India Rock Salt Market Assessment, By Product Type, By Form, By Grade, By End-user, By Distribution Channel, By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, FY2018-FY2032F

India's rock salt market was approximately 315 MT in FY2024 and is expected to reach approximately 448.07 MT in FY2032, with a CAGR of 4.50% for the forecast period between FY2025 and FY2032. The market experiences steady growth due to the expansion of the food industry and higher demand for healthy salts.

Salt is the key ingredient in major food and beverage products. Therefore, the expanding food processing, restaurants, and packaged food sector creates the demand for rock salt in India. Noteworthy growth has been observed in the Indian market for rock salt in recent times. Primarily, it is because consumers are becoming more conscious of their health through knowledge regarding benefits associated with the consumption of different types of salt vis-a-vis common iodized ones such as minerals are found in them. At the same time, its sodium content remains very low unlike among those which dominate our markets domestically. Rock salt is considered to be helpful in the digestion process as well as better breathing among other health benefits. In India, the rock salt market has grown, and this has been supported greatly by the rise in consumer health consciousness.

It has both organized and unorganized players. The structured field includes major companies, such as Tata Salt and Patanjali Ayurveda Ltd., utilizing their extensive marketing channels and well-known brands. The category attracts many smaller manufacturers supplying regional markets with their produce too. E-commerce platforms are increasingly getting deeper into the market and making accessible a wide range of rock salt to users which in turn expands the market.

Additionally, from household use to commercial use, salt is common for several purposes. People prefer consuming rock salt these days with growing awareness about it regarding boosting the immune system, providing relief from muscle cramps, treating sore throat, and stabilizing blood pressure. Commercially, sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), the industrial names for rock salt, are the most frequently used in the production of soda ash. Ice management is the second-highest use area for rock salt. The companies in India are adding value to the market with higher rock salt discovery and production.

For instance, The Drang Mohal (Bhatog) Rock Salt Mine, owned by Hindustan Salts Limited, is located in the village of Mohal Bhatog in the District of Mandali, Himachal Pradesh. It began production in FY2021-FY2022 and produced 286 tonnes of rock salt.

Varied Benefits and Applications of Rock Salt to Drive the Market Growth

Indian households and commercial consumption of rock salt is fueled by the health benefits including improved digestion and boosted immunity, stable blood pressure, enhanced skin health, better digestive health, and relieved stress. Furthermore, rock salt is majorly used as Ayurvedic medicine due to its curative properties and values in mixing different herbs.

In the rising food industry including veg and non-veg food items being processed through salt and other herbs, the usage of rock salt has been prominent. Also, each meat has its kind of certain percentage of a particular type of rock salt used to flavor it. It helps enhance the natural juice content as well as the flavor of food especially when meat is roasted.

End-users prefer cooking with rock salt during fasting times or when there are ceremonies as it is considered as healthier and helps in maintaining body fluid balance. It happens as salt fuels the electrolyte presence in the blood, but their quantities cannot be compared due to their varied structures such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. While the market for organic salt is fueling, the health concerns regarding higher sodium consumption have made end-users aware of the health issues. Hence, companies in India are launching low-sodium salts for specific consumer sections as well.

For instance, in April 2022, Tata Salt extended its low sodium salt portfolio with India's first-ever 30% low sodium salt, Tata Salt SuperLite. To provide an option for those who are advised to limit their intake of sodium, the product is particularly manufactured with 30% less sodium than refined iodized salt. It is the brand's second premium low-sodium product, which contains 15% less salt.

Unique Marketing Campaigns to Propel India Rock Salt Market Size

The unique campaigns run by Indian rock salt market players along with the emotions of end-users attached to it are fueling the market expansion. Brands launch campaigns which focus on educating consumers about the health benefits of rock salt, such as its higher mineral content and lower sodium levels compared to regular table salt. These campaigns highlight how rock salt can help maintain electrolyte balance and support overall health, appealing to the growing health-conscious consumer base in India. In India, rock salt has great cultural and religious significance. It is utilized in many Ayurvedic treatments, as well as during religious festivals and fasts. To further build their emotional connection with consumers, brands take advantage of it by incorporating the cultural narrative into their marketing initiatives. Furthermore, digital engagement, partnerships, and sponsorships build the relationship between the Indian audience and the brands.

For instance, in March 2024, Tata Salt (Tata Chemical Ltd.) started a campaign to revive its catchy jingle, to promote 'Desh Ka Namak' as a brand which appeals to the young and embodies India and celebrates its presence. Tata Salt's campaign gives the traditional jingle a contemporary makeover without sacrificing its old melody.

Usage in Water Treatment Plants and Textile Production to Boost Market Growth

Apart from household and commercial consumption, the industrial consumption of rock salt adds value to the market. The use of rock salt as an ingredient creates chlorine in the fabric and tanning industrial sectors for whitening and coloring materials. Consequently, India needs a lot of rock salt. Additionally, the removal of impurities and minerals from water is done by rock salt in water treatment processes. Its consumption is particularly significant in India, where the demand for clean drinking water is growing.

Himalayan Salt to Dominate India Rock Salt Market Share

Based on the product, Himalayan rock salt leads in the Indian rock salt market. Himalayan salt is preferred in India due to its perceived health benefits, unique properties, and cultural significance. Several advantages related to the intake of Himalayan salt such as inflammation reduction, enhancement of the digestion system, and detoxification assistance in human body functioning are propelling the market growth. Due to its richness in numerous minerals, salt is particularly known for containing magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which are seen as helpful when it comes to curing various ailments. The use of Himalayan salt is part of Ayurvedic medicine which recommends natural methods and deals with the treatment process as a whole instead of addressing symptoms individually. Companies are introducing their pink salt to the Indian market.

For instance, in August 2022, Mishtann Foods Ltd. launched Himalayan pink rock salt across Indian markets. The company already has a wide network of more than 70,000 distributors or retailers all over India. MFL had previously launched edible common salt under its name and has successfully executed these orders and is receiving a good response for it.

Future Market Scenario (FY2025 - FY2032F)

The growing demand for natural and organic salts such as crystals and pink salt is anticipated to add value to the regional market growth.

The higher usage of rock salt in commercial verticals such as ayurvedic and traditional medicine is projected to garner the market growth.

Expanding water treatment facilities along with other industrial applications are likely to boost the demand for rock salt in India.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Key players in India rock salt market operate large-scale production facilities and maintain extensive distribution networks to supply their products to various industries and consumers. Key players focus on producing organic and high-sodium value rock salts while some brands launch their low-sodium salts. The competitive landscape promotes different market trends including the craze for Himalayan pink salt and black salt. Furthermore, companies participate in joint ventures, product launches, acquisitions, partnerships, and collaborations.

For instance, in May 2024, the India Tabacco Company, formally known as ITC's Aashirvaad, launched "Himalayan Pink Salt". As part of the brand's pledge to offer premium and secure products, Aashirvaad Himalayan Pink Salt is free from artificial coloring. Due to the premium salt that Aashirvaad obtains, it has a naturally richer pink hue, which serves as one of the brand's primary differentiators. It is referred to as Sendha Namak or Saindhava Lavana in India.