In 2010, the European beverage can market hit 54.1bn cans, up 5.2% from 2009. The latest statistics from BCME (Beverage Can Makers Europe) show that despite tough economic conditions last year, there was strong growth in the beverage can market in Europe.
The UK market reached an important milestone in 2010, passing the 9bn can mark, up 7% on 2009. The UK soft drinks market increased by 12.3% on 2009 and the dynamism of the sector is shown by the fact that shipments have increased by 1bn in two years. In 2010, soft drinks represented over 50% of all drinks can shipments for the first time since 2002.
The soft drinks category showed marked growth across Europe, with figures up 7.5% year on year, with 26.4bn cans shipped. Beer market growth was 3.2% or a total of 27.7bn cans shipped. Main regional drivers for soft drinks growth were Austria, UK, Scandinavia, Germany, Turkey and CIS, whilst Scandinavia, France, Germany pushed beer market growth. New filling lines in France and Scandinavia also contributed to the strong growth figures, whilst the energy drinks market continues to expand rapidly across Europe.
Domestic consumption drove growth in Germany, with consumption growing by around 300m cans, a 46% increase on 2009. This has, in no small part, been driven by the re-listing of cans in two major supermarket chains, highlighting widespread consumer acceptance of the beverage can.
Commenting on the new statistics, BCME Marketing Committee Chairman Caroline Archer said: “2010 was a difficult year for many with decreased consumer spending and heightened economic tension; however the beverage can market was one of the success stories. Major brands continue to push the can as a key part of their pack mix and the use of slim and sleek cans has increased markedly. As predicted, the World Cup had a strong positive influence on beverage can consumption, particularly for beer cans as they are convenient for consumers when socialising at home with friends.”
“Beverage cans offer fillers, retailers and consumers benefits such as convenience, supply chain efficiency and outstanding product integrity. Cans are uniquely sustainable, being made from metals that are permanent materials so they are 100% recyclable and the metal can be recycled indefinitely to create new products. Using recycled aluminium to make new products saves 95% of the energy associated with the production of virgin metal; and for steel the equivalent figure is 75%. It is important to note that the beverage can is the most recycled drinks pack in the world.” added Archer. “Through infrastructure improvements and initiatives to improve consumer recycling behaviour, BCME is committed to supporting further increases in recycling rates throughout Europe.”