The need for clearer origin information is documented.

Canadian consumers, retailers and regulators have repeatedly encountered the same problem: origin information can be difficult to interpret, compare and apply consistently.

The selected independent sources below document the gap that MAPLE Score™ is designed to address.

Consumers want clarity.

What shoppers understand about origin terminology can materially affect what they choose.

  • Knowing ‘Made in Canada’ vs. ‘Product of Canada’ changes spending: survey

    Global News · February 27, 2025
    When the definitions were explained, preference for “Product of Canada” increased from 23% to 66%—strong evidence that origin terminology materially affects consumer understanding and choice.

    Read source 

  • Complaints about food mislabelled as products of Canada rising: CFIA

    CityNews / The Canadian Press · March 5, 2025
    CFIA reported an increase in complaints involving products mislabelled as Canadian or missing country-of-origin information.

    Read source 

The challenge extends beyond shoppers.

Businesses and retailers must operate within a complex mix of claims, symbols, changing inventories and store-level communications.

  • A maplewashed minefield

    National Magazine / Canadian Bar Association · June 19, 2025
    The legal and regulatory overview describes a confusing barrage of origin terminology and a landscape that is difficult for consumers and businesses to navigate consistently.

    Read source 

  • CBC investigation finds some big grocers promoting imported food with Canadian branding

    CBC News · July 24, 2025
    CBC and CFIA information identified conflicting country-of-origin signage and questionable Canadian branding at major grocery chains—evidence that the current system can be difficult to execute accurately at shelf.

    Read source 

The consequences are no longer theoretical.

Complaints and investigations have progressed into penalties, corrective action and reputational consequences.

  • CFIA says it’s handed out $47K in fines for ‘misleading’ Product of Canada labels

    Global News · March 20, 2026
    CFIA reported $47,000 in penalties arising from misleading Product of Canada labels, demonstrating that origin communication now carries direct compliance consequences.

    Read source 

  • Sobeys, Loblaw under fire for maple washing, as Sobeys ditches maple leaf symbol in stores

    CBC News · May 14, 2026
    CFIA had identified 127 retailer maple-washing cases since the beginning of 2025, while Sobeys removed its in-store maple-leaf symbol amid increasing scrutiny. This shows the issue persisted well beyond the initial Buy Canadian news cycle.

    Read source 

A recurring problem deserves a durable response.

MAPLE Score™ does not replace existing Canadian-origin claims. It adds one consistent, product-specific percentage showing Canadian ingredient origin by weight.

One missing measure. Made clear.

Selected third-party sources are provided for context and independent validation of the underlying market problem. Their inclusion does not imply endorsement of MAPLE Score™ by the publications, journalists, organizations or individuals cited.