The metal food cans market is valued at USD 26.5 billion in 2024. The sales are expected to reach USD 38.4 billion by 2034 seeing stricter safety regulations. The metal food cans market is expected to register a CAGR of 3.8% from 2024 to 2034.
Global Metal Food Cans Market Assessment
| Attributes | Description |
|---|---|
| Estimated Global Metal Food Cans Market Size (2024E) | USD 26.5 billion |
| Projected Global Metal Food Cans Market Value (2034F) | USD 38.4 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 3.8% |
Busy and active day-to-day lives of consumers increase the demand for convenient or canned food. Canned foods are an essential part of the diet in countries like India and Brazil. It is widely accepted across the world due to the ease of penetration of online delivery platforms.
Metal food cans face growing competition from flexible pouches, cartons, and other formats. However, metal food cans manufacturers are combating this by adding superior barrier coatings, convenience features such as an easy-opening can end, and using innovative shapes and other decorations to achieve product differentiation.
The requirement for food products that are rich in nutrient elements and derived from metal food cans is expected to boost the market. The urban millennial demographic is more likely to embrace foods in cans, as they can be consumed upon a brief heating process or even used as semi-processed raw materials. These canned foods optimize the time spent on cooking.
Canned food with its outstanding shelf life surpasses other forms of packaging, minimizing the food waste experienced within the supply chain. In addition, food in metal cans can be preserved from deterioration.
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The metal food cans market shows promising growth potential. From 2024 to 2034, the market is slated to grow variably. The first half of 2023 to 2033 expects a CAGR of 3.9%. The second half of this period projects a CAGR of 3.5%. This slight decrease indicates a steady fall in demand.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 3.9% (2023 to 2033) |
| H2 | 3.5% (2023 to 2033) |
| H1 | 3.6% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 4% (2024 to 2034) |
In the next decade though, the first half maintains a steady CAGR of 3.6%. The second half of 2024 to 2034, however, sees a CAGR of 4%.
Metal Food Cans: How Smart Packaging is Enhancing Consumer Experience with QR Codes
Manufacturers of metal containers for food products are embracing the concept of consumer smart packaging for their benefit. The emergence of new packaging methods has tilled the metal food can market. For instance, Crown Holdings developed Crownsecure, an encodable can printing system. Any cans produced will be integrated with an identification code, Quick Response (QR) code.
This allows the food brand to effectively communicate every little detail regarding the product and the company to the consumers. Such a unique coding system will also allow the consumers to check the quality. Hence, the call for smart packaging by metal food cans manufacturers presents a lucrative opportunity for the metal food cans market.
Food E-commerce Industry to Burgeon Sales of the Metal Food Cans
Prominent food companies are including metal food cans in their products, increasing their reach in food e-commerce. For instance, Heinz introduced a new line of canned soups targeting online grocery shoppers focusing on convenience and quality. Canned seafood products launched by Bumble Bee Foods to meet the tastes of healthy eaters looking for quick cooking options.
Moreover, Nestle introduced canned meals with the use of ready-to-eat food in its range and distribution in places such as Amazon Fresh and Walmart Grocery. Such launches showcase the increasing tendency of consumers in food e-commerce, who prefer products that are shelf-stable and readily available in cans.
Another key factor boosting the market is rising urbanization. The rise in disposable incomes contributes to the demand for convenient ready-to-cook packaged foods. Growing preferences for ready-to-eat meals and beverages have increased the usage of cans. Moreover, as far as the packaging is concerned, there is a strategic trend that aims at providing eco-friendly packaging to the customers.
As the technology used in making these products improves, the consumers’ acceptance of these metal cans increases as they are recyclable and eco-friendly.
For instance, the Pet Care Business of Nestlé Purina announced the #PurinaRecyclesChallenge campaign in September 2023. In this campaign, pet owners were encouraged to recycle rather than dispose of aluminum and steel-made cans. The initiative was intended to address the issue of littering among individuals in the course of enhancing the recycling practice.
Increasing Popularity of Craft Beverages to Push Metal Cans’ Sales
Manufacturers are introducing specialized cans for craft beers and artisanal foods. Additionally, the expansion of e-commerce is another critical factor driving market growth. Online grocery shopping increases the demand for packaged goods, including metal cans. Companies are investing in advanced manufacturing processes to improve efficiency.
