UK can market shipments grew by almost 2% in the first half of 2012, as reported by The Can Makers. In total, 4,699 million cans were shipped, a considerable achievement given the challenging economic climate and poor early summer weather.
Shipments of beer and cider cans were up in January to June 2012 by 2.4%, an increase of 51 million, with 2,159 million cans shipped in total. Growth was due, in part, to demand being stimulated by the Queen’s Jubilee and the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship in the summer, as well as anticipation of the Olympics.
Data from Nielsen shows that there has been significant growth in 10 packs at the expense of 6, 8 and 12 packs – no doubt due to marketing initiatives. There has also been substantial growth in 18 and 24 packs, due again to a summer of sport and consumers buying larger packs for gatherings of family and friends.
Empty can shipments for carbonated soft drinks also saw growth of 1.5% in January to June 2012, with 37 million more units shipped in 2012 than 2011. In total, 2,540 million cans for soft drinks were shipped in the first half of 2012.
According to Nielsen, 500ml cans are still seeing the strongest growth, largely driven by the energy drinks category. Single cans continue to increase share of all canned sales, due to the growing need for consumer convenience and low unit purchase price. 6 and 8 multipacks now have the biggest share of the category, with these packs offering value for money and a lower unit price.
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