The Global Gourmet Salts Industry

Gourmet Salts

Gourmet Salts are specialty salts that are deliciously unique and perfect for enhancing any ordinary dish. These salts are very different from regular table salt, differing in all aspects from flake size to texture to flavour and colour.

Gourmet salts are unrefined salts with an adequate amount of sodium content and are also naturally-harvested without additives. The Gourmet Salt market is sub-divided into two segments based on:

1) Type: Himalayan salt, Fleur De Sel Salt, Hawaiian Algae Sea Salt, Flake Sea Salt, Cyprus Black Lava Salt, Sel Gris, Flakey salt, and many more

2) Application: Confectionery, Bakery, Meat and Poultry, Sea Food, Sauces & Savouries, and more

The Global Gourmet Salts Industry

The Largest Market for Gourmet salts is in the European Region while the North American market is projected to grow at the fastest rate.

The players in the global gourmet salts industry are implementing various strategies for development. These include introducing new products and expanding globally to widen their portfolio of products and scale of operations leading to productivity, efficiency, and a reduction in costs.

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. The United States currently accounts for a 28.8% share in the global gourmet salt market. China is forecasted to reach an estimated gourmet salt market size of US$654.6 Million in the year 2027 trailing a CAGR of 7.9% through 2027.

Apart from the ones mentioned above, a few other noteworthy markets are Canada and Japan, where each of these markets is projected to grow at 3.9% and 2.8% respectively over the forecast period of 2020-2027. Brazil and Mexico are forecasted to become the major contributors in the salt industry, with LATAM registering a CAGR of 6% by 2024.

The leading players in the Global Gourmet Salts Market include

- Morton Salt, Inc.

- SaltWorks, Inc.

- Murray River Gourmet Salt

- Alaska Pure

- Sea Salt Co.

- Amagansett Sea Salt Co.

- Kalahari Pristine Salt Worx

Gourmet Salt Industry Market Drivers

Gourmet Salts incorporate a tinge of traditional flavour and aroma in foods, resulting in it being used extensively in emerging countries.

The potent properties driving the demand are better solubility, rich minerals and texture, and flavour enhancement. Other factors leading to an increase in demand and an increase in the profit margin for retailers are cost-effective manufacturing and easy availability of gourmet salts.

The gourmet salts industry is trending in the US because these salts are used while preparing high-quality premium foods. The strong influence of westernization in emerging countries is boosting the demand for foreign cuisine such as Italian and French food. These cuisines require a unique flavour of salts and this requirement is fulfilled by gourmet salts.

According to FDR guidelines, salt usage should not exceed 0.01% of potassium iodide. The WHO states that the limit of saline intake is to be reduced by 30% by 2025. These guidelines enable people to consume more Gourmet salts as they contain less amount of the above minerals. High sodium salt intake is said to contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

The Gourmet salts industry witnessed a high growth from the following market segments including seafood, meat processing, sauces and savoury, and bakery and confectionery. There has been a drastic increase in the number of gourmet restaurants in the last five years. On the contrary, higher prices and a lack of product awareness are the major restraints of the gourmet salts market growth.

Health Benefits of Some Gourmet Salts:

- Himalayan Salt, high in mineral content, is reported to improve sleep, weight loss, and hormonal balance. It also aids in improving the hydration and balancing the pH level of the body.

- Himalayan Pink Rock Salt is known as a master of species due to its rich mineral content, providing all 84 elements required to the body. It is known to lower blood pressure and improve the blood circulation of the body. It also helps to detox the body from heavy metals.

- Hawaiian Algae Sea Salt, baked in Hawaiian clay, enriches the salt with iron oxide and is used in all the traditional Hawaiian dishes

- Fleur de sel, known for its delicate flavour and texture, is rich in various minerals and nutrients such as zinc, calcium, copper, iron, iodine, and fluoride. These minerals are absent in other categories of salts.

- Flake Sea Salt goes well with fish and vegetable dishes. This sea salt provides relief from arthritis while also boosting the immune system and promoting digestion.

- Cyprus Black Lava Salt is a Mediterranean salt mixed with activated charcoal. It acts as a natural detoxifier as the charcoal absorbs toxins in the body.

Which Type of Salt Will See the Highest Growth Rate in the Future?

Fleur de Sel, known for its elegant appearance, delicate flavour, and moist texture, is projected to see the highest growth in the global market. The name translates to ‘Flower of Salt’ and is known as ‘Caviar of Salts’ by chefs. Fleur de sel is a finishing salt that enhances the taste of soups, salads, fish, meat, fruit, vegetables, and even dessert. This salt changes the ordinary meal to a different culinary experience with the touch of fresh herbs flavour. The market growth is also driven by the use of this salt in various dishes such as Roasted meats, salads, and vegetables. This salt contains highly irregular and fine crystals that dissolve quickly.

Bakery & confectionery is observed to be the fastest-growing market increasing at over 8.5% CAGR through to 2024. The fleur de sel salt has wide acceptance in the bakery segment for seasoning caramels, bread, and chocolates owing to its exotic flavour, high mineral content, better solubility, and moisture.

The meat & poultry market will surpass USD 500 million by 2024. This salt has wide application in this market and is used for meat processing and preserving canned meats, hams, roasts, meatballs, and fish.

Key Statistics for Fleur de sel Salt Market are:

- Fleur de sel Segment Corners a 35.9% Share in 2020.

- USA, Canada, Japan, China, and Europe will drive the market.

- China will remain among the fastest-growing market followed by Australia, India, and South Korea. to reach US$935 Million by 2025.

Summary

Gourmet Salt is known for its traditional flavour and aroma that enhances the culinary experience of the dishes. Gourmet Salt Market is emerging at a substantial rate in the Asia market, European and American market holding the highest growth rate.

The global demand for gourmet salts is being stimulated by the development of new products along with attractive packaging and a rise in technological innovations. The global market players are leveraging mergers and acquisitions and technological expertise to amplify the momentum and increase profitability.

While various factors are leading to the growth of the industry, the costs associated with the processing of the salt is said to restrain this growth.