Platform for the food and beverage industry
The food company Zoutman wants to boost production of sea salt in the port of Ghent by 150,000 tons. To make the production increase possible, the Belgian company has invested 30 million euros in what it calls "the highest and most modern sea salt production tower in the world."
Today, 300,000 tons of sea salt are processed each year at the Kluizendok into salt for human consumption. Extraction takes place in such distant regions as Australia and the Caribbean islands. Demand for sea salt is particularly high in the food industry.
Throughout the structure, 64.5 meters high, grains of salt will roll off the conveyor belt without additives. In the past, adding an anti-caking agent such as E535 was necessary to prevent the salt from turning to stone. But consumers are increasingly opting for food products without additives.
Today, 300,000 tons of sea salt are processed each year at the Kluizendok into salt for human consumption.
"The fact that sea salt from Ghent port is used all over the world is something to be proud of," said Mayor Mathias De Clercq. "Moreover, it is good for employment in our port, because the arrival of the new plant brings additional jobs."
40 people can work at the new salt tower, which will be commissioned in mid-2023.
