Welcome to The Maldon Salt 50, our first EVER rundown of the 50 most influential users of our iconic, hand-harvested sea salt flakes. From the Michelin-star holders at the pinnacle of their careers, to the contract caterers feeding thousands, our sea salt is loved by chefs the world over, a testament to the quality and heritage of our brand.
We will be showcasing the 50 most influential Maldon Salt users in hospitality. Chosen by a panel of industry experts including individuals from Maldon Salt, The Craft Guild of Chefs, The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and The Caterer Magazine.
The Influencers
To influence and be influenced. Where we get our inspiration from is changing all the time.
The colossal rise of social media over the last decade is no secret. Its constant evolution along with the emergence of new platforms, new formats, new trends often have its users running to keep up. But it’s also what makes is magical.
Because really, what better way to provoke creativity? And build a platform? Delicious plates of food created in seconds have captured many a pair of scrolling eyes, inspiring a whole generation of foodies and introducing a realm of cuisines, brands and ideas – that often go far beyond food – into our homes. No denying, The Influencers are a powerful bunch.
There’s little denying that Britain is known for its establishments.
From the Royal Family to the NHS, we’re a country built on some remarkable institutions, some known for their grandeur and opulence others for their quirks or discipline. They’re the standard bearers for many – both the tourists who want to bear witness to age-old traditions and those of us who exist around them every day, shaped by the unique position they hold in British society.
They say that those that can, do and those that can’t, teach. This lot do it all.
Some of the biggest chefs of their age, they’ve gone the extra mile, dedicating time and energy into the future of the industry. Nurturing, mentoring and coaching, steadfast in the mindset that what they put in today, will make a difference to the chefs of tomorrow.
No longer the macho preserve it once was, diverse new faces and personalities are emerging on the fire cooking scene to teach us techniques both new and time worn, honouring the dual traditions of smoking and ‘low and slow’ cooking while breaking down the barriers of what we previously thought possible and with proper seasoning – whether to brine, marinade, or finish a dish – a key part of that process.
Vegan and vegetarian fire food now sits pride of place alongside more familiar meat-heavy menu items, while a heightened interest in year-round barbecuing is fuelling a new grilling economy. Here, we meet some of the leading lights tending the flames of the new fire cooking revolution.
Our shores are blessed with an abundant talent pipeline comprising some of the most exciting next generation chefs in the world. But at what moment is a star born?
For some, undoubtedly, it’s the arrival of accolades that proves their (Maldon) salt. But others are stepping into the breach in new and innovative ways, changing the industry as we know it and carving out new spaces, redefining how to be at the top of the foodie world in 2024 and beyond.
The Next Generation are primed and ready to take on the realm of culinary excellence as we know it. They’ve got the passion and the plates of food to prove it.
For foodies, social media has created endless opportunities. Providing a platform for countless start-ups, at-home cooks and individuals who may not wear whites in their day jobs, social media has become a powerhouse of a tool for the sensational chefs who have made their home kitchens their offices.
Regardless of motivation – quick eats, weekend brunches, slow food, meal prepping, date night dishes – the socialites have one thing in common, to create inspirational content that looks good and tastes amazing. With legions of fans (and even more influence), the socialites are redefining what it means to be an influencer in 2025.
The crème de la crème of the chef world with deserved seats at the top table.
This lot know a thing or two about food – and, dare we say, the importance of a little Maldon Sea Salt to help elevate their beautiful dishes. With countless stars, awards and accolades between them, The Innovators have truly shaped the way all of us eat, changing the dining landscape for the better, ensuring British cuisine is right up where it belongs.
The Winners
How does maldon salt elevate your menu?
Know someone who should be in the next edition of The Maldon Salt 50? Nominate them!
