Mr. Marc Blanchet reports

GROWTH AND INNOVATIONS FOR THE MAPLE DIVISION OF H2O INNOVATION

H2O Innovation Inc. has added five new distributors to its network, has introduced the new H2O-Smartrek technology, and has inaugurated its new flagship store and showroom in Ham-Nord, Que., Canada. All these accomplishments, initiatives and innovations are in line with the continuous growth of the maple division over the past three years as well as with the growing demands from the company's clients for more performant products, allowing for a more intelligent and profitable maple production. The maple division is part of the specialty products and services group.

Increasing market share and know-how

H2O Innovation is expanding its presence in the maple market with the addition of two new distributors in the province of Quebec and three distributors in the United States. The new Quebec distributors will cover the Beauce region and the lower St-Lawrence district. In the United States, H2O Innovation's presence will be reinforced in the states of New York and Ohio where a total of three new distributors have already begun selling the company's products. Not only do these distributors contribute to expand the territories covered by the company and increase its revenues but they also enhance the experience and know-how of the entire maple team which will benefit clientele. The H2O Innovation maple division now includes 33 distributors covering two Canadian provinces and nine American states, and grew by 16 per cent per year for the past three years.

Automation of the maple production

In partnership with SmartrekTechnologies, H2O Innovation now offers a monitoring and control system specific to the maple industry. Installed through the sugar bush, the H2O-Smartrek system allows the producers to detect leaks in their collection network and intervene quickly to repair them. By localizing and correcting the leaks, the quantity of maple water collected is increased, resulting in a direct improvement of the maple syrup production and thus revenues for the maple syrup producer. The use of the H2O-Smartrek system brings a gain that can reach up to 10 per cent of revenues increase. Easy to install and operate, this wireless system will quickly become a must have for every maple syrup producers.

"The response from our clients following the introduction of the H2O-Smartrek system has been incredible. Since last fall, we have installed over 500 boxes throughout Canadian and American sugar bushes. The H2O-Smartrek innovation co-exists with the Super-Concentrator, a high-concentration-level membrane filtration system introduced at the end of the 2014 maple season. Both of these innovative products are the reflection of our will to improve, optimize and facilitate the production of maple syrup," mentioned Pierre Courtois, director of the maple division at H2O Innovation.

New image

Important redesign work took place at the Ham-Nord premises to remodel the office space in line with the company's image. The office transformation led to significant changes in the maple store. The store no longer looks like a hardware store but is now a spacious showroom where products are given a prominent place and enhanced training sessions will be offered. "Maple producers are modernizing their equipment and looking for ways to increase their efficiency. With the store's transformation we want to let them know that H2O Innovation is there to assist them in their modernization and offer them an improved customer experience," stated Frederic Dugre, president and chief executive officer of H2O Innovation. Maple producers are invited to the official inauguration of the new store on Friday, Feb. 13, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The same innovative and strategic products displays will be deployed in the United States. In the upcoming months, the company's warehouse, located in Swanton, Vt., will be transformed into a showroom where open-house events and workshops will be held. The company's American distributors will also benefit from the modernization of its business places.

All these changes and innovations are creating a craze within the maple division. This renewed energy will serve the development of new products, improve customer service and maintain the growth of the maple division.