Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Material (Aluminium Cans, Steel Cans), By Application (Food, Beverage), By Region and Competition 2018-2028

Market Overview

Global Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market has valued at USD 32.34 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to project robust growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 6.73% through 2028. Metal, as a packaging material, offers exceptional barrier properties, making it widely used in various food packaging applications. It comes in different packaging forms and closures, such as glass bottles and composite cans. However, metals are not inert with food products, which is why protective lacquers are applied to prevent food and metal interactions and block the migration of ions into the food. These packaging materials have a lower global warming potential and are highly recyclable, thanks to their magnetic property, which facilitates segregation.

In recent times, metal packaging for food has gained tremendous popularity due to its distinctive features. It provides a hermetically sealed cover, ensuring resistance to transportation and irregular handling, and easy recyclability. The most commonly used metals for packaging are aluminum and steel. Metal cans, made from steel and aluminum, are the most widely used type of metal packaging. They are manufactured using either the two-piece or three-piece methods.

Metal cans have found extensive use in the packaging industry, particularly for food and beverages. The growing demand for packaged food items worldwide is driving the growth of the Food and Beverage Metal Cans Market. Additionally, changing lifestyles and increasing disposable income among consumers are fueling market expansion.

Furthermore, the emphasis on recycling and reusing metals is contributing to the market's growth. The Food and Beverage Metal Cans Market also benefits from rising consumer awareness regarding non-carcinogenic packaging. Moreover, the growing trend of free home delivery has boosted the demand for safe and healthy food packaging. Metal cans, meeting safety regulations and hygiene standards, are preferred by consumers.

However, concerns related to pollution and fluctuations in raw material prices are expected to hinder market growth. Nevertheless, major manufacturing companies are continuously making efforts to provide novel packaging products, creating significant opportunities for the Food and Beverage Metal Cans Market in the forecasted period. It is worth noting that the availability of alternatives presents a challenge to market growth.

Key Market Drivers

Growth in Ready-to-Eat and Convenience Foods

As more individuals lead increasingly busy lives, finding time for cooking and meal preparation has become a challenge. This shift in lifestyle has given rise to a growing demand for ready-to-eat and convenience foods. These food options provide a quick, easy, and often healthier alternative to fast food, catering to the needs of time-constrained individuals.

To meet this demand, ready-to-eat and convenience foods are commonly packaged in metal cans. The use of metal cans offers several advantages, including a longer shelf life and the ability to maintain food quality. These cans are not only durable and lightweight but also easily recyclable, making them an environmentally friendly packaging solution.

One of the key benefits of metal cans is their ability to effectively preserve the flavor and nutritional content of the food. This makes them a popular choice among both consumers and manufacturers. With consumers increasingly prioritizing convenience and quality, the demand for ready-to-eat and convenience foods, along with their metal can packaging, continues to grow.

In conclusion, the rise in ready-to-eat and convenience foods has emerged as a significant driver for the global food and beverage metal cans market. As consumers continue to seek convenient and high-quality food options, the demand for these products shows no sign of slowing down. The versatility and benefits of metal can packaging play a crucial role in meeting this demand, making it an integral part of the food industry's response to changing consumer needs and preferences.

Growing Innovations in Packaging

Innovation is the lifeblood of growth and progress in any industry, and the global food and beverage metal cans market is no exception. As consumer demands continue to evolve and environmental concerns gain even more prominence, the industry is witnessing an unprecedented surge in innovative packaging solutions that not only enhance customer experiences but also drive market growth to new heights.

One of the most significant trends shaping the packaging industry today is the undeniable shift towards consumer-centric design. Recognizing the importance of meeting consumer needs and preferences, companies are increasingly focusing their efforts on creating packaging that is not only visually appealing but also easy to use and provides added functionality.

For instance, the rise in popularity of easy-open lids and resealable cans is a testament to the industry's commitment to convenience. These innovative features offer consumers the flexibility to enjoy their favorite food and beverage products at their own pace, without having to worry about waste or spillage. Similarly, the advent of smart packaging has revolutionized the market, allowing consumers to easily track product information, ingredients, and even freshness, thereby empowering them to make more informed choices.

In addition to meeting consumer demands, sustainability has become a critical aspect of packaging design. With growing awareness about environmental issues, the use of recyclable and reusable materials has become paramount. Metal cans, in particular, have emerged as a sustainable packaging solution, ticking all the right boxes in terms of recyclability and reusability. Moreover, ongoing innovations in this space, such as lightweight cans that use less material and reduce transportation emissions, as well as biodegradable coatings that further enhance the environmental credentials of metal cans, are further bolstering the industry's commitment to sustainability.

