The food salt market - Italy (2025)

1.2 Global market

Global Market

he value of the global food salt market is estimated to grow steadily between **** and ****, from $**.* billion to $** billion, an overall increase of **.* percent. This trend reflects a growing demand, likely related to both the expansion of the food industry and the increase in world population and consumption. The pace of growth appears gradual, averaging about $* billion more per year. Should this trend continue beyond ****, the market could further consolidate, driven by diversification of salt products and innovation in production and distribution processes.

Size of the food salt market World, **** - ****, in billions of dollars Research by Grand View

Exports:

In ****, the Netherlands emerged as the world's leading exporter of salt by value, with $***.** million, followed by Germany with $***.** million and India with $***.** million. The United States occupies the fourth position with ***.** million, distanced from its main European competitors. Chile, fifth in the ranking, reaches ***.** million, showing the relevance of sea salt producing countries. Spain and Canada record similar values, ***.** and ***.** million respectively, followed by China with ***.** million. The United Kingdom closes the top ** with **.** million. This ranking highlights the strong European presence, with three countries in the top four positions, alongside Asian and American competitors, confirming the geographic ...

1.3 The European market

European Production:

The European market shows steady growth between **** and ****, increasing from $*.** billion to $*.** billion, corresponding to an overall increase of **.* percent in six years. This trend reflects a moderate expansion, likely driven by increased demand for natural products and the role of sea salt in gourmet and artisanal foods. The annual growth, in line with the CAGR of *.* percent, indicates a consolidation of the market, supported by a growing focus on quality and authenticity, which are particularly valued in the European sector.

European food salt market value Europe, ****-****, in US$ billion CognitiveMarketResearch

Looking at data on food salt production in Europe from **** to ****, we can see some significant fluctuations in the volume produced annually.

In ****, production was *,*** thousand tons, followed by a slight decrease in **** to *,*** thousand tons, representing a *.* percent decrease. However, **** saw a significant increase to *,*** thousand tons, followed by a decrease in **** to *,*** thousand tons. The year **** saw a significant jump with production of *,*** thousand tons.

Compared to the starting point in ****, **** production shows an overall increase of **.* percent.

Food salt production in quantity Europe, ****-****, million tons Eurostat

The main European producers are the Netherlands, Italy, Poland, Greece and Portugal.

Main European producers of Food ...

1.4 The Italian Market

To outline the value of the Italian salt market, we start by analyzing the turnover trends of companies that produce seasonings and spices to give an overview of the sector as a whole, and then go into more detail by presenting the turnover of companies that extract salt and the sold production of food salt in Italy.

The turnover of Italian companies producing seasonings and spices (***) grew steadily from **** to ****, from ***.* million euros to ****.* million euros, an increase of **.* percent in five years. For the following years, estimates predict moderate growth: ****.* million euros in **** and ****.* million euros in ****.

Turnover of companies producing seasonings and spices Italy, ****-****, € million Istat

The turnover of Italian salt mining companies between **** and **** showed a seesaw trend, with an initial contraction followed by a gradual recovery in recent years. After peaking at ***.*** million in ****, turnover dropped significantly in **** to ***.*** million, continuing to decline until ****. From **** onward, a recovery is observed, with turnover growing steadily until it reaches ***.*** million in ****, marking a **.* percent increase over ****. Missing data for **** and **** make it impossible to assess the entire decade's trend, but the trend in recent years suggests a recovery phase, probably linked to increased domestic demand or stronger competitiveness ...

1.5 Import and Export

Between **** and ****, food salt imports to Italy grew steadily from **.* million to **.* million (***). At the same time, exports showed the opposite trend: after peaking at **.* million in ****, it fell to **.* million in ****, marking a ** percent drop from the peak reached. This imbalance highlights a growing dependence on foreign countries, while exports fail to keep pace with international demand. The export-import ratio rose from *.** in **** to a high of *.** in ****, thanks to the temporary increase in exports, and then gradually declined to *.** in ****, underscoring the country's strengthening net import position. This trend reflects both higher domestic demand for salt from abroad and possible difficulties in maintaining competitiveness in international markets.

