The food salt market - Italy

Since 2020, the global salt market has been experiencing growth despite a decrease in production due to the pandemic. Global market projections indicate an increase from $35.84 billion in 2024 to $54.02 billion by 2032. European food salt production saw fluctuations, with a significant jump to 2,600 thousand tons in 2022, representing a 13.5 percent increase from 2018. The Italian market reflects these trends, with the turnover of seasoning and spice companies growing by 17.2 percent over five years to 2021 and the turnover of salt mining companies increasing by 16.9 percent from 2012 to 2022. Sold production of food salt in Italy also showed a notable climb, with a 46.4 percent increase in value from 2018 to 2022. The Italian market is oligopolistic with Italkali, Atisale SPA, and Locatelli Saline Di Volterra Srl dominating, and a consolidation trend is evident, characterized by the disappearance of small companies and a stabilization in the number of employees since 2015. The main salt-producing regions in Italy include Sicily and Puglia. Consumer prices have risen by 10.9 percent from 2016 to 2023, with a substantial 5.3 percent increase between 2022 and 2023. Government and WHO efforts to reduce salt consumption are ongoing, considering the health implications of high intake, and the Italian market features a variety of salt products catering to different consumer needs and health considerations.

Evolving Dynamics and Consumer Caution Manifest in Italy’s Salt Market

The Italian salt market exhibits a diverse landscape characterized by both rock and sea salt production, with various types responding to dissimilar needs from its consumers. Consumption trends in Italy have showcased a conscious shift, with approximately 75% of Italians over the age of 15 becoming more vigilant about their salt intake as reported in 2022. This heightened awareness, influenced by health recommendations and governmental efforts, has translated into a decrease in overall consumption by 12% over a decade. The average monthly household expenditure on salt, including spices and herbs, remained fairly consistent over a five-year period, with a notable dip in 2021. However, production of sold food salt peaked in 2017 and experienced fluctuations since, revealing underlying instabilities within the sector. Over a decade, the trend presented an overall drop of 6.4% from 2013 to 2022. International trade seems positive for the Italian salt sector, as imports grew by approximately 22.6%, while exports outpaced this figure with an increase of roughly 43.5%. Special attention is given to the country's export relationship with the United States, which absorbs about a quarter of Italy's total salt exports. The types of salt available reflect the varied consumer preferences and industry innovations. Traditional sea salt remains a staple, while iodized salt answers public health calls for iodine sufficiency. Whole salts and Himalayan pink salts cater to the demographic seeking minimally processed options. Aromatic salts infuse culinary experiences with distinct flavors and low-sodium alternatives satisfy health-conscious clientele. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting sustainable methods and materials, with more than half of them achieving environmental certifications. The Italian salt market, therefore, is witnessing a transformative era where consumer caution, environmental awareness, and diverse product offerings are shaping the industry's present and future. With attention to health implications, eco-conscious packaging, and a rise in exports, Italy’s salt market appears to be adapting well to the new tides of demand.

Key Players Shaping the Italian Salt Market Landscape

Italy's salt industry is characterized by a diverse array of companies that span from traditional sea salt providers to innovative leaders in specialized and sustainable salt products. Here's an overview of some the major companies leading the Italian market, more are available in the full study:

Italkali: Dominating the market with rock salt, Italkali offers a variety of salts for industrial and food use. They are known for their mining operations in Sicily, producing vast quantities of rock salt that cater to different market segments including food, industrial applications, and animal feed. They also provide flavored options that enhance the culinary experience.

Ingegneria Luigi Conti Vecchi: Renowned for their sea salt, this entity has a historical significance in the industry and provides salts for both food consumption and industrial use. Their offerings include salt for animal feed, emphasizing their versatility and comprehensive approach to salt mining and production.

Atisale: With a focus on sea salt, Atisale caters to both the industrial sector and the culinary needs of consumers. They also produce salt-based household products, demonstrating their adaptability and innovation within the market. Aided by strategic locations near the coast, Atisale efficiently harvests sea salt, harnessing natural processes.

Locatelli Saline di Volterra: Locatelli specializes in sea salt for industrial use but also extends to household products. Their operations underscore the importance of sea salt in both commercial applications and daily life, leveraging traditional salt-harvesting methods that parallel their regional heritage.

Sosalt: Operating primarily in the food industry, Sosalt delivers a variety of sea salt products that cater to modern tastes and traditions alike. Their specialty includes the fine 'Salt Flower,' created from the crystalline surface of sea salt evaporation ponds, highly esteemed by gourmets and chefs alike. This product harnesses the unique terroir of Italian coastal regions, providing a delicate and nuanced flavor. 

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 15/04/2024

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Food salt market size
• Production of food-grade salt in quantity
• Major salt exporters by value
• Major European producers of Food Salt
• Turnover of salt mining companies
• Turnover of companies producing seasonings and spices
• Sold production of food salt
• Distribution of turnover among the 10 largest Italian companies ATECO 08.93
• Turnover of the 10 largest Italian companies ATECO 08.93
• Number of salt extractors
• Number of employees per year in salt mining companies
• Producer price index of seasonings and spices
• Consumer price trends for salt, herbs and spices
• Consumer price trends of salt, herbs and spices (monthly)
• Import-export of food salt
• Main countries of origin of salt imports
• Main destination countries for salt exports
• Beware of salt consumption in relation to employment
• Beware of age-related salt consumption
• Monthly household expenditure on salt, spices and herbs
• Sold production of food salt