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 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, whilst the cans’ market share grew by +6 per cent so far this year (MAT June 2018).
The change in consumer perception around the beverage can as a premium product for great tasting drinks has had an impact on growth, as well as the overall experience it provides, which fits in with today’s lifestyle.
With growing interest and concern over packaging’s environmental impact, consumers now want to know what happens to the packaging once they’ve used it and cans have the best recycling and sustainability record today. Beverage cans are not just ‘recyclable’ (which consumers are increasingly aware has little true meaning) but are also already highly recycled. 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.”