Import-export of food salt Italy, ****-****, € million Eurostat

In ****, Italy imported salt mainly from Austria, which accounted for ** percent of its total imports. It is followed by Germany and Tunisia, with ** percent and ** percent respectively, showing significant dependence on these suppliers. The Netherlands contributes * percent, while France and Türkiye each contribute * percent, followed by Belgium and Spain with * percent. Egypt and Pakistan provide small shares, *% and *% respectively.

Main countries of origin of salt imports Italy, ****, % Uncomtrade Salt exports from Italy show a varied distribution among different countries, with a significant concentration ...

2.1 Demand trends

Monthly household expenditure on salt, spices and herbs in Italy remained stable between **** and ****, hovering around *.**-*.** euros per month, with a decline in **** to *.** euros. This decline was influenced by a reduction in consumption during the pandemic. In ****, as purchasing habits were restored, spending returned to *.** euros.

Starting in ****, there is a significant increase in spending estimated at *.** euros per month, with further growth projected to *.* euros by ****. This increase is attributed to the Coicop classification change to include "salt, condiments and sauces" from ****-**, expanding the category considered and incorporating products with a higher value. This methodological update makes direct comparison with previous years difficult, but it shows a trend toward higher spending on this category.

Monthly household expenditure on salt, spices and herbs Italy, ****-****, €/month Istat

Production sold has shown considerable variability, alternating between periods of growth and contraction. In ****, production was ***.** thousand tons, increasing significantly to a peak of ***.** thousand tons in **** (***). However, from **** to **** there was a decline, with a low of ***.** thousand tons in ****. In the following years, the trend partially reversed, with production rising to ***.** thousand tons in **** and then declining to ***.** thousand tons in **** (***).

Sold production of food salt Italy, ****-****, thousands ...

2.2 Beware of salt consumption

Salt consumption is strongly correlated with age

According to WHO, high sodium intake (***) contribute to hypertension and increased risk of heart disease and stroke. In addition, reducing salt intake has been identified as one of the most cost-effective measures countries can take to improve the health outcomes of their populations.

In ****, attention to salt consumption in Italy varies significantly by profession. Retirees show the highest awareness, with **.* percent attention to salt intake, followed by public and private employees (***), suggesting lower awareness in these categories. The self-employed and apprentices are in the middle, with ** percent and **.* percent, respectively. These data indicate a correlation between attention to salt consumption and socioeconomic factors, with greater awareness among those who are further along in their careers or lives, likely due to greater exposure to awareness campaigns or health-related concerns.

Attention to salt consumption in relation to occupation Italy, ****, in % Source: ****

However, Italians tend to be much more careful about salt intake as they age and on a consistent basis. While at age ** only slightly more than half of Italians say they pay attention to salt intake, this percentage rises to more than ** percent at age **.

Attention to salt consumption in relation to age Italy, ****, in ...

2.3 Geographic Distribution of Demand

This map is used to better understand the geographic distribution of demand related to attention to salt consumption in Italy. In ****, attention varies between **.* percent and **.* percent, with northern regions generally showing higher awareness, such as Trentino-Alto Adige and Lombardy, ranking among the most sensitive areas. In contrast, the center and south show lower percentages, particularly in Calabria and Sicily, where awareness of salt consumption is lower than the national average.

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2.4 Online Interest

The trend of online salt searches in Italy between **** and **** shows some seasonality and an overall increasing trend toward the end of the period. In ****, the index starts at **.* in January but gradually declines to a low of **.* in May, signaling a decrease in interest in the first half of the year. Thereafter, a gradual recovery is observed, with peaks in September (***), probably related to increased attention to food and holidays.

In ****, after an initial decline to **.* between February and May, searches return to growth, reaching **.* in December, the highest value for the period under consideration. This trend reflects a growing interest in salt, partly due to food awareness campaigns or specific seasonal events that influence consumers.

Trend in online searches for salt Italy, ****-****, index Google Trends, Businesscoot elaboration

The geographic distribution of online searches for salt in Italy shows significant differences between regions. Puglia records the highest index (***) show below-average values, reflecting less online research. This gap may be attributed to cultural, economic differences and local food habits, which influence perceptions of and interest in salt consumption and purchase.

