The oldest family owned and operated sea salt maker in Australia, The Olsson Family have been making solar sea salt since 1948. Alex Olsson, takes us on the journey of Olsson’s Salt, shares with us what sustainability means to them, and let’s us in on a few little secrets of what to expect next.
Where did the Olsson's Salt story begin?
Our Olsson's Salt story began over a century ago with my great-grandfather, Olaus Olsson. He immigrated from Sweden and arrived in Melbourne in 1878. Eventually, he settled in Parramatta, New South Wales, where he opened his first grocery store in 1888. This marked the humble beginnings of our family's journey in the salt industry.
Fast forward to 1948 when my grandfather, Norman Olsson, and his two sons, Charles and Malcolm, expanded our family business by producing pressed mineral salt blocks as supplements for cattle and sheep during droughts. As time went on, we started providing surplus salt for food manufacturing in the 1970s. Today, we proudly operate as the oldest family-owned and operated salt company in Australia, earning recognition and respect in the culinary world.
What does 'Sustainability' mean to Olsson's Salt?
To us at Olsson's Salt, sustainability means farming practices that are environmentally responsible and respectful of the delicate marine ecosystems. We embrace the method of sea salt harvesting, which the Australian government considers "probably the most sustainable type of mining (farming) on the planet." Our solar evaporation process allows us to extract salt from seawater, leaving nothing behind except for water. We continually explore innovative techniques to reduce our carbon footprint and promote eco-friendly practices.
Supporting our local farmers and producers while sourcing raw materials and ingredients is another important aspect of sustainability for us. We believe that the success of our business is intricately intertwined with the broader agricultural sector in Australia. By prioritizing sustainability, we strive to produce high-quality, environmentally responsible products that support local communities and promote sustainable agriculture practices.
What's next for Olsson's Products?
Exciting things are on the horizon for Olsson's Salt products! We have some incredible new offerings in store for our customers. One of our upcoming projects involves reviving our beloved Sea Salt Rubs. We will be infusing our signature sea salt with another iconic Australian ingredient – think of delightful, zesty citrus flavours that beautifully complement the high-quality sea salt.
Additionally, we have listened to our customers' requests and are working on introducing a custom pinch pot. This eagerly anticipated product will allow you to decanter your preferred Olsson's Salt blend into a convenient and easy-to-use container. No more fuss or inconvenience, just effortless access to your favourite gourmet salt blends.
