Global Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In May 2023, Ardagh Glass Packaging partnered with Newell Brands to develop the Ball@ Honeybee Keepsake Mason Jars. This collaboration underscores Ardagh's commitment to innovation in glass design and strengthens its position as a key supplier in the U.S. food market.

• In October 2022, Ball Corporation expanded its Ball Aluminum Cup@ line with new 9-ounce and 12-ounce sizes, meeting the rising demand for sustainable beverage cups and reinforcing its leadership in eco-friendly packaging solutions.

• In October 2021, Silgan Holdings Inc. acquired Easytech Closures, a European manufacturer specializing in easy-open metal ends for food containers, for €31.5 million. This acquisition boosts Silgan's production capabilities, reduces costs, and supports its market expansion efforts.

In this report, the Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market has been segmented by Type, Material, Capacity, Application and Geography.

Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market, Segmentation by Type

The Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market has been segmented by Type into 2-piece and 3-piece.

2-piece

The 2-piece segment dominates the food & beverage metal cans market, accounting for approximately 64%. These cans, typically made from aluminum or steel, consist of a single body and a top lid, providing excellent strength, lightweight properties, and superior barrier protection. They are widely used in carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, beer, and ready-to-drink beverages. Increasing demand for lightweight packaging and recyclable materials continues to drive strong growth in this segment.

3-piece

The 3-piece segment holds about 36% of the food & beverage metal cans market. These cans are constructed from three components: body, top, and bottom ends, making them ideal for packaging a variety of processed foods, including soups, vegetables, meat products, and pet food. The ability to accommodate a wide range of can sizes and product types, along with growing demand for convenient packaged foods, is supporting steady growth in this segment.

Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market, Segmentation by Material

The Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market has been segmented by Material into Aluminum and Steel.

Aluminum

The aluminum segment dominates the food & beverage metal cans market, accounting for approximately 58%. Aluminum cans are favored for their lightweight nature, excellent corrosion resistance, and superior recyclability. They are widely used in carbonated soft drinks, beer, energy drinks, and ready-to-drink beverages. The growing focus on sustainable packaging and increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly beverage containers are driving robust growth in this segment.

Steel

The steel segment holds about 42% of the food & beverage metal cans market. Steel cans offer high strength and durability, making them ideal for packaging a wide range of processed foods, including soups, vegetables, fruits, pet food, and ready meals. The ability to support hermetic sealing and withstand thermal processing continues to drive demand for steel cans in both retail and foodservice channels.

Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market, Segmentation by Capacity

The Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market has been segmented by Capacity into Below 330 ml, 330 ml – 500 ml, and Above 500 ml.

Below 330 ml

The below 330 ml segment holds about 27% of the food & beverage metal cans market. These smaller-sized cans are predominantly used for energy drinks, ready-to-drink coffee, alcoholic mixers, and premium beverages. The growing popularity of single-serve packaging and rising demand for portable, on-the-go beverage formats are driving growth in this segment, especially among younger, urban consumers.

330 ml – 500 ml

The 330 ml – 500 ml segment dominates the market, accounting for approximately 52%. This capacity range is the most popular for carbonated soft drinks, beer, ciders, and sparkling water. The segment benefits from strong demand across both retail and foodservice channels, driven by consumer preference for standard portion sizes and the convenience of resealable and recyclable packaging.

Above 500 ml

The above 500 ml segment contributes approximately 21% of the food & beverage metal cans market. These larger cans are used for bulk beverages, beer multipacks, and family-sized soft drinks, as well as for certain processed food products such as soups and vegetables. The increasing popularity of value packs and economical family-size offerings is supporting steady demand in this segment.

Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market, Segmentation by Application

The Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market has been segmented by Application into Food, Fruits & Vegetables, Convenience Food, Pet Food, Meat & Seafood, Beverage, Alcoholic Beverages, Carbonated Soft Drinks, and Sports & Energy Drinks.

Food

The segment plays a dominant role in the Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market, catering to the increasing demand for convenient packaging and extended shelf life. Metal cans are highly effective in preserving the nutritional value and taste of processed foods. The segment holds a market share of approximately 28%, driven by urbanization and evolving consumer eating habits.

Fruits & Vegetables

This segment captures around 14% of the market, as metal cans are ideal for maintaining the freshness and flavor of seasonal produce. The growing consumer preference for ready-to-use and shelf-stable fruits and vegetables is accelerating demand. Additionally, increased focus on reducing food waste is further propelling market growth.

