Small beer cans also performed comparatively well, The Can Makers said.
The drinks can market was bolstered by strong performance in the carbonates category during the first half of 2015, according to manufacturers’ body The Can Makers.
The association has revealed an increase in deliveries to almost 2.6bn cans in the carbonates category – representing an increase of 1.7%, or 400m units, on last year – with alcohol can deliveries reaching 2.2bn.
Nielsen data has revealed can growth of 7.1% by volume between June 2014 and June 2015, well ahead of the total carbonates market, which increased by 1.3%. Cans have increased total market share in the carbonates sector, while PET saw decline driven by the poor performance of larger sizes.
While beer and cider results for the same period in 2014 were influenced heavily by the World Cup, a lack of large-scale sporting events in 2015 has had an impact on performance for all pack types – sales of beer and cider in cans fell, although smaller sizes increased by 18%.
The Can Makers chairman Martin Constable said: “It’s fantastic to see an increase for canned CSDs so far this year and a resilient market, despite the lack of big sporting events which bolster sales.
“Strong performance of 330ml cans for beers is also encouraging. It proves that the unique benefits of the drinks can are being recognised by brewers and consumers alike. Since the Indie Beer Can Festival in 2014, we’ve seen a huge increase in the number of beers in cans as more lines and mobile canning facilities open up the many possibilities to discerning audiences.”
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