Canned Food Packaging Market

Canned Food Packaging Market Size and Share Forecast Outlook 2025 to 2035

The global canned food packaging market is valued at USD 28.4 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 44.5 billion by 2035, representing an absolute increase of USD 16.1 billion over the forecast period. This translates into a total growth of 57.4%, with the market forecast to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6% between 2025 and 2035. According to FMI’s evidence-based report on food consumption trends and product innovation, the overall market size is expected to grow by nearly 1.57 times during the same period, supported by increasing demand for shelf-stable food solutions in emerging markets, the growing adoption of convenient ready-to-eat meal formats in urban populations, and a rising preference for long-duration food preservation systems across emergency preparedness applications and international food distribution networks.

Quick Stats for Canned Food Packaging Market

• Canned Food Packaging Market Value (2025): USD 28.4 billion
• Canned Food Packaging Market Forecast Value (2035): USD 44.5 billion
• Canned Food Packaging Market Forecast CAGR: 4.6%
• Leading Application in Canned Food Packaging Market: Vegetables & Fruits (36.5%)
• Key Growth Regions in Canned Food Packaging Market: Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe
• Key Players in Canned Food Packaging Market: Crown Holdings Inc., Ball Corporation, Ardagh Group, Silgan Holdings, Can-Pack S.A., Toyo Seikan Group

Between 2025 and 2030, the canned food packaging market is projected to expand from USD 28.4 billion to USD 36.2 billion, resulting in a value increase of USD 7.8 billion, which represents 47.9% of the total forecast growth for the decade. This phase of development will be shaped by increasing urbanization driving demand for convenient food storage, rising adoption of easy-open end technologies, and growing demand for BPA-free coating systems with enhanced food safety characteristics. Food manufacturers are expanding their canned packaging capabilities to address the growing demand for protein-rich canned products, organic food preservation, and specialty ingredient packaging requirements.

Canned Food Packaging Market Key Takeaways

Metric	Value
Estimated Value in (2025E)	USD 28.4 billion
Forecast Value in (2035F)	USD 44.5 billion
Forecast CAGR (2025 to 2035)	4.6%

From 2030 to 2035, the market is forecast to grow from USD 36.2 billion to USD 44.5 billion, adding another USD 8.5 billion, which constitutes 52.1% of the overall ten-year expansion. This period is expected to be characterized by the expansion of aluminum can technologies with enhanced recyclability, the integration of smart packaging features with freshness indicators, and the development of lightweight can structure with maintained structural integrity. The growing adoption of automated filling and seaming systems will drive demand for cans with superior hermetic sealing capabilities and compatibility with high-speed production equipment across food processing facilities.

Between 2020 and 2025, the canned food packaging market experienced steady growth, driven by increasing demand for long shelf-life food solutions and growing recognition of canned packaging as essential preservation systems for nutrient retention and food safety across vegetables, fruits, seafood, and ready-meal applications. The market developed as manufacturers recognized the potential for canned packaging to provide hermetic protection against microbial contamination while maintaining nutritional value and enabling ambient temperature storage formats. Technological advancement in coating technologies and three-piece can manufacturing began emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining food quality and preventing metal migration in long-term storage environments.

Why is the Canned Food Packaging Market Growing?

Market expansion is being supported by the increasing global demand for food security solutions and the corresponding need for packaging systems that can provide extended shelf life and ambient storage capabilities while enabling convenient consumption and nutritional preservation across various retail and institutional food service applications. Modern food manufacturers and retail operators are increasingly focused on implementing packaging solutions that can preserve food quality, prevent spoilage, and provide consistent protection throughout extended storage periods and complex distribution networks. Canned food packaging's proven ability to deliver exceptional barrier protection against oxygen and moisture, enable long-term nutrient retention, and support cost-effective pantry storage make them essential packaging formats for contemporary food preservation and emergency preparedness operations.