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3.1 Market shares of major players

An oligopolistic market

In ****, we find ** companies in Italy specializing in salt extraction, with a turnover of *** million euros.

Turnover of the ** largest Italian companies ATECO **.** Italy, ****, thousands of euros Source: ****

ATECO code **.** represents companies specializing in salt extraction. In ****, Italkali dominates the Italian market with a turnover of **.** million euros. Atisale SPA is in second place with a turnover of **.** million euros and Locatelli Saline Di Volterra Srl is in third place with a turnover of **.** million euros.

Distribution of turnover among the ** largest Italian companies ATECO **.** Italy, ****, in % Source: ****

The Italian market for food salts is therefore oligopolistic. Italkali has more than a third of the market and the top three companies dominate nearly ** percent of the market.

3.2 Industry dynamics

A consolidation of the industry

The number of companies dedicated to salt mining in Italy showed a declining trend between **** and ****. It went from ** companies in **** to ** in ****, an overall decrease of **.* percent in ten years. After a significant decline in the early years, from ** firms in **** to ** in ****, the number remained relatively stable until ****, fluctuating between ** and ** firms. However, there is a further decline between **** and ****, with the number of firms falling to **. This decline could be attributed to increasing concentration in the industry, international competition, or economic difficulties for small-scale extractors.

Number of salt extractors Italy, ****-**** Source Istat The steady disappearance of companies until **** went hand in hand with Italians' desire to reduce their salt consumption. However, this trend reversed in ****.

The number of employees seems to have stabilized since ****, showing an increasing trend since that year, this reinforces the hypothesis of a consolidating market, with fewer firms, but a larger average size.

In **** there was a clear decline in the number of employees in salt mining, with a decrease of * percent.

Number of employees per year in salt mining companies Italy, ****-****, number of employees Source: ****

3.3 Main salt-producing regions

Southern Italy's dominance in salt production.

Imethods of food salt production differ between rock salt and sea salt:

Ground salt can be: Extracted from rock salt mines for rock salt. Dissolved by injection of fresh water (***) then dehydrated, dried and compacted for igneous salt. Probed at the level of salt formation, and extracted by injection of water, for dissolution salt. Sea salt , on the other hand, is obtained by evaporation of water under the effect of sun and wind, in salt pans

These production methods are the origin of coarse salt.

Sea salt is harvested on coasts with flat, impermeable soils and a climate that allows maximum evaporation during the warm months.Fior di sale, on the other hand, is not produced by evaporation or extraction, but is collected from brine on the surface of marshes.

The main salt production sites in Italy

In Italy, the main salt pans are located in Margherita di Savoia, Puglia, Romagna, Cagliari, and Sardinia/Sicily.

Rock salt is mined mainly in Sicily by the company Italkali. Rock salt is also mined in Tuscany, Basilicata, and Calabria.

4.1 Prices

Between **** and ****, consumer prices of salt, herbs and spices in Italy showed moderate but steady growth, rising from an index of ***.* in **** to ***.* in **** (***), an overall increase of **.* percent. Until ****, prices remained relatively stable around ***-***, reflecting a balanced market without significant inflationary pressures. From **** onward, an acceleration is observed, with the index rising from ***.* to ***.* in **** and to ***.* in ****. This increase could be attributed to several factors, including rising production, transportation and raw material costs, as well as increased demand for quality or niche food products. The trend suggests a more dynamic market, with price growth linked to new consumer demands and challenges in the global economic environment.

Consumer price trends for salt, herbs and spices Italy, ****-****, base index ****=*** Istat

Going more into monthly detail, there is substantial stability between **** and ****, with slight fluctuations around the base index of ***.*-*** (***). In July ****, the value was ***.*, reaching a high of *** in August, then fluctuating slightly to ***.* in December ****.

