Canned drink sales on the up

Canned drinks are seeing significant growth in the UK market, according to the latest Nielsen research revealed today by the Can Makers, with carbonated soft drinks (CSDs), craft beer and flavoured cider proving to be the main driver behind their recent rise in popularity.

According to research conducted by Nielsen, CSDs continue to be the largest market for beverage cans, growing by +5 per cent units (MAT to June 2017).

The overall cider market growth areas are all in cans too. Glass and PET pack formats experienced declines in unit sales of -9 per cent and -5 per cent respectively, while the cans’ market share grew by +6 per cent so far this year (MAT June 2018). Flavoured ciders in cans have seen a 6 per cent increase compared to sales last year. Furthermore, Nielsen’s research confirmed the craft beer trend is still on the rise in the UK and continues to thrive in cans, growing notably faster than bottled craft beer – +66 per cent versus -3 per cent respectively in the first half of 2018. Retailers have been increasing their product ranges in the past year, making canned craft beverages more accessible for consumers.

The market growth, says the Can Makers is attributable to a change in perception, with more consumer viewing canned beverages as premium products, the convenience and portability of cans, and concern over packaging’s environmental impact. In the UK, 72 per cent of all aluminium cans were recycled back into other products in 2017.

Marcel Arsand, Chairman of the Can Makers says, “Cans are a great choice for drinks brands, retailers and consumers alike. We expect to continue to see greater interest in drink cans pack format after witnessing the success craft beer in cans has enjoyed. Not only are cans convenient and easy to chill, they are also infinitely recyclable. This means that consumers can enjoy their favourite drink in a packaging that can be back on the shelf as another drinks can in as little as 8 weeks.”