Our Makers

SALT SPRING SEA SALT ROOTED IN FRENCH TRADITION
The story begins in France, as a boy learns from his grandmother to cook with love…

Philippe Marill’s taste for fleur de sel and love of fine food began at a young age. He was raised in Montpellier, not far from the Camargue marshes where a large portion of French fleur de sel is produced. However, it was his grandmother, Mamie Rose, who inspired his passion for cooking. She taught him that all you need are three flavours and the magic of fleur de sel sprinkled on top to elevate the simplest of foods. She also helped him master the three-finger pinch! The crystallized sea salt flakes were a staple on the table, a delicious finishing touch to every meal. Consequently Salt Spring Sea Salt was born.

As an adult, Philippe spent many years living in California, where he met his wife, Carolyn Kvajic. Whenever he returned to visit family in France, he would stock up on his beloved fleur de sel.

The “aha” moment – let’s make our own!

We moved to Salt Spring Island in 2013, inspired by area’s natural beauty, organic produce, farm-to-table products, and artisan creations. Within a year, we had completely run out of the fleur de sel we had brought to the island. Looking around at the pristine natural beauty and the ocean of water at our doorstep, we had an “aha” moment – let’s make our own!

GROWING NATURALLY
Established in 2014, the Canadian company is based on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. Undoubtedly is garnering international recognition for its pure, handcrafted fleur de sel.

Owners Philippe Marill and Carolyn Kvajic, a husband and wife team, introduced the gourmet finishing salt at the island’s popular Saturday market. In just a few years, online sales have grown exponentially. Salt Spring Sea Salt is now available in retail shops in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, the Yukon, and the United States. As such, the gift market has become a major source of sales.

RAVE REVIEWS
Salt Spring Sea Salt is getting noticed for many reasons, from the purity of the product and process, to the exceptional taste. As a result, it can turn an ordinary meal into a culinary experience. It is catching the attention of foodies, celebrity chefs, even the Royal family! Salt Spring Sea Salt had the honor of serving it to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during their recent visit to Canada.

Salt Spring Sea Salt was also showcased on Chuck & Danny’s Road Trip to Salt Spring Island. The episode entitled “Salt of the Earth” has aired on Food Network Canada and Netflix in the U.S., and continues to boost national and international awareness and sales.

LABOUR OF LOVE
We are proud to transform regular Pacific seawater into a fleur de sel that rivals its French origins. We harvest, evaporate, sift, prepare, pack and label all of our products by hand, using only the very best fleur de sel crystals, and are continually experimenting with new recipes.