Technology has also played a pivotal role in driving packaging innovations. Advanced manufacturing processes have enabled the production of thinner and lighter cans, without compromising on strength or durability. This technological advancement not only reduces material usage but also contributes to more sustainable practices throughout the supply chain. Furthermore, digital printing technologies have revolutionized can design, enabling high-resolution images and variable printing. This not only adds to the visual appeal of the packaging but also allows for greater customization, catering to the diverse preferences of consumers.

In conclusion, the wave of innovations sweeping across the packaging industry is acting as a powerful driver for the global food and beverage metal cans market. As companies continue to push the boundaries of creativity, functionality, and sustainability, the future of this market looks exceptionally promising. The industry is poised to embrace even more groundbreaking advancements, ensuring that food and beverage products are packaged in a way that not only meets consumer expectations but also contributes to a more sustainable and enjoyable consumer experience.

Download Free Sample Report

Key Market Challenges

Volatility in Price of Raw Materials

Raw materials such as aluminum, iron ore, and steel play a crucial role in the production of metal cans used in the food and beverage industry. These materials offer several advantages, including durability, recyclability, and the ability to preserve the quality of the contents. However, fluctuations in the cost of these essential materials pose a considerable challenge to the industry.

Several factors contribute to the price volatility of these raw materials. Global economic conditions, geopolitical tensions, trade policies, and market speculation can significantly impact the prices of metals like aluminum and steel. Additionally, environmental concerns related to the extraction and processing of these metals can influence their market prices.

The COVID-19 pandemic also added a new dimension to this issue. The disruption in supply chains led to an increase in the prices of various raw materials, further hampering the market growth. As travel restrictions and lockdown measures were implemented worldwide, the transportation of raw materials became more challenging, leading to limited availability and increased costs.

Price volatility of raw materials directly affects the cost of production for metal cans. An increase in raw material costs can lead to a rise in product prices, potentially driving consumers towards cheaper alternatives such as plastic and paper packaging. This shift can adversely impact the demand for metal cans, thus hindering the growth of the market.

Moreover, sudden price changes can disrupt budgeting and financial planning for businesses in this sector. It can lead to decreased profit margins and increased financial risk, particularly for smaller companies with less ability to absorb these cost fluctuations. In order to mitigate these challenges, industry players need to closely monitor raw material prices, diversify their supplier base, and explore innovative technologies that can optimize production processes and reduce reliance on volatile raw materials.

By addressing these issues, the metal can industry can navigate the complexities of raw material price volatility and ensure a sustainable and profitable future.

Key Market Trends

Growing Focus on Sustainability and Recycling

Metal cans, known for their high recyclability and durability, are increasingly recognized as a sustainable packaging solution that addresses the growing environmental concerns. With the mounting issue of packaging waste, metal cans offer an effective way to minimize environmental impact, making them appealing to both manufacturers and consumers who are becoming more eco-conscious.

In response to the demand for sustainable packaging, manufacturers are constantly innovating to create lightweight metal cans that do not compromise on quality or functionality. By reducing the amount of material used, these lightweight cans not only contribute to overall sustainability but also help decrease transportation costs, making them an environmentally-friendly choice.

Among metal cans, aluminum cans are gaining popularity due to their high recycling rate and recycled content, surpassing other packaging materials. The increasing demand for canned foods and beverages driven by cost and convenience-related advantages is also contributing to the growth of the aluminum cans market.

The growing focus on sustainability and recycling is undeniably shaping the future of the global food and beverage metal cans market. As consumers continue to prioritize environmental considerations in their purchasing decisions, the demand for recyclable and sustainable packaging, such as metal cans, is expected to rise. This trend presents both a challenge and an opportunity for manufacturers to innovate and adapt, ensuring their products align with evolving consumer preferences and environmental standards while maintaining the highest quality standards.

