Core Viewpoint - The news highlights the advancements and innovations in the salt industry, particularly focusing on the operations of the Luyin Investment's salt segment, the Shouguang City salt field, and the production of high-value salt products like "salt flower" [2][3][4]. Group 1: Industry Overview - Shandong Province is a major sea salt producer in China, with Shouguang City having a rich history in salt production and abundant underground brine resources, estimated at 2.6 billion cubic meters [3]. - The salt field has an area of approximately 130 square kilometers and an original salt production capacity of around 3 million tons, accounting for 12.5% of the national sea salt capacity [3]. - The salt industry is evolving towards healthier, functional, and high-end salt products, driven by rising consumer health awareness and living standards [4][6]. Group 2: Product Innovations - The "salt flower," a high-end salt product, is produced in limited quantities, with less than 500 grams obtainable from every 50 square meters of salt field annually [4]. - The demand for mid-to-high-end salt products is increasing globally, with a stable apparent demand for table salt in China at around 11.5 million tons [4]. Group 3: Technological Advancements - The salt field is implementing smart technologies to innovate production methods, including remote monitoring, automated operations, and intelligent weather forecasting [6]. - The Shandong provincial government is promoting digital, networked, and intelligent production methods to enhance the salt industry [6][7]. Group 4: Market Position and Future Prospects - In 2024, Shandong is expected to maintain its leading position in salt production, with original salt and sea salt production both ranking first nationally [7]. - Luyin Investment's salt segment is projected to produce 1.35 million tons of salt, accounting for about 80% of the province's total production [6][7]. - The integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, into salt production is being explored to enhance economic growth and land utilization [7].