The growing emphasis on food waste reduction and distribution efficiency is driving demand for canned packaging that can support extended shelf life requirements, improve product availability in remote regions, and enable year-round access to seasonal foods. Manufacturers' preference for packaging that combines effective preservation with processing reliability and material efficiency is creating opportunities for innovative can implementations. The rising influence of disaster preparedness and military food supply is also contributing to increased demand for canned packaging that can provide long-term food security, temperature tolerance, and reliable performance across challenging storage conditions.

Opportunity Pathways - Canned Food Packaging Market

The canned food packaging market is poised for consistent growth and transformation. As industries across food processing, retail grocery, food service, military supply, and institutional catering seek packaging that delivers exceptional preservation performance, hermetic sealing, and storage convenience, canned packaging is gaining prominence not just as traditional food containers but as strategic enablers of food security and nutritional access.

Rising middle-class populations in Asia-Pacific and expanding urban consumption globally amplify demand, while manufacturers are leveraging innovations in can coating technologies, easy-open end systems, and lightweight aluminum structures.

Pathways like premium seafood cans, retort-compatible packaging, and specialized coating formulations promise strong margin uplift, especially in high-value segments. Geographic expansion and vertical integration will capture volume, particularly where local manufacturing capabilities and distribution infrastructure proximity are critical. Regulatory pressures around food safety standards, BPA-free coating requirements, recyclability targets, and nutritional labeling give structural support.

• Pathway A - Premium Seafood & Protein Cans. Growing consumer demand for high-quality canned seafood, meat products, and protein-rich ready meals drives need for premium cans with advanced coating systems and superior corrosion resistance. Can manufacturers who develop specialized formats with enhanced barrier properties can command premium pricing. Expected revenue pool: USD 2.8 billion - USD 3.9 billion.
• Pathway B - BPA-Free & Advanced Coating Technologies. Expanding health-conscious consumer preferences and regulatory restrictions on bisphenol compounds create demand for alternative coating systems including epoxy-free linings, polyester coatings, and plant-based barrier materials. Opportunity: USD 2.1 billion - USD 3.2 billion.
• Pathway C - Easy-Open & Convenience Features. Advanced easy-open end technologies, peel-off lids, and integrated serving systems enable improved consumer convenience and accessibility for elderly populations and single-person households. Revenue lift: USD 1.7 billion - USD 2.6 billion.
• Pathway D - Aluminum Can Lightweighting & Recycling. Developing aluminum cans with reduced material thickness while maintaining structural integrity addresses raw material cost pressures and improves environmental profile through enhanced recyclability. Food brands will seek partners who supply lightweight cans with validated performance characteristics. Pool: USD 1.9 billion - USD 2.9 billion.
• Pathway E - Geographic Expansion & Regional Manufacturing. Strong growth in APAC, particularly India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Local production lowers costs, reduces supply chain complexity, and enables faster response to regional food processing requirements. Expected upside: USD 3.4 billion - USD 4.8 billion.
• Pathway F - Specialty Can Formats & Sizes. Increasing demand for single-serve cans, family-size formats, and specialty shapes for premium products with validated consumer appeal and merchandising differentiation. USD 1.5 billion - USD 2.3 billion.
• Pathway G - Smart Packaging & Freshness Indicators. Developing cans with integrated time-temperature indicators, QR code tracking systems, or color-change freshness monitoring creates differentiation and addresses consumer transparency requirements. Growing demand from quality-focused brands and export markets. Pool: USD 1.3 billion - USD 2.0 billion.

Segmental Analysis

The market is segmented by can type, material, application, capacity, coating type, end-use sector, and region. By can type, the market is divided into three-piece cans, two-piece cans, and aerosol cans. By material, it covers steel, aluminum, and others. By application, it includes vegetables & fruits, meat & poultry, seafood, ready meals, soups & sauces, and others. By capacity, the market is segmented into small (below 300ml), medium (300-500ml), and large (above 500ml). The coating type includes epoxy-based, polyester-based, and others. By end-use sector, it is categorized into food retail, food service, institutional, military & emergency supply, and others. Regionally, the market is divided into North America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

By Can Type, the Three-Piece Cans Segment Accounts for 54.5% Market Share

The three-piece cans segment is projected to account for 54.5% of the canned food packaging market in 2025, reaffirming its position as the leading can category. Food manufacturers and canneries increasingly utilize three-piece cans for their superior versatility in accommodating various can shapes when processed through traditional manufacturing technologies, excellent compatibility with retort processing, and cost-effectiveness in applications ranging from vegetable preservation to ready-meal packaging. Three-piece can technology's established manufacturing infrastructure and proven hermetic sealing capabilities directly address the industrial requirements for reliable food preservation in high-volume processing environments.

