Surge in Beverage Cans: Milestone of One Million Tons Achieved

In Germany, the market for canned non-alcoholic beverages is experiencing a significant surge, particularly among younger consumers. Recent data from market research firm NIQ reveals that the total sales volume of these products has increased dramatically over the past five years, climbing nearly 47% to surpass one million tons.

This growth pertains to sales across various retail sectors, including grocery stores, drugstores, beverage markets, and gas stations, while excluding kiosks. The data encompasses a wide range of refreshing drinks such as cola, lemonades, energy drinks, fruit spritzers, and iced teas.

According to NIQ consumption expert Petra Ossendorf, there is a notable 'can boom' occurring in the market. She highlights that these products are particularly popular among younger demographics, largely due to their promotion on social media platforms. Consequently, many brands are expanding their offerings to include canned options.

The convenience of cans is also a driving factor in their popularity. Ossendorf notes that consumers find them practical for on-the-go consumption. As some users express dissatisfaction with the new rigid caps on PET bottles, cans are emerging as an appealing alternative.

Moreover, retailers have reported a substantial increase in sales of soft drinks packaged in cans. Between February 2020 and February 2025, sales surged by two-thirds, reaching a total of EUR3.23 billion, with over 70% of that figure attributed to energy drinks. These statistics were first reported by the 'Lebensmittelzeitung.'

Interestingly, the sale of canned beverages suffered a decline following the introduction of a deposit system for cans in 2003. However, after a unified deposit system was implemented in 2006, sales began to recover steadily. Despite the ongoing debate surrounding the environmental impact of canned products, which includes concerns about the high energy consumption required for aluminum production, there is a growing perception among manufacturers that the environmental footprint may not be as detrimental as previously thought. Ossendorf explains that aluminum is a recyclable material, which can mitigate some of the environmental concerns associated with its production.