Restraint in the Metal Food Cans Market
Principal Consultant
The metal food cans market was valued at USD 22.4 billion in 2019. By 2023, it reached around 25.2 billion, driven by rising demand for convenience foods. Urbanization and changing lifestyles are significantly improving the growth. Moreover, increasing awareness of food safety is facilitating the demand for metal food cans.
The beverage segment generated the maximum revenue in the market, particularly in soft drinks and beer. Cans' recyclability and durability is appealing to environmentally conscious consumers. Hence, major players invested in sustainable practices and innovative designs. This trend enhanced product appeal and created lucrative opportunities for the market.
Sales registered a sluggish growth at a CAGR of 2.9% from 2019 to 2023. The market witnessed moderate growth with the expansion of the food and beverage industry. Health consciousness and an increase in the consumption of packaged food contribute to this growth. E-commerce is also expected to contribute to the increased application of metal cans.
Asia and Africa are considered to be a lucrative ground for metal food cans manufacturers. These areas are experiencing urban development and change in eating habits. In addition, the integration of advanced technology for producing goods efficiently is another factor expected to propel the market. Hence, more competitive prices and better quality products became available.
Tier 1 companies like Ball Corporation and Crown Holdings have been making inroads in the metal food cans market through acquisitions and technology. Ball Corporation, for example, recently declared to spend over USD 300 million to establish a new aluminum can facility in the United States.
Furthermore, Crown Holdings is focusing on improving its production capabilities by using advanced automation technology in its production facilities. These initiatives helped uplift efficiency and maintained the Tier 1 segment at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.
Tier 2 companies such as Silgan Holdings and Ardagh Group are making significant strides by diversifying their product portfolios and venturing into new geographical locations. In line with this, Silgan Holdings has unveiled a new product line of recyclable aluminum and metal cans tailored for the vegan food market. This launch reflects the changing consumer behavior inclined toward using sustainable packaging.
Additionally, Ardagh Group has been focusing on growth in both Europe and Asia and has opened a new manufacturing plant in India to serve the booming packaged food industry. Such developments are helping these layers of the market gain share and adjust to the changing dynamics.
Tier 3 companies, which are more adaptive, have sought to enter the metal food cans market by exploiting niche markets and making creative designs. Can-Pack and CCL Industries launch particular cans, focused on certain product segments, such as craft drinks and fine-dining catering.
For instance, Can-Pack launched new lightweight design aluminum cans targeting craft beer brewers, with a focus on beauty and eco-friendly materials. Additionally, CCL Industries is focusing on custom labeling solutions for metal cans, allowing brands to differentiate their products in a crowded marketplace.
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The section summarizes the leading countries expanding in the global metal food cans market. The table describes the CAGRs of specific countries and the data highlights key trends, projects, and company contributions to position the country in the global landscape. This data helps investors keenly observe and go through the recent trends and examine them in order.
| Countries | CAGR 2024 to 2034 |
|---|---|
| India | 4.1% |
| Thailand | 4% |
| Japan | 3.9% |
| China | 3.8% |
| South Korea | 3.7% |
| United States | 3.3% |
India’s robust manufacturing capabilities with technological upgrades have enabled local companies to produce high-quality metal cans. These cans cater to the diverse needs of the food industry. Notable companies like Hindalco Industries, Tata Steel, and Can-Pack India are leading the charge, focusing on sustainable practices and innovative designs to enhance product appeal.
The approach to the food domain in India emphasizes safety, sustainability, and convenience. The increasing health consciousness and hygiene concerns have increased the consumption of packaged food, which has fueled the demand for metal food cans. In addition, the Indian government’s campaign for Make in India and other initiatives that encourage local production is another factor expected to fuel the demand.
Furthermore, the development of e-commerce and modern retailing has opened up new avenues of distribution and extended the reach of companies to a wider audience. The ever-changing nature of the market pushes emphasis on green materials, green practices, and green recycling as the market takes shape.
The food packaging sector in Japan is said to have a high degree of automation and efficiency. It allows can makers to produce cans in compliance with local and international safety requirements. In addition, companies in Japan are focusing on research and development for prolonging the life span and reducing carbon print. Furthermore, a strong legal environment for the market encourages the food packaging industry to strive for the highest food safety and quality standards.