Segmental Insights

Material Insights

Based on the category of material, the aluminium cans segment emerged as the dominant player in the global market for Food & Beverage Metal Cans in 2022. The high production of aluminum food and beverage cans can be attributed to its increasing popularity as the preferred standard for packaging in the food and beverage industry. The aluminum can end are designed to be flat and are made thicker than the bodies to withstand internal pressures. In supermarkets and hypermarkets, which are self-help shops offering a wide variety of Food & Beverage Metal Cans, you can find a range of options such as sweet, savory, crackers, filled, or coated cans, among others. The advantage of these supermarkets and hypermarkets is that they provide an extensive merchandise mix, showcasing different brands of Food & Beverage Metal Cans under one roof. This cohesive setup not only enhances convenience for consumers but also contributes to the supermarket's ability to capture a larger share of revenue in the market.

Application Insights

The beverage segment is projected to experience rapid growth during the forecast period. The beverage industry encompasses various sub-segments, including Alcoholic Beverages, Carbonated Beverages, Water, Fruit & Vegetable Juices, Ready-to-drink tea & coffee, Sports/Energy drinks, and others. Among these, the alcoholic beverages segment is anticipated to dominate the global beverage cans market in terms of revenue. This can be attributed to the increasing demand for beer in both developing and developed economies, which is expected to drive the growth of this segment over the forecast period. Moreover, the better cooling properties of cans are estimated to further boost the market growth.

In addition, there has been a notable shift from traditional glass packaging to the more convenient canned form of packaging. This preference for cans is driven by factors such as ease of use and portability. As a result, this trend is expected to propel the growth of the beverage cans market, particularly in the alcoholic beverages segment. With its convenience and growing consumer preference, the canned form of packaging is set to continue gaining traction in the beverage industry.

Download Free Sample Report

Regional Insights

North America emerged as the dominant player in the Global Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market in 2022, holding the largest market share in terms of both value and volume. The increasing demand for various healthy beverages, carbonated soft drinks, health drinks, and sucralose juices can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, there is a growing awareness among consumers about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, leading them to seek out healthier beverage options. Additionally, the convenience and portability of canned beverages make them an attractive choice for consumers on the go.

Furthermore, the regional market growth is also being supported by the rising demand for canned food in the region. Canned food offers advantages such as longer shelf life and ease of storage, making it a popular choice for consumers. This trend is expected to contribute to the overall growth of the food & beverage metal cans market in North America.

Moreover, the domestic production of food & beverage metal cans in North America is expected to benefit from robust investment in research and development, as well as technological advancements. These investments, coupled with the introduction of innovative products, are projected to have a positive impact on the market growth.

In addition to these factors, the widespread promotional activities and marketing strategies implemented by various key players in the industry are driving the demand for industry growth. These efforts not only create awareness about the available products but also help in building brand loyalty among consumers.

Overall, the rising demand for healthy beverages, along with the increasing demand for canned food and the implementation of effective marketing strategies, are contributing to the growth of the food & beverage metal cans market in North America. 

Recent Developments

• In December 2020, Berlin Packaging made a strategic move by acquiring H. Erbten Ltd., a reputable UK-based supplier of packaging equipment and packaging solutions. This acquisition not only strengthens Berlin Packaging's position in the market but also allows them to tap into new customer segments and expand their product offerings in the packaging industry.
• In April 2019, Crown Holdings, Inc. made waves in the luxury packaging market with the introduction of shorter round and square cans. These innovative cans not only provide a sleek and stylish packaging option but also offer functional benefits such as improved portability and storage efficiency. By expanding their product portfolio to include these luxury cans, Crown Holdings aims to cater to the evolving demands of their customers and further establish their leadership in the packaging industry.
• In July 2019, Ardagh Group, a leading packaging manufacturer, launched a slimline 187 ml can specifically designed to protect wine and wine-based drinks. This innovative packaging solution not only ensures the preservation of the product's quality and taste but also offers convenience and versatility for consumers. With the introduction of this slimline can, Ardagh Group aims to capture a larger market share in the wine packaging segment and strengthen their position as a trusted packaging partner in the industry.

Key Market Players

• Ball Corporation
• Silgan Holdings Inc.
• Tetra Laval International S.A.
• Kian Joo Can Factory Berhad
• Huber Packaging Group GmbH
• Crown Holdings, Inc.
• Ardagh Group SA
• CAN-PACK S.A.
• CPMC Holdings Ltd
• Kingcan Holdings Limited

In this report, the Global Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market, By Material:

o   Aluminium Cans

o   Steel Cans

• Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market, By Application:

o   Food

o   Beverage

• Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

§  Kuwait

§  Turkey

§  Egypt

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

Global Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market is an upcoming report to be released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm the date of release, please contact us at [email protected]