This can segment forms the foundation of traditional food canning operations, as it represents the can type with the greatest format flexibility and established market presence across multiple food categories and processing facilities. Manufacturer investments in automated seaming technologies and advanced coating systems continue to strengthen adoption among food processors and canneries. With companies prioritizing food safety and production efficiency, three-piece cans align with both preservation performance requirements and manufacturing compatibility objectives, making them the central component of comprehensive food packaging strategies.

By Material, the Steel Segment Accounts for 61.0% Market Share

Steel-based cans are projected to represent 61.0% of canned food packaging demand in 2025, underscoring their critical role as the primary material for food preservation applications requiring exceptional structural integrity, superior heat resistance during retort sterilization, and cost-effective protection for acidic food products and high-temperature processing. Food processors prefer steel cans for their proven barrier properties against oxygen and light, robust strength characteristics, and ability to maintain hermetic seals while ensuring product safety throughout extended storage durations. Positioned as essential packaging formats for traditional canning operations, steel cans offer both performance advantages and economic benefits.

The segment is supported by continuous innovation in tin-free steel technologies and the growing availability of specialized coating formulations that enable corrosion resistance with enhanced food contact safety and processing compatibility. Additionally, food manufacturers are investing in steel can recycling infrastructure to support circular economy initiatives and material recovery. As food security concerns become more prevalent and emergency supply requirements increase, steel can applications will continue to dominate the material market while supporting advanced coating utilization and processing efficiency strategies.

By Application, the Vegetables & Fruits Segment Accounts for 56.5% Market Share

Vegetables & fruits applications are projected to represent 56.5% of canned food packaging demand in 2025, underscoring their critical role as the primary food category utilizing canned packaging for seasonal produce preservation, year-round availability, and nutritional accessibility. Food processors prefer canned packaging for vegetables and fruits due to exceptional shelf-life extension capabilities, reliable nutrient retention characteristics, and ability to provide affordable access to produce while ensuring food safety with ambient storage requirements. Positioned as essential formats for addressing food accessibility and seasonal availability challenges, canned vegetables and fruits offer both preservation advantages and economic accessibility benefits.

The segment is supported by continuous innovation in vacuum sealing technologies and the growing availability of organic canned produce that enables premium positioning with validated nutritional retention and quality characteristics. Additionally, processors are investing in automated filling systems to support large-volume production and consistency. As health-conscious consumption becomes more prevalent and convenient meal preparation demands increase, vegetables & fruits applications will continue to dominate the end-use market while supporting advanced processing utilization and nutritional preservation strategies.

What are the Drivers, Restraints, and Key Trends of the Canned Food Packaging Market?

The canned food packaging market is advancing steadily due to increasing demand for shelf-stable food solutions and growing adoption of hermetically sealed containers that provide extended preservation and ambient storage capabilities while enabling convenient consumption across diverse retail and institutional food service applications. However, the market faces challenges, including competition from alternative packaging formats, consumer perceptions regarding processed foods, and the need for specialized coating technology investments. Innovation in BPA-free coating formulations and lightweighting technologies continues to influence product development and market expansion patterns.

Advancement of BPA-Free and Alternative Coating Systems

The growing adoption of polyester-based coatings, plant-derived barrier materials, and epoxy-free lining technologies is enabling manufacturers to produce food-safe cans with superior chemical resistance, enhanced corrosion protection, and regulatory compliance functionalities. Advanced coating systems provide improved food contact safety while allowing more efficient processing and consistent performance across various food products and pH conditions. Manufacturers are increasingly recognizing the competitive advantages of alternative coating capabilities for addressing health concerns and premium market positioning.

