The European salt sector meets in Venice Lido (IT) for the EUsalt Annual Events 2026

Brussels, 12 June 2026

From 8 to 11 June 2026, the European salt sector gathered in Venice Lido (IT) for the EUsalt Annual Events. Bringing together members, industry leaders, experts and sponsors, the event provided a key opportunity to exchange views, strengthen cooperation and discuss the priorities shaping the future of the sector.

This year’s edition took place in a particularly symbolic location. For centuries, salt has played a central role in Venice’s development, supporting trade, preservation and economic growth, and even contributing to the very foundations of the city. This made Venice Lido a fitting setting for the European salt industry to come together for its annual gathering.

Throughout the week, participants engaged in a rich programme of activities. The Annual Events opened with Working Group and committee meetings, where members exchanged expertise and discussed developments across key areas including sea salt, sustainability, food and feed, de-icing, water treatment and health and safety. The General Assembly, held on 10 June, was followed by a high-level conference featuring a diverse range of speakers from industry, academia and key stakeholders. Discussions addressed key topics for the sector, including market trends, innovation, safety, sustainability and heritage, reflecting the wide scope and relevance of salt in today’s European context.

The conference also provided an opportunity to recognise outstanding member initiatives through the Safety Award, and the first edition of the Tourism and Cultural Heritage Award, showcasing the expertise, commitment and forward-looking approach of the European salt industry. A big applause to: K+S for winning the Safety Award and to Groupe Salins for winning the Tourism Award.

In his opening remarks, Holger Bekemeier, President of EUsalt, highlighted the importance of unity and engagement within the association:

'Being part of EUsalt means contributing to shaping policies that affect our sector, exchanging expertise and ensuring that policymakers understand the realities and contributions of our industry. As we meet in a city whose history was shaped by salt, we also look ahead to the role our sector will continue to play in Europe’s future.'

EUsalt would like to extend its sincere thanks to all speakers for their valuable contributions and to all participants for their active engagement throughout the week.

A special thank you also goes to this year’s sponsors — Veolia, Cielle Imballaggi, SEP Salt & Evaporation Plants Ltd., Shriraam Salt Engineering, Salt Partners Ltd., Titan Salt, Ferrum, TEMA Process Fluid Bed Dryers and Euragglo — for their continued support in making this event possible and fostering exchanges across the salt community.

EUsalt looks forward to continuing these discussions in the months ahead and to welcoming the global salt community at the World Salt Symposium 2027 in Dublin (Ireland).

Photo credits: Osvaldo Di Pietrantonio. Have a look at the photo gallery here: https://client.venezia.photography/-20260609-eusaltvenice2026/gallery