Quebec Acerum Makes a Mark at Wine Paris 2026

Quebec Acerum Makes a Mark at Wine Paris 2026

From February 9 to 11, 2026, Québec's acerum distillers participated in Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris, one of the largest international gatherings of wine and spirits. This strategic presence in Paris marks an important milestone in the European development of this maple eau-de-vie protected by a PDO.

For several days, the Acerum booth from Québec attracted journalists, importers, and distributors curious to discover this still little-known, even misunderstood category in France. Several journalists visited the Québec distillers, notably representing Le Figaro, Le Monde, La Revue du Vin de France, Whisky Magazine and Time Out. Several off-stand meetings also took place with gastronomic media, opening the door to publication opportunities in the coming months.

The reaction is encouraging! Many professionals expected a sweeter product due to the instinctive association with maple. However, the tasting was surprising: aromatic finesse, complexity, elegant structure, and a profile drier than anticipated. This gap between initial perception and reality on the palate constitutes a real narrative lever. Acerum does not correspond to preconceived ideas — and that is precisely what appeals.

The fair highlighted a central issue: education. The positioning must first rely on the PDO and the notion of appellation of origin, drawing a parallel with French references such as cognac. By promoting the Québec terroir, the 100% maple raw material, and the production process, acerum asserts its own identity, without direct comparison to other categories.

The market context favors acerum. French consumers show growing interest in origin spirits, traceability, and emerging terroirs. In this dynamic, Québec appears as a provenance both exotic and credible, capable of offering authenticity and differentiation.

This participation in Wine Paris 2026 was not just a showcase: it served as a strategic laboratory. The signals are positive, curiosity is real, and the product quality convincing.

A successful presence!

Distilleries present;

  • Fove Distillery

  • St. Laurent Distillery

  • Shefford Distillery 

  • Mitis Distillery 

This project was funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food under the Support Program for the Development of Reserved Designations and Valuing Terms (PADARTV).

For more information: Emmanuelle Choquette, Coordinator of the UDSÉ
emmanuelle@papilles.ca, 418-809-7895