20 October 2009 - German K+S KALI GmbH, one of the world's leading potassium mining companies, has recently started the production of food-grade potassium chloride at its Zielitz site.
K+S have said it has invested about 28 million euro in building a new production plant to cater for the steadily increasing demand.
"The market for highly pure food-grade salts is increasing above average. K+S KALI GmbH is eager to participate in this growth. The Zielitz site - as an important production location of K+S KALI GmbH - offers the best conditions to make it possible. Until now, the Zielitz site has been producing potassium chloride as fertilizer for agriculture and technical potash for most diverse applications in processing industry", said the company.
Highly pure food-grade potassium chloride (KCl) is used in food and drinks, i.e. during the production of carrageen when preparing whipping cream, in convenience food (i.e. packet soups) and isotonic drinks for mineral fortification. The shelves of supermarkets show an increasing number of potassium-reduced articles referred to as “low sodium” products, i.e. “Balance®Salt” by esco - european salt company.
With a share of 11%, K+S KALI is the world’s fourth-largest producer of potassium products and the world's leading supplier for potassium sulphate and magnesium products. K+S KALI GmbH employs approximately 7,600 people.
The Zielitz site has 1,700 employees.