Canned Beverages - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2026-2031)

The canned beverages market size is expected to increase from USD 52.19 billion in 2025 and 55.16 billion in 2026 to USD 77.84 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.13% over 2026-2031. This report is Segmented by Product Type (Alcoholic Beverages and Non-Alcoholic Beverages), Can Material (Aluminum Cans and Steel/Tinplate Cans), Category (Conventional and Organic), Distribution Channel (On-Trade and Off-Trade), and Geography (North America, Europe, and More). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD) and Volume (Units).

Global Canned Beverages Market Trends and Insights

Growth of functional and health-oriented beverages

The increasing demand for functional and health-oriented beverages is driving notable changes in the global canned beverages market, as consumers prioritize drinks that provide health benefits beyond basic hydration. In the United Kingdom, approximately 49% of consumers are projected to consume some form of functional beverage by 2025, with this figure rising to 62% among active individuals aged 18-44. Millennials and Gen Z are at the forefront of this trend, favoring products that align with their health-conscious lifestyles [1]. This demographic shows a strong preference for beverages enriched with vitamins, probiotics, and adaptogens, addressing wellness needs such as immune support, energy enhancement, and stress management. The demand for convenience further supports this trend, as consumers increasingly opt for ready-to-drink formats that suit their busy routines. Canned functional beverages, offering portability and ease of use, are well-suited to meet these preferences. Consequently, beverage manufacturers are focusing on innovation, introducing new formulations and premium ingredients such as plant-based proteins and botanical extracts to appeal to health-conscious consumers. The functional drinks market is anticipated to maintain robust growth, driven by younger generations' preference for health-focused, flavorful, and functional beverage options.

Sustainability push favouring infinitely recyclable aluminium cans

The increasing focus on sustainability is a significant driver in the global canned beverages market, with a growing preference for environmentally friendly packaging solutions such as aluminium cans. Aluminium's infinite recyclability positions it as a highly sustainable option for beverage packaging, meeting both regulatory requirements and consumer demand for eco-friendly products. This emphasis on sustainability has resulted in notable advancements in recycling rates across Europe. According to European Aluminium and Metal Packaging Europe, the recycling rate for aluminium beverage cans in the EU, UK, Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland reached 76.3% in 2023, marking a 7% year-on-year increase in recycling volumes . This improvement not only promotes a circular economy but also helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with producing new materials. The steady growth in aluminium can recycling volumes and the circular use of materials are critical for achieving global sustainability objectives and enhancing resource efficiency. Both consumers and regulatory authorities are increasingly prioritizing packaging solutions that support a sustainable future.

Regulatory scrutiny on sugar and alcohol content (taxes, age limits)

Regulatory scrutiny on sugar and alcohol content, including taxes and age restrictions, is emerging as a significant restraint in the canned beverages market. Governments are introducing fiscal policies and age-verification measures to limit sugar intake and alcohol consumption, which is directly affecting the volume growth of high-margin categories. These regulations are reducing demand for full-sugar carbonated soft drinks and high-ABV canned spirits, prompting manufacturers to shift towards zero-sugar and lower-alcohol alternatives that yield lower profit margins. Additionally, age-verification requirements for online alcohol sales are creating challenges for e-commerce channels, particularly in regions without digital-ID infrastructure. Compliance-related expenses, such as labeling updates, recipe reformulations, and legal reviews, are diverting resources away from innovation and capacity expansion, further constraining market growth.

Other drivers and restraints analyzed in the detailed report include:

• Demand for low-calorie, organic, and natural ingredient beverages
• Premiumization across beverage categories
• Volatile aluminium and steel prices squeezing producer margins

For complete list of drivers and restraints, kindly check the Table Of Contents.

Segment Analysis

In 2025, alcoholic beverages represented the largest segment of the canned beverages market, comprising 69.19% of the total market share. Despite evolving consumer preferences, these beverages continue to dominate due to their extensive availability and established consumer loyalty. The segment's shift toward zero-sugar variants has played a crucial role in retaining its market position, appealing to health-conscious consumers while competing with emerging alternatives. However, challenges such as sugar levies in regions like Mexico could impact the segment's growth potential.

The non-alcoholic beverages segment is expected to be the fastest-growing category in the canned beverages market, with a projected CAGR of 8.56% during the forecast period. This growth is primarily fueled by the increasing demand for energy drinks and ready-to-drink coffee, particularly among Gen Z consumers who are moderating their alcohol intake. These products are progressively replacing traditional lager consumption occasions, reflecting a significant shift in consumer behavior and preferences.