Consumer price trends for salt, herbs and spices (***) Italy, ****-****, base index ****=*** Istat

4.2 Product types and industry trends

The main types of salt that can be found on the Italian market are:

Traditional Sea Salt: Sea salt is one of the most common and popular types of salt in Italy. Extracted through the evaporation of seawater, it is valued for its natural flavor and for the fact that it contains traces of other minerals besides sodium chloride. It is used both in cooking and as a condiment at the table. Iodized Salt: In Italy, iodized salt is promoted for the prevention of iodine deficiency, a public health problem in some areas of the country until the ****s. This type of salt is fortified with iodine in the form of iodide or potassium iodate to ensure adequate intake of this essential micronutrient. Whole Salt: Also often referred to as raw salt or unrefined salt, whole salt is minimally processed and contains more minerals than traditional sea salt. it is less fine and can have a wetter texture. it is considered by many to be a healthier option than refined salt. Himalayan Pink Salt: Although not native to Italy, Himalayan pink salt is very popular with Italian consumers. Noted for its distinctive color and mineral content, it is often marketed as ...

5.1 European regulations on the organic salt market

Regulation

As of January *, ****, sea salt and other food and feed salts are included in the European Organic Production Regulation (***). Although salt is not an agricultural product, it must comply with the principles of organic production. To adapt to these new rules, a transition period has been provided for producers.

In Italy, the production and sale of food salt are governed by Presidential Decree No. *** of March **, ****, which regulates the purity and treatment of salt, and by Law No. ** of March **, ****, which establishes the obligation for the sale of iodized salt in all retail outlets to combat iodine deficiency in the population. The Ministry of Health oversees the enforcement of regulations on iodine fortification of salt, ensuring that the iodine content is between ** and ** mg per kg, as recommended by the World Health Organization.

Stakeholders

The legislation was developed through extensive consultations with member states, organic industry associations, and salt producers (***). After feedback gathered between December **** and January ****, it was decided to allow two years to eliminate unsustainable practices and comply with the new standards.

Requirements for organic salt production

To be defined as organic, salt must meet precise standards:

It must come from natural sources such as the sea or ...

5.2 Italian legislation related to the food salt market

We list below the articles of law and regulations that apply to the coffee sector in Italy.

Law No. **/****: aims to combat iodine deficiency in the Italian population, a public health problem that has historically affected some areas of the country. The introduction of iodized salt as a preventive measure aims to reduce the risk of iodine deficiency-related diseases, such as endemic goiter and other thyroid dysfunctions.

Promotion of iodized salt: Requirement for distributors to make iodine-enriched salt available at all points of sale and in food services, public and institutional canteens. Information campaigns: An awareness plan is established to educate the public on the benefits of using iodized salt. Collaboration with the private sector: Involvement of food industries and bakers to use iodized salt in production processes. Current Recorded Impact: According to ministerial data, the law has led to a significant reduction in iodine deficiency in Italy, with coverage of more than ** percent of the population. [***]

Decree of October **, **** : The decree was issued to improve the effectiveness of Law No. **/**** through more practical and visible measures to raise consumer awareness of the importance of iodized salt.

Point-of-sale information requirement: All stores and supermarkets selling salt must display an information poster ...

5.3 Conclusion

The international food salt market shows steady growth, with an estimated **.* percent increase from **** to ****, from $**.* billion to $** billion, driven by the expansion of the food industry and the increase in world population. In Europe, growth is more moderate (***) and a decline in exports in favor of imports, a sign of a growing dependence on foreign countries. This shows that, despite being a significant player in Europe, Italy is losing competitiveness internationally, with domestic production not fully covering domestic demand.

Demand is influenced by several key factors: growing attention to salt consumption for health reasons, driven by awareness campaigns promoting the use of alternatives such as iodized or low-sodium salt. it is also driven by interest in higher quality products, such as Himalayan pink or flavored salt, and general trends toward healthier lifestyles. New trends include a preference for natural and less refined products, such as whole-grain salt, and a greater emphasis on sustainability, prompting companies to innovate not only in product but also in packaging and production processes. The Italian market is characterized by an oligopolistic structure, with a few large companies such as Italkali, Atisale, and Locatelli Saline di Volterra dominating nearly ** percent of the market. From **** to ****, the ...

6.1 Segmentation of actors

• Ing. Luigi Conti Vecchi
• Atisale
• Sosalt
• LOCATELLI SALINE DI VOLTERRA
• Italkali s.p.a