Introduction
Salt is a mineral (also known as sodium chloride) that is found naturally in different parts of the world, mostly the Mediterranean and other warm climates. It is mined through different processes depending on the type of salt. Most sea salt is mined where there are shelves in the ocean and water is channeled into small ponds. The water is left to evaporate over time and salt is left over.
Gourmet salts are unrefined, naturally harvested salts (mostly sea salts) with comparatively lower sodium content, and without additives.
Gourmet salts are nothing like your standard table salt, differing in everything from flake size and texture, to flavour and colour. They are specialty salts, deliciously unique and perfect for enhancing an otherwise ordinary dish (or drink).
Today, professional chefs and home cooks have begun to differentiate between salts and utilize their unique properties for a range of uses in the kitchen.
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Market Overview
The gourmet salts market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2020 to 2027 to touch US$ 6 billion by 2027
Europe is expected to witness significant growth in the gourmet salts market and contribute a maximum market share, followed by North America and the Asia Pacific over the forecasted period.
The cosmopolitan culture has created a demand for traditional cuisines in the big cities, and this has subsequently led to the increased application of gourmet salts.
Key Trends
Fleur de sel or Flower of Salt is likely to see the highest growth rate in the future.
Globalization has led to the westernization of many cuisines, especially in emerging countries, generating the demand for salts with unique flavours and textures
The growing food industry globally, specifically gourmet cuisine will continue to drive the growth for gourmet salts
Key Market Players
Some of the major companies that are present in the global Gourmet Salts Market are Morton Salt, Inc., San Francisco Salt Company, Celtic Sea Salt, Cargill Incorporated, Salinera Española, The Marblehead Salt Co. LLC., Devonshire Gourmet Salts, 24K Salt, SaltWorks, Inc.
Growth Drivers and Challenges
Globalization of gourmet cuisines indicates that a sizeable chunk of consumers is willing to pay a premium for the finest exotic palate, thus leading to the wider adoption of gourmet salts globally.
increasing Internet penetration and popularity of cooking shows are driving consumers to experiment with gourmet cuisines at home. This is influencing gourmet salt manufacturers to provide various types of products targeting both, commercial and individual consumers and will also benefit the gourmet salt market to grow substantially during the forecast period.
Gourmet salts are expensive as compared to conventional salt and the lack of awareness in developing countries about this salt, are major constraints to the market.