What is a PGI?

A first in Canada

Officially recognized in April 2025, Acerum of Quebec is the first Canadian spirit to obtain a protected geographical indication (PGI).
This historic designation places Acerum alongside the great controlled origin spirits in the world — like cognac, scotch, or mezcal — while asserting its own identity: the taste of Quebec, distilled from maple.

What is a PGI?

The Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) is an official quality mark recognized by the government of Quebec.
It identifies and protects products whose reputation, quality, or characteristics are closely linked to their territory of origin.
Obtaining a PGI demonstrates that a product could not exist elsewhere in the same way. The recognition process for this PGI began in 2017.

A regulated and protected designation

The use of a PGI is strictly regulated by law. In Quebec, monitoring and recognition of designations are ensured by the Council of reserved designations and valorizing terms (CARTV), an independent public organization.
For a product to bear the name Acerum of Quebec, it must:

• be produced exclusively from maple sap harvested in Quebec;

• comply with all requirements of the official specifications ;

• be verified and certified by an organization accredited by the CARTV (currently: Ecocert Canada).

• The company producing it must also be a member of the Union of Maple Spirit Distillers.

This recognition protects the designation against any imitation and guarantees the consumer that each bottle indeed comes from Quebec and meets high standards of quality and authenticity.