Integration of Easy-Open and Consumer Convenience Features

Modern can manufacturers are incorporating pull-tab opening systems, peel-off lid technologies, and integrated serving mechanisms to enhance consumer convenience, enable accessibility for diverse demographics, and deliver value-added solutions to food brands and retail customers. These technologies improve user experience while enabling new consumption occasions, including outdoor activities, single-serve consumption, and elderly-friendly packaging. Advanced convenience feature integration also allows manufacturers to support premium brand positioning and product differentiation beyond traditional can opener-dependent formats.

Analysis of the Canned Food Packaging Market by Key Countries

Country	CAGR (2025-2035)
India	6.8%
China	5.4%
USA	4.2%
Brazil	5.9%
Germany	3.9%
Japan	3.5%
France	4.1%

The canned food packaging market is experiencing steady growth globally, with India leading at a 6.8% CAGR through 2035, driven by the expanding middle-class population, growing urbanization with demand for convenient food storage, and significant investment in food processing infrastructure development. China follows at 5.4%, supported by rising disposable incomes, increasing adoption of Western food consumption patterns, and growing domestic food manufacturing capabilities. The USA shows growth at 4.2%, emphasizing convenience food innovation and emergency preparedness demand. Brazil records 5.9%, focusing on agricultural processing expansion and export market growth. Germany demonstrates 3.9% growth, prioritizing food safety standards and advanced can manufacturing excellence. Japan exhibits 3.5% growth, emphasizing quality control and disaster preparedness food supply. France shows 4.1% growth, supported by gourmet food canning demand and traditional preservation methods.

The report covers an in-depth analysis of 40+ countries top-performing countries are highlighted below.

India Leads Global Market Growth with Urbanization and Food Processing Expansion

Revenue from canned food packaging in India is projected to exhibit exceptional growth with a CAGR of 6.8% through 2035, driven by expanding urbanization and rapidly growing middle-class consumption supported by government initiatives promoting food processing industry development. The country's strong position in vegetable and fruit production and increasing investment in modern canning facilities are creating substantial demand for food-grade can solutions. Major food processors and multinational brands are establishing comprehensive can sourcing capabilities to serve both domestic consumption demand and export processing markets.

• Government support for food processing initiatives and cold chain infrastructure development is driving demand for canned packaging throughout major agricultural regions and urban consumption centers.
• Strong population growth and an expanding network of organized retail outlets are supporting the rapid adoption of canned foods among consumers seeking convenient meal solutions and long shelf-life products.

China Demonstrates Strong Market Potential with Rising Consumption and Manufacturing Growth

Revenue from canned food packaging in China is expanding at a CAGR of 5.4%, supported by the country's massive food processing industry, expanding urban consumption patterns, and increasing adoption of convenience food formats. The country's government initiatives promoting food security and growing middle-class purchasing power are driving requirements for sophisticated food preservation capabilities. International brands and domestic manufacturers are establishing extensive production and distribution capabilities to address the growing demand for canned food products.

• Rising disposable incomes and expanding supermarket penetration are creating opportunities for canned food adoption across urban households, institutional buyers, and food service operators in major metropolitan regions.
• Growing focus on emergency food supply and strategic reserves is driving adoption of long shelf-life canned products among government agencies and disaster preparedness organizations seeking reliable food security solutions.

USA Demonstrates Market Maturity with Innovation-Driven Growth

Revenue from canned food packaging in the USA is expanding at a CAGR of 4.2%, supported by the country's established food processing capabilities, strong emphasis on convenience food innovation, and robust demand for emergency preparedness food supplies in retail and institutional applications. The nation's mature canning industry and quality-focused operations are driving sophisticated can technologies throughout the supply chain. Leading manufacturers and brand owners are investing extensively in easy-open ends and specialty coating formulations to serve both domestic and international markets.

• Rising demand for premium canned seafood and organic food products is creating requirements for specialty cans with advanced coating systems and superior corrosion resistance among quality-focused brands seeking enhanced product positioning and consumer appeal.
• Strong emergency preparedness culture and growing investment in disaster supply programs are supporting adoption of long shelf-life canned foods with validated preservation capabilities across retail channels and government procurement in disaster-prone regions.

