Our history in salt.

1820

Establishment

In the early 1800s, herring fishing in the city of Vlaardingen - where Nederlandse Zouthandel is located - was a primary source of income for the city. To preserve the herring for longer, it was salted.

The salt was shipped from Portugal to the Netherlands by special salt boats. Over time, it became apparent that there was a broader demand for salt in other industries. In addition to herring fishing, the salt trade became a reality.

Under the name 'Warmelo & Van der Drift,' the herring fishing company was established in 1820, from which Nederlandse Zouthandel originated.

20th Century

International Expansion

The sale of herring in the previous century outside the Netherlands primarily took place in Germany, France, Poland, and England.

Deliveries of industrial salt were made to, among others, sauerkraut and cookie factories, hide salting facilities, and cosmetic factories. In the winters, large quantities of road salt were traded for ice control.

The company became the third-largest salt supplier in the Netherlands by trade volume.

1995

Royal Warrant

In 1995, Warmelo & Van der Drift received the certificate and accompanying plaque on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. Since then, the company has been officially entitled to call itself a 'Royal Warrant Holder'. At that time, the company had been in existence for 175 years.

2012

Nederlandse Zouthandel

In 2012, the herring activities of Warmelo & Van der Drift were transferred to the company Ouwehand in Katwijk. Roeland van der Drift - who was responsible for the salt activities within Warmelo & Van der Drift until then - continued the salt activities under the name Nederlandse Zouthandel.

Additionally, they began offering various types of salt under their own brand: including water softening salt tablets & blocks, as well as rock salt to prevent unwanted vegetation on driveways, terraces, and gravel paths.

2026

Launch of the nedzal® brand

For many years, knowledge and experience have been built up in the water softening market. This has led to the development of a new line of water softening salt and related products.

Under the name nedzal®, our products will convey reliability, purity, and ease of use. We honor the past, which has formed the foundation of who we are today. And we embrace the future, for whatever it may bring us.

On our packaging, you will find history combined with a modern character.