Currently, in Japan, there is an increasing demand for convenience and elaborate packaging which has stimulated the increase in the use of metal food cans. A greater number of Japanese consumers are developing an appetite for ready-to-eat foods and even packaged foods because of their busy schedules and the safety of the food.
Apart from this, the popularity of green packaging has increased as customers opt for recyclable materials. This has been evidenced by recent events, including the Tokyo 2020 Olympics that presented Japan’s quest for sustainability, drawing even more attention from consumers concerning environmentally friendly packaging.
Lead firms such as Ball Corporation, Crown Holdings, and Silgan Holdings are embracing advanced manufacturing technologies and sustainability practices to improve operational efficiency and minimize adverse environmental impact. These players, however, do not restrict themselves to serving domestic demand only; they seek to build the emerging markets of Asia, Africa, and Latin America driven mainly by increasing demand for ready-to-eat meals, beverages, and convenience foods.
In the food and beverage industry, there is a trend of employing metal cans due to their sturdiness, potential for recycling, and effectiveness in preventing spoilage of the contents. The metal can usage trends in the United States include canned objects such as fruits, vegetables, soups, sodas, and beers in metal cans. This is also true for the container’s exports, as the United States remains an active player in the world economy, twining food and beverage industry-controlled countries with metal cans and other similar packaging.
The section describes the leading segments in the metal food cans market with their respective share value.
| Segment | Steel (Material) |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2024) | 67.2% |
Steel is the leading material in the metal food cans market due to its durability and superior barrier properties. These properties are essential for preserving the freshness and safety of food products.
The composition of steel employed in food cans is of paramount importance. Generally, it is exposed to extreme processing conditions to make it suitable for contact with food and impervious to rust and other natural and artificial elements. This grade of steel increases the length of time products can be stored without spoilage and complies with the most demanding standards, which is why it is popular among manufacturers.
The steel segment is expected to witness substantial prospects as it has existing structure and demand. As the consumers’ preference for packaging foods and beverages grows, steel investment and can production and manufacturing are considered safe and fruitful.
Additionally, the idea of sustainability and recycling complements well with steel’s qualities because it is 100 % recyclable with no quality degradation, therefore appealing to green investors.
| Segment | 2 Piece Can (Product) |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2024) | 60.1% |
The 2-piece can design has structural advantages, as there is no need for a separate top and bottom end in saving materials and providing greater strength to the can. Hence, the 2-piece cans are used extensively for beverages, canned food, and various others that require preservation and long shelf life. Its design without joints enables better sealing of the can and shielding of the contents from the outside while keeping the contents fresh.
The advantages of 2-piece cans are their lightweight and cheaper production costs. This quality is beneficial for manufacturers who wish to improve product transportation and minimize throwaway materials. The current tendency in packaging toward convenience and sustainability also makes the two-piece can an attractive and profitable proposition.
Manufacturers are investing in the metal food can market, recognizing its growth potential. The expansion of food e-commerce and fast delivery platforms spurred demand for convenient packaging solutions. Companies are adapting by enhancing their production capabilities to meet the needs of online retailers.
Additionally, the frozen food sector is gaining traction, with metal cans being used for ready-to-eat meals and frozen products. This shift toward convenience and quick access positions metal food cans as a vital component in the evolving food landscape. All these elements ensure manufacturers remain competitive and responsive to consumer trends.
Industry Updates
The metal food cans market includes aluminum and steel materials. Steel is further classified into stainless steel, carbon steel or mild steel, and tinplate.
The segment is divided into 2 and 3-piece cans.
The market is classified into less than 200 gm, 201-500 gm, 501-1000gm, and above 1000 gm.
The category includes fruits and vegetables, tomatoes, seafood, dairy, pet food, infant formula, and other (ready-to-eat, sauces, etc.) end uses.
Information about the leading countries of North America, Latin America, Western Europe, South Asia and Pacific, East Asia, and the Middle East and Africa is given.
It is anticipated to reach USD 26.5 billion in 2024.
The market is set to rise at a 3.8% CAGR through 2034.
The landscape is forecasted to reach USD 38.4 billion by 2034.
Steel is the most popular material with a share value of 67.2%.
Crown Holdings, Inc., Ardagh Group, Amcor Plc, Silgan Metal Packaging, and Massilly Holding S.A.S are a few key brands.
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Metal Food Cans Market