Brazil Focuses on Agricultural Processing and Export Market Expansion

Revenue from canned food packaging in Brazil is growing at a CAGR of 5.9%, driven by the country's strong agricultural production, growing food processing sector, and increasing investment in export-oriented canning facilities. Brazil's abundant produce availability and commitment to food industry modernization are supporting demand for food-grade cans across multiple processing segments. Manufacturers are establishing comprehensive production capabilities to serve the growing domestic market and international export opportunities.

• Strong agricultural output and expanding processing infrastructure are driving adoption of cans for fruit, vegetable, and meat preservation with superior shelf-life characteristics and export compatibility among food processors and agricultural cooperatives.
• Growing export demand and increasing quality certifications are supporting market expansion for food-safe cans with advanced coating systems and international standard compliance throughout the country's food processing ecosystem.

Germany Emphasizes Food Safety and Manufacturing Excellence

Revenue from canned food packaging in Germany is expanding at a CAGR of 3.9%, supported by the country's food safety leadership, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and strategic focus on high-quality food preservation. Germany's engineering excellence and quality standards are driving demand for precision-manufactured cans in specialty food processing, gourmet product packaging, and export-grade applications. Manufacturers are investing in comprehensive quality assurance capabilities to serve both domestic food processors and international premium markets.

• Food safety regulations and quality certification requirements are creating opportunities for can adoption in certified organic food processing, premium ingredient preservation, and export-oriented manufacturing among leading food companies.
• Growing emphasis on recyclable packaging and circular economy principles is driving adoption of aluminum cans with enhanced recycling rates and material recovery throughout the country's food processing sector.

Japan Exhibits Quality Control and Disaster Preparedness Focus

Revenue from canned food packaging in Japan is growing at a CAGR of 3.5%, driven by the country's expertise in quality manufacturing, emphasis on food safety, and strong position in disaster preparedness food supply. Japan's established food processing capabilities and commitment to shelf-stable emergency provisions are supporting investment in advanced canning technologies throughout major production centers. Industry leaders are establishing comprehensive inspection systems to serve domestic food manufacturers and emergency supply programs.

• Innovations in hermetic sealing consistency and shelf-life extension are creating demand for ultra-high quality cans with exceptional preservation properties among manufacturers of premium canned foods, specialty seafood products, and emergency rations.
• Growing disaster preparedness emphasis and increasing government stockpiling programs are driving adoption of long shelf-life canned foods with validated stability and nutritional retention across institutional buyers and municipal emergency management throughout the country.

France Shows Gourmet Food and Traditional Canning Growth

Revenue from canned food packaging in France is expanding at a CAGR of 4.1%, supported by the country's culinary heritage, growing gourmet food sector, and strategic position in European food manufacturing networks. France's gastronomic excellence and traditional preservation methods are driving demand for premium cans in specialty food processing, artisanal product packaging, and export-quality applications. Leading manufacturers are investing in specialized capabilities to serve the stringent requirements of gourmet food and specialty ingredients industries.

• Gourmet food preservation and artisanal product packaging are creating requirements for specialty cans with superior aesthetic appeal, exceptional barrier properties, and premium positioning among leading food brands and specialty producers.
• Strong position in European food export markets is supporting adoption of reliable cans with validated quality characteristics throughout the country's food processing infrastructure.

Europe Market Split by Countries

The canned food packaging market in Europe is projected to grow from USD 7.6 billion in 2025 to USD 11.9 billion by 2035, registering a CAGR of 4.6% over the forecast period. Germany is expected to maintain its leadership position with a 28.5% market share in 2025, declining slightly to 28.0% by 2035, supported by its strong food processing industry, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and comprehensive quality assurance systems serving diverse canned food applications across Europe.

