But SaltWorks isn't stopping there. In fact, according to company co-founders Mark Zoske and Naomi Novotny, the first four months of 2008 have all been record sales months as well, and Zoske predicts 2008 will be SaltWorks' best year ever.

"SaltWorks is firing on all cylinders," Zoske stated. "All of our brands are outperforming our projections. Our newly launched Fusion line of flavored salts is pushing sales to record numbers."

Contributing to those sales numbers is the fact that SaltWorks sea salts, including the world's top gourmet sea salt brands and SaltWorks private-label salts, are now stocked in gourmet stores in every state in the country. At the same time, SaltWorks' international sales are exceeding all expectations. SaltWorks sells in 25 countries worldwide, with Europe and Asia leading the demand for the company's salts.

To accommodate the growth, Zoske and Novotny have ramped up production of their private-label packaging, which is now offered for SaltWorks' 40 most popular salts. The company has recently increased its packaging line capacity by 400%, from 3,500 units per shift to 14,000.

"We can now complete private-label projects faster, more accurately and with higher quality than any other sea salt manufacturer," Novotny explained. "Our new state-of-the-art production line includes an optical color sorter, multi-level vibratory screener, rare earth magnet, metal detector, high-speed filler, automatic capper and induction sealer. No other sea salt company is able to supply this level of technology and food safety."

So how does SaltWorks just keep growing, even in the face of skyrocketing food and fuel costs and plummeting home values? The answer involves both the sea salt itself and consumers' appetite for gourmet, natural foods.

"Gourmet salt transcends recessionary spending trends," Zoske said. "I believe when consumers cut back on restaurant meals, they put more care and effort into preparing home-cooked meals. Gourmet sea salts are an inexpensive but powerful way to improve the food people cook in their own homes, giving them the subtle seasoning and gourmet tastes they could get from a restaurant without breaking the monthly food budget."