Convenience Food

This segment holds about 19% of the market, driven by the rise of busy lifestyles and demand for ready-to-eat meals. Metal cans offer portable, durable, and tamper-resistant packaging, making them ideal for various quick-serve food options. Growing consumption of single-serve products is further supporting segment expansion.

Pet Food

The segment contributes approximately 10% of the market. Metal cans provide optimal protection for wet pet food, maintaining nutritional integrity and flavor profile. The rising trend of premium pet food and growing global pet ownership rates continue to boost demand for high-quality canned packaging solutions in this sector.

Meat & Seafood

This segment represents roughly 12% of the market. Metal cans are highly valued for packaging processed meats and seafood, offering superior barrier properties against contamination and spoilage. Consumer preference for high-protein, shelf-stable foods further supports the demand in this segment, along with expanding global exports of canned meat and seafood products.

Beverage

This segment holds a substantial share of around 35% in the market. Metal cans are favored for their ability to preserve the quality and taste of a wide range of beverages. The growing demand for portable packaging, coupled with the trend towards sustainable packaging solutions, continues to drive market growth in this segment. Innovations in can design are further boosting consumer appeal.

Alcoholic Beverages

This segment makes up about 16% of the market. Metal cans are increasingly popular for packaging beer, cocktails, and hard seltzers due to their lightweight nature and portability. Rising demand for premium canned alcoholic drinks and the growth of ready-to-drink (RTD) segments are key drivers propelling market expansion in this space.

Carbonated Soft Drinks

This segment captures approximately 11% of the market. Metal cans offer an excellent solution for maintaining the carbonation and flavor of soft drinks. Strong consumer loyalty to major soft drink brands and ongoing innovation in flavor offerings continue to fuel segment growth. The demand for convenient, recyclable packaging further enhances market penetration.

Sports & Energy Drinks

This segment accounts for nearly 9% of the market. Metal cans are ideal for packaging sports and energy beverages, providing optimal shelf stability and convenience for on-the-go consumption. Increasing consumer interest in functional beverages designed to support active lifestyles and enhance performance continues to drive growth in this segment.

Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market Share (%), by Geographical Region

North America

The region holds a significant market share of around 31% in the Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market. Demand is driven by strong consumer preference for sustainable packaging and widespread consumption of ready-to-eat foods and carbonated beverages. Increasing focus on recyclable materials and advancements in lightweight metal can technology are further fueling market growth in this region.

Europe

Europe accounts for approximately 26% of the market share, supported by stringent environmental regulations and high adoption of eco-friendly packaging solutions. The region shows strong demand for premium beverages and organic canned food products. Growing trends in circular economy practices and consumer focus on reducing plastic usage continue to promote the use of metal cans across Europe.

Asia Pacific

This rapidly growing region contributes nearly 24% of the market share. Rising urbanization, changing lifestyle patterns, and growing middle-class population are driving the demand for convenience foods and packaged beverages. Countries like China, India, and Japan are witnessing a surge in metal can manufacturing capacity, meeting the region’s increasing demand for sustainable food packaging.

Middle East and Africa

The region holds about 11% of the total market share. Growth is supported by expanding demand for packaged foods and non-alcoholic beverages, especially in urban centers. Rising focus on import substitution and increasing popularity of canned products among younger demographics are driving metal can usage. Additionally, growing investments in local manufacturing capabilities are contributing to regional market growth.

Latin America

This region represents nearly 8% of the global market. Increased consumption of carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, and canned foods is a key driver in Latin America. Consumers here are showing greater interest in recyclable packaging and environmentally responsible food packaging. Emerging markets such as Brazil and Mexico are fueling the region’s growth with rising demand for both convenience products and premium beverages.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers

• Rising Demand for Convenience
• Increased Focus on Sustainability
• Growing Beverage Consumption Trends

• Advancements in Can Technology: In recent years, the Global Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market has witnessed significant advancements in can technology, driven by the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions. One of the most notable innovations is the development of eco-friendly can coatings. Traditional can linings often contain bisphenol A (BPA), which has raised health and environmental concerns. In response, manufacturers have introduced alternative coatings, such as water-based and plant-based linings, which maintain the integrity of the product while minimizing environmental impact. These advanced coatings are designed to offer better protection for the contents, extending shelf life and reducing the need for preservatives.