France follows with a 21.0% share in 2025, projected to reach 21.5% by 2035, driven by robust demand for cans in gourmet food preservation, specialty ingredient packaging, and premium product applications, combined with established culinary heritage and artisanal food production expertise. The United Kingdom holds a 17.5% share in 2025, expected to reach 17.8% by 2035, supported by strong convenience food market and growing ready-meal consumption. Italy commands a 14.5% share in 2025, projected to reach 14.7% by 2035, while Spain accounts for 9.5% in 2025, expected to reach 9.8% by 2035. Poland maintains a 4.0% share in 2025, growing to 4.3% by 2035. The Rest of Europe region, including Nordic countries, Eastern Europe, Netherlands, Belgium, and other nations, is anticipated to maintain momentum, with its collective share moving from 5.0% to 3.9% by 2035, attributed to increasing food processing modernization in Eastern Europe and growing convenience food consumption in Nordic countries implementing advanced preservation programs.

Competitive Landscape of the Canned Food Packaging Market

The canned food packaging market is characterized by competition among established metal packaging manufacturers, specialized can producers, and integrated packaging solutions providers. Companies are investing in coating technology research, light weighting optimization, easy-open end development, and comprehensive product portfolios to deliver consistent, high-performance, and application-specific can solutions. Innovation in BPA-free materials, aluminum technologies, and convenience features is central to strengthening market position and competitive advantage.

Crown Holdings Inc. leads the market with a strong market share, offering comprehensive can solutions including three-piece and two-piece formats with a focus on food safety and global manufacturing presence. Ball Corporation provides specialized beverage and food can capabilities with an emphasis on aluminum technologies and circular economy initiatives. Ardagh Group delivers innovative metal packaging products with a focus on easy-open ends and coating systems. Silgan Holdings specializes in metal food containers and closures for processed food applications. Can-Pack S.A. focuses on two-piece can technologies and European market leadership. Toyo Seikan Group offers advanced can manufacturing with emphasis on Japanese quality standards and barrier technologies.

Key Players in the Canned Food Packaging Market

• Crown Holdings Inc.
• Ball Corporation
• Ardagh Group S.A.
• Silgan Holdings Inc.
• Can-Pack S.A.
• Toyo Seikan Group Holdings Ltd.
• CPMC Holdings Limited
• Kian Joo Can Factory Berhad
• Massilly Group
• Sonoco Products Company

Scope of the Report

Items	Values
Quantitative Units (2025)	USD 28.4 billion
Can Type	Three-Piece Cans, Two-Piece Cans, Aerosol Cans
Material	Steel, Aluminum, Others
Application	Vegetables & Fruits, Meat & Poultry, Seafood, Ready Meals, Soups & Sauces, Others
Capacity	Small (Below 300ml), Medium (300-500ml), Large (Above 500ml)
Coating Type	Epoxy-Based, Polyester-Based, Others
End-Use Sector	Food Retail, Food Service, Institutional, Military & Emergency Supply, Others
Regions Covered	North America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Countries Covered	United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Brazil, Australia and 40+ countries
Key Companies Profiled	Crown Holdings Inc., Ball Corporation, Ardagh Group, Silgan Holdings, Can-Pack S.A., and Toyo Seikan Group
Additional Attributes	Dollar sales by can type and application category, regional demand trends, competitive landscape, technological advancements in coating systems, lightweighting development, easy-open end innovation, and supply chain integration

Canned Food Packaging Market by Segments

Can Type:

• Three-Piece Cans
• Two-Piece Cans
• Aerosol Cans

Material:

• Steel
• Aluminum
• Others

Application:

• Vegetables & Fruits
• Meat & Poultry
• Seafood
• Ready Meals
• Soups & Sauces
• Others

Capacity:

• Small (Below 300ml)
• Medium (300-500ml)
• Large (Above 500ml)

Coating Type:

• Epoxy-Based
• Polyester-Based
• Others

End-Use Sector:

• Food Retail
• Food Service
• Institutional
• Military & Emergency Supply
• Others

Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • United Kingdom
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Poland
  • Nordic
  • BENELUX
  • Rest of Europe
• East Asia
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan
• South Asia & Pacific
  • India
  • ASEAN
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • Rest of South Asia & Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • Other GCC Countries
  • Turkiye
  • South Africa
  • Other African Union
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa