Market grows 7.4% year on year to end of June
Can Makers, the body representing the UK manufacturers of beer and carbonated soft drinks cans, has today revealed the industry delivered market growth of 7.4% in the first six months of the year (Jan - June). A total of 4,579 million empty cans were shipped, up 315 million from the same period in 2009. The UK remains the largest beverage can market in Europe.
Whilst many other industries were still recovering from the effects of the recession both the CSD (carbonated soft drinks) and alcohol sector shipments grew: CSD is up 10.5% year on year to 2,317 million, representing 220 million more cans; alcohol delivered a 4.4% increase to 2,261 million, up 95 million cans.
Vince Major, chairman of the Can Makers, said: "We are extremely pleased with the figures for the first six months, given the continuing tough economic climate. The rise in the soft drinks market is primarily due to the growth of energy drinks in the UK and continuing promotions by the mega brands. Consumers are choosing these over the more costly juices, smoothies and bottled water alternatives. The alcohol sector has benefited from the support of supermarket promotions, the continuing trend to drink at home and, of course, The World Cup."
The latest Nielson reports (July 2010) also reflect the trends for beverage can sales in the UK. The CSD 25cl can category in particular shows a 16.4% increase year on year to July 2010, whilst sales of cans for all CSD categories rose 7% in volume terms for the same period. Canned beer data highlights the effect of the World Cup on sales rising 11% by volume in 2010 compared to the same four weeks ending 10th July 2009