The Market in Europe

Beverage cans resilient during the economic storm in Europe

In 2009, the European beverage can market remained stable despite the economic crisis, according to new statistics from beverage can industry association Beverage Can Makers Europe. Total can shipments reached 51.5 billion, a decrease of 2.4% compared to 2008. This slight drop can largely be attributed to the unexpected decrease of one billion cans (17.5%) in the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) due to the impact of reduced disposable income in the region.

Western Europe

Western Europe was stable with a 0.3% decrease in 2009, while the Eastern European market experienced a 9.3% drop, or a 2.2% decrease excluding CIS figures. The UK remains the largest market for drinks cans followed closely by Iberia, the Benelux and the CIS. The UK and Iberia make up 30% of the European can market while the four regions combined represent a 50% share.

Germany

In Germany, the consumption of deposit cans in 2009 increased by 13.3 %, which is a double digit growth rate for the third consecutive year, albeit from a low base.

Beverage cans continued to be a popular packaging format for a wide range of drinks, showing their resilience during tough market conditions. In 2009, soft drink can volumes in Europe decreased 0.3% versus 2008 to 24.5 billion, while beer can volumes decreased by 4.2% to 26.9 billion. Both the soft drink and beer markets look brighter when excluding the CIS figures, indicating an increase of 0.9% to 24 billion for soft drink cans and a decrease of 2% to 23.2 billion for beer cans. France and the UK drove growth in the soft drink market while beer market growth was mainly achieved by Scandinavian countries.

Outlook

The 2010 outlook for cans is nevertheless bright for several reasons, including the predicted end of the economic crisis.  The highlight for the year is the upcoming World Cup that may have a positive effect on beverage can consumption.

(source:BCME)