlain Chocolates and another from Dakin Farm! We thank these generous businesses (Maple 100 participants themselves!) for their donations.
The Maple 100 is made possible by a USDA Acer Marketing grant and is just one of many ways the Agency of Agriculture supports the maple industry. In four years, this event has introduced thousands of consumers to the wide variety of ways to use maple, beyond just as a breakfast sweetener. Stay tuned this spring for updates on the 2024 event!
A jug of maple syrup, a lemon, a bottle of vodka, and a cocktail with a lemon wedge are displayed on a wooden table.