It’s barely 8 a.m., and already the sunlight is making the water in the salt marsh ponds of Thyna, south of Sfax, sparkle. Here, in a landscape shaped by the work of salt workers, Mare Alb — Tunisia’s number one producer of sea salt — continues to uphold an ancestral expertise that has successfully adapted to the evolution of techniques and practices.
Salt exploitation in the Sfax region dates back to the Punic era. At that time, salt was primarily used for preserving fish, long before the advent of the cold chain. Continuing this long legacy, Mare Alb was established in 1949 from the merger of four small local salt companies. Its initial mission, within the context of post-World War II reconstruction, was clear: to ensure Tunisia’s self-sufficiency in salt.
Today, as a subsidiary of Groupe Salins, Mare Alb employs 330 people and produces ten times more salt than the domestic market requires, harvesting over 1.3 million tons of salt annually. Its food salt brand, Le Flamant, alone accounts for 70% of the market share in Tunisia. The rest of the production is exported to Africa, North America, and Northern Europe. It is also the only company to offer iodized salt that complies with Tunisian health regulations.
A Naturally Low-Carbon Industry
Like other salt companies operating salt marshes, Mare Alb’s sea salt production method relies exclusively on the natural evaporation of seawater, using solar and wind energy without resorting to chemicals. This approach greatly limits greenhouse gas emissions and preserves natural resources. It is fully compatible with biodiversity conservation.
Of Mare Alb’s three salt marshes, those in Sfax and Sousse have been designated Ramsar sites since 2007 and Important Bird Areas (IBA) since 2001. These ecosystems play an essential role in climate regulation and biodiversity preservation. Tens of thousands of birds, along with rare plant species, find refuge there.
Scientists visit annually to study some of Tunisia’s largest colonies of flamingos, as well as numerous species of wading birds such as the pied avocet and the black-winged stilt. These sites serve as vital breeding, resting, and feeding grounds for migratory birds traveling between Europe and Africa. The ecological quality of the marshes, maintained by salt farming activity, is therefore crucial for regional conservation efforts.
A Quality-Driven Strategy to Stand Out Internationally
As part of its corporate social responsibility policy, Mare Alb also funds educational projects, including supporting the renovation of primary schools in the governorates of Sousse and Sfax. It is also involved in improving local healthcare infrastructure through the construction and equipment of basic health centers.
On the quality side, Mare Alb has been ISO 9001 certified since 1999 for its production management and quality control system. In 2024, Mare Alb also achieved GMP+ International certification, ensuring the quality and safety standards of its products intended for animal feed, thereby strengthening its credibility in international markets.
With the goal of expanding its presence in the African market, Mare Alb intends to continue growing while reinforcing its commitments to quality, sustainability, and social responsibility — a strategy it believes will set it apart with international buyers.
📌 Key facts to remember:
- 1.3 million tons of salt produced annually;
- 70% of the edible salt consumed in Tunisia;
- 90% of production exported;
- ISO 9001 certified since 1999 and GMP+ certified since 2024;
- Two out of three sites designated Ramsar and IBA since 2007 and 2001.
