Broadcasters, boundary pushers and benefactors among 2026’s Maldon Salt 50

The Maldon Salt 50 has been revealed for 2026, honouring the 50 most influential users of Maldon’s sea salt flakes.

This year the salt supplier is recognising the chefs who continue to champion the British brand as well as people and communities colouring the modern culinary landscape.

The list is organised into five new categories:

• ‘The Disruptors’ recognises those pushing back against the conventions of traditional chef life, whether through innovation in the kitchen, bold business thinking or life beyond the pass. Gary Usher, Ashley Palmer-Watts and Thomasina Miers were among those making the grade in this category.
• ‘The Voices’ celebrates the writers, broadcasters and media figures who shape the way the world thinks and talks about food, including Andi Oliver, Cherish Finden and Marcus Wareing.
• ‘The Nomads’ honours chefs who are not tied to a single address or culture, such as Rachel Khoo, Punam Vaja and Gennaro Contaldo.
• ‘The Patrons’ champions the community-minded chefs and organisations who give back to the hospitality industry, including Tom Kerridge, Josh Eggleton and the Clink charity.
• ‘The New Wave’ turns the spotlight on up-and-coming chefs and influencers who are making their presence felt in kitchens and online communities around the world. This category features Matt Sampson, Alice Power and Sophie Sugure.

Maldon Salt’s managing director Steve Osborne said: “With each new edition of the Maldon Salt 50, we try to evolve the categories to reflect the times and the diversity of the exciting industry we love.

“While all five categories are united by a shared passion for our world-famous sea salt, this year we’ve broadened the lens – celebrating those who nurture and support the industry, those who shape conversations around food and those who push boundaries in the kitchen and beyond.”

Find the complete list here.