Salt Packaging and Branding: Sizes and Marketing Ideas

Salt is the most popular type of seasoning. It’s also an important type of condiment to flavor meals. Since there are dozens of different salt brands on grocery store shelves, salt packaging and branding play an important role in sales. In this post, we’ll share some tips and marketing ideas about salt branding that can help manufacturers, retailers, and other businesses in the salt supply chains increase their sales or improve their profit by adding more value to their products. Keep in mind that the majority of salt mined or harvested from seawater is used as industrial salt. Only about 10% of the whole salt produced is food-grade salt that ends up on our tables. If you’re interested in this sector, check out our post about the global salt market.

Key takeaway: In recent years, salt packaging has been oriented toward promoting organic and sustainable products. Gourmet salt brands usually come in high-end packaging like glass jars or grinders. On the other hand, affordable options like regular table salt come in simple paper packaging or plastic bags.

Different Types of Salt Packaging

Table salt sold by retailers usually comes in plastic bags or pouches. Some grocery stores and businesses also sell pre-filled salt and pepper mills. Gourmet salt varieties like kala namak (Indian black salt) or volcanic red or black Hawaiian salts are likely to be packaged in high-end and well-designed packaging bags or glass jars. That way, the product appears to have higher value and is perceived as a gourmet item. On the other hand, regular table salt uses cheaper types of salt packaging. This allows manufacturers to reduce the cost of goods sold and offer an affordable product.

Sizes of Salt Packaging

Salt sold by retailers and distributors comes in various sizes. Let’s examine some of them.

1. Retail sizes. Salt found on grocery store shelves comes in sizes between 5 oz and 10 lbs. Small-size salt packaging is usually for gourmet products, specialty salts, and other products that have a higher price per pound. On the other hand, large bags of more than 2 pounds are more affordable options. Warehouse clubs might also offer salt packaging of 5 or 10 pounds.
2. Commercial sizes. Restaurant businesses, catering companies, commercial bakeries, and businesses in the food processing sector typically purchase salt packages with sizes between 10 and 50 pounds. Large-scale manufacturers in the food and beverage industry might buy whole pallets of salt bags at wholesale prices.
3. Industrial sizes. Industrial salt has a market share of more than 80% of all the salt produced. Aluminum manufacturers, producers of chemicals, de-icing companies, and various other businesses need large quantities of salt. Some of them purchase bulk deliveries of salt by train or truck. Others buy metric tons of salt in flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC). 

Materials Used for Salt Packaging

Various types of materials can be used to package salt. Some of them are suitable for gourmet types of salt, while others are used for affordable packets sold by wholesalers. Here are the main ones.

1. Paper is a cost-effective material that can be used for single-serve salt packets, food service salt, and packets between 1 and 3 pounds sold by retailers.
2. Glass is more suitable for gourmet, flavored, and infused salts. These high-end products should have premium salt packaging to make them more appealing to consumers. Jars, grinders, and restaurant spice bottles are the most common glass containers for salt.
3. Ceramic is similar to glass as it also increases the value of the product.
4. Plastic salt packaging can be for both retail and wholesale quantities. For example, plastic airtight pouches are an excellent type of salt packaging for small quantities of table salt. On the other hand, plastic buckets or containers can be used to transport and store salt easily for the restaurant industry.
5. Industrial salt packaging can come in super sacks, drums, woven sacks, and other packaging types. When it comes to industrial salt, choosing the right transportation method and packaging is important for proper inventory management.

Marketing Ideas for Salt Branding

If you’re in the salt niche market, you might be interested in learning more about the ways to achieve high ROI and increase your revenue. Here are a few salt branding and marketing ideas.

1. Invest in creative and functional salt packaging design. That includes QR codes to recipes, information about sourcing, or grinders as packaging.
2. Build a strong digital presence. Platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest can significantly boost brand awareness. LinkedIn is a preferred option for businesses that specialize in B2B sales.
3. Consider adding more revenue streams. For example, offer products like grilling kits (an excellent gift for Father’s Day), spices, and sauces.
4. Collaborate with chefs, food bloggers, wellness brands, and influencers to increase your brand awareness and reach.

Frequently Asked Questions about Salt Packaging and Branding

Besides offering reliable wholesale ordering software, our team is also focused on helping companies and entrepreneurs. From tips on how to deal with supply chain disruptions to a guide on how to build an eco-friendly restaurant, business owners can find various resources on BlueCart’s website. Below, we’ve answered frequently asked questions regarding salt packaging and branding.

How to Store Salt?

Salt should be kept in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight. Due to the hygroscopic (absorbing moisture from the air) properties of salt, it should also be kept in an airtight container. Glass jars and containers are the recommended options when it comes to storing salt. They should have a lid to prevent excess moisture from coming in contact with the salt. Ceramic, wood, and plastic containers are also suitable for storing salt. The important thing is to have a proper lid for them. Some people also keep their salt in the original plastic airtight bag it was bought in.

What Are the Trends in Salt Branding?

Consumer demand has always shaped branding and packaging design. In recent years, a growing number of buyers have been looking for natural, organic, and sustainable alternatives. That’s why most retailers and manufacturers of table salt include such motifs in their packaging. Nevertheless, packaging only reflects the product inside. One of the biggest trends has been the increased demand for gourmet types of salt. Specialty products like Hawaiian or Himalayan salt have become a preferred option for foodies and chefs. They are primarily used as finishing salts and can often be found in restaurant condiment holders.

How to Start a Salt Business?

There are various salt business opportunities entrepreneurs can benefit from. In order to start a salt business, you need to invest some time in researching the right type. For example, selling gourmet salt through an eCommerce website and third-party platforms can be profitable. An alternative idea would be to start a business related to halotherapy (salt therapy). From opening a salt room to selling Himalayan salt lamps and other salt-related wellness products, there are various ways to make this business endeavor successful.

BlueCart: The Platform to Buy and Sell Wholesale Salt

If you’re a distributor of wholesale salt or specialize in selling spices to businesses, BlueCart can help you scale and grow your business. Our marketplace connects suppliers with wholesale buyers in various fields. Furthermore, with a variety of features related to automation and improving efficiency, wholesalers of any size can take their business to the next level. Schedule a demo today and see why BlueCart is among the best SaaS software solutions for specialized and broadline distributors.