Aluminum remained the largest segment in the canned beverages market in 2025, accounting for a 71.29% share. This is primarily due to its lightweight design, excellent barrier properties, and well-established recycling infrastructure. Furthermore, European deposit-return schemes heavily favor aluminum, reinforcing its market dominance. However, rising prices, which have reached up to USD 3,300 per tonne, may create challenges in price-sensitive regions. Despite these concerns, aluminum's inherent advantages are expected to sustain its leading position in the market.

Steel/tinplate cans are expected to emerge as the fastest-growing segment in the canned beverages market, with a projected CAGR of 7.57% during the forecast period. Increasing aluminum prices are encouraging brewers in Southeast Asia and Latin America to consider steel as a cost-effective alternative. Although steel's heavier weight results in higher freight costs, its lower purchase price makes it a suitable choice for economy lagers, where price sensitivity is a key factor. Cost-conscious emerging markets are likely to adopt dual sourcing strategies, driving the growth of steel cans in the coming years.

Complete Report Scope:

• By Product Type
  • Alcoholic Beverages
    • Beer
    • Wine
    • Spirits
    • Others
  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages
    • Carbonated Soft Drinks
    • Energy Drinks
    • Sports Drinks
    • Juices
    • Ready-to-Drink Tea/Coffee
    • Others
• By Can Material
  • Aluminum Cans
  • Steel/Tinplate Cans
• By Category
  • Conventional
  • Organic
• By Distribution Channel
  • On-Trade
  • Off-Trade
    • Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
    • Convenience/Grocery Stores
    • Online Retail Stores
    • Other Distribution Channel
• By Geography
  • North America
    • United States
    • Canada
    • Mexico
    • Rest of North America
  • Europe
    • United Kingdom
    • Germany
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Sweden
    • Belgium
    • Poland
    • Netherlands
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia-Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • India
    • Thailand
    • Singapore
    • Indonesia
    • South Korea
    • Australia
    • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Colombia
    • Chile
    • Peru
    • Rest of South America
  • Middle East and Africa
    • United Arab Emirates
    • South Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • Nigeria
    • Egypt
    • Morocco
    • Turkey
    • Rest of Middle East and Africa

Geography Analysis

North America acounted for the largest segment in the canned beverages market in 2025, contributing 32.40% of the total revenue. This dominance is attributed to established consumption patterns and a well-developed cold-chain logistics infrastructure. In 2024, the United States produced 110 billion aluminum cans, accounting for approximately 30% of global packaging units. While per-capita consumption levels have plateaued, the market is witnessing a shift towards premium craft beers and functional beverages. However, the introduction of sugar-tax draft bills in several states and restrictions on energy-drink marketing are anticipated to pose minor challenges to growth.

The Asia-Pacific region is projected to be the fastest-growing segment, with a forecasted CAGR of 7.81%. Factors such as rapid urbanization, increasing disposable incomes, and advancements in localized flavor research and development in countries like China, India, and Thailand are driving this growth. In China, energy-reduction policies are tightening the domestic aluminum supply, leading to higher import dependency and increased marginal costs. Meanwhile, India is addressing certification challenges by investing in local can production, with beverage multinationals accelerating vendor qualification processes to meet rising demand.

Other regions are also contributing significantly to the canned beverages market. Europe, with a 76% aluminum recycling rate, continues to lead in sustainability and sets global standards. While volume growth remains stable, premiumization trends are driving revenue. In South America, beer and soda volumes are expanding at double-digit rates, with local players like Arca Continental adding can lines to capitalize on higher margins compared to returnable glass. The Middle East and Africa, though smaller in market size, are experiencing rapid growth due to a youthful population and increasing hospitality developments within the Gulf Cooperation Council.

List of Companies Covered in this Report:

• AB InBev
• The Coca-Cola Company
• PepsiCo, Inc.
• Heineken N.V.
• Monster Beverage Corporation
• Red Bull GmbH
• Molson Coors Beverage Company
• Carlsberg A/S
• Diageo plc
• Constellation Brands Inc.
• Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.
• Tropicana Brands Group
• LIPTON Teas and Infusions
• Nestle S.A.
• Arizona Beverages USA
• Sapporo Holdings Ltd.
• Asahi Group Holdings
• Suntory Holdings Ltd.
• Boston Beer Company
• BrewDog plc

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
• 3 months of analyst support