  Another major advancement is the introduction of lightweight and high-strength can materials. Modern metal cans are being produced using advanced aluminum and steel alloys that are both lighter and stronger than previous materials. This innovation reduces the amount of material required for each can, which in turn lowers transportation costs and carbon emissions. Additionally, the new materials enhance the structural integrity of the cans, reducing the risk of damage during handling and distribution. These improvements not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also offer cost-saving opportunities for manufacturers.

  Smart can technology is emerging as a game-changer in the food and beverage industry. Smart cans are equipped with sensors and QR codes that provide consumers with real-time information about the product’s freshness, nutritional content, and origin. This technology enhances transparency and consumer engagement, allowing brands to offer a more interactive and informative experience. By integrating these technologies, manufacturers can also gather valuable data on consumer preferences and behavior, which can inform future product development and marketing strategies.

Restraints

• High Production Costs
• Environmental Impact Concerns
• Regulatory Challenges

• Raw Material Price Fluctuations: The global Food & Beverage Metal Cans market is significantly influenced by fluctuations in raw material prices, which directly impact production costs and market dynamics. The primary raw materials for metal cans include aluminum and steel, both of which are subject to price volatility due to various factors such as supply and demand imbalances, geopolitical tensions, and changes in global trade policies. Aluminum prices, for instance, are affected by fluctuations in bauxite ore availability, energy costs for smelting, and tariffs imposed by different countries. Similarly, steel prices are influenced by the cost of iron ore, energy costs for production, and market demand trends.

  Recent trends indicate that both aluminum and steel have experienced price volatility driven by global economic conditions and market uncertainties. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic led to disruptions in supply chains, causing temporary shortages and price hikes for raw materials. Additionally, geopolitical conflicts, such as trade disputes between major economies and restrictions on raw material exports from key producing countries, have further contributed to price instability. The increase in raw material costs has put pressure on manufacturers to manage production expenses, which can lead to higher prices for end consumers or affect profit margins for can manufacturers.

  To mitigate the impact of raw material price fluctuations, companies in the Food & Beverage Metal Cans market are exploring various strategies. These include diversifying their supplier base to reduce dependency on a single source, investing in advanced manufacturing technologies to improve production efficiency, and engaging in long-term contracts with suppliers to lock in favorable prices. Additionally, some manufacturers are exploring alternative materials or recycling initiatives to reduce reliance on primary raw materials and manage costs more effectively. These strategies aim to stabilize production costs and maintain competitive pricing in a fluctuating market environment.

Opportunities

• Expansion in Emerging Markets
• Innovations in Packaging Designs
• Increasing Adoption of Recyclable Materials

• Growing Health-Conscious Consumer Base: The Global Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market is experiencing a significant shift driven by a growing health-conscious consumer base. As consumers increasingly prioritize their well-being, they seek products that align with their health goals, which influences their purchasing decisions in the food and beverage sector. Metal cans, known for their ability to preserve the nutritional value of products without the need for artificial preservatives, have become a preferred packaging choice. Consumers are drawn to metal cans for their ability to maintain the freshness and quality of healthy foods and beverages, such as organic juices, low-sugar snacks, and nutrient-rich soups.

  This trend is further supported by the increasing availability of health-focused products in metal cans. Companies are responding to the demand for healthier options by expanding their product lines to include low-calorie, low-sodium, and high-fiber choices, all packaged in metal cans. The sustainability aspect of metal cans also appeals to health-conscious consumers, as they are widely recyclable and have a lower environmental impact compared to some other packaging materials. This combination of health benefits and eco-friendliness enhances the attractiveness of metal cans for both consumers and manufacturers.

  The growing awareness of the benefits of healthy eating is influencing food and beverage companies to innovate and improve their product offerings. As the health-conscious consumer base continues to expand, manufacturers are investing in advanced canning technologies that preserve the integrity of natural ingredients and enhance the nutritional value of their products. This evolution in the market not only meets the demands of health-conscious consumers but also drives the growth of the metal cans segment within the food and beverage industry.

Key players in Global Food & Beverage Metal Cans Market include:

• Ball Corporation
• Crown Holdings, Inc
• Ardagh Group S.A
• Silgan Holdings Inc
• Can-Pack Group
• Tata Steel Packaging
• Allied Glass Containers
• Bway Corporation
• MillerCoors
• Amcor Flexibles

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis