Food and Beverage Metal Cans Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Global Industry Analysis: By Material Type (Aluminum, Steel), By Can Type (2-Piece Cans, 3-Piece Cans), By Application (Food, Beverages),  By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online Retail, Others) and By Region Forecast 2020-2031

Food and Beverage Metal Cans Market size was valued at US$ 40.5 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 58.6 billion by 2031, growing at a significant CAGR of 5.4% from 2025-2031. Moreover, the U.S. market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% over the forecast period. The market refers to the global industry involved in the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of metal cans specifically designed for packaging edible and drinkable products. These cans are primarily made from aluminum or steel and are widely used due to their durability, recyclability, and ability to preserve freshness. The market encompasses a variety of product types including beverage cans, food cans, aerosol cans, and decorative cans used across multiple segments such as carbonated drinks, alcoholic beverages, fruits, vegetables, soups, and pet food.

The market has experienced steady growth due to increasing consumer demand for sustainable and convenient packaging solutions. Metal cans offer a long shelf life, high resistance to contamination, and excellent branding opportunities, making them a preferred choice among manufacturers. Moreover, rising environmental concerns have led to a shift toward recyclable packaging, further boosting the adoption of metal cans. The market is driven by innovations in lightweight can design and growing consumption of ready-to-eat and on-the-go food and beverages, especially in North America, Europe, and rapidly urbanizing regions in Asia-Pacific.

Facts & Figures:

• Recycling Rate: Approximately 75% of aluminum cans are recycled globally, making aluminum one of the most recycled materials in the world, which plays a significant role in the market's growth, as consumers and manufacturers increasingly prioritize sustainability.
• In February 2025, Ball Corporation reported exceeding quarterly profit estimates, attributing the success to cost-cutting measures and an 11% increase in volume in the EMEA region. This growth was partially driven by a shift from plastic packaging to aluminum cans, highlighting the rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions.
• In February 2025, Eviosys Packaging introduced 'Ecopeel,' an innovative metal food can with a peelable foil seal, replacing the traditional ring-pull opening. This design reduces the carbon footprint by 20% per can and offers a 45-degree sealing surface for easy opening, aligning with sustainability trends in packaging.

Key Developments:

• In February 2024, Ardagh Metal Packaging Europe partnered with Britvic Soft Drinks to launch the innovative highend design for their new Tango Mango cans. This collaboration resulted in a visually striking packaging solution that enhances consumer experience and aligns with sustainability goals.
• In January 2024, Ardagh Metal Packaging USA entered into a new agreement with Novelis, Inc. to supply aluminum beverage packaging sheet to Ardagh's metal production facilities in North America. This collaboration underscores the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions and aligns with Ardagh's commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Food and Beverage Metal Cans Market Segmentation:

Based on the Material Type:

• Aluminum
• Steel

Among the two material types, aluminum is anticipated to lead the market. The primary driver for aluminium’s dominance is its superior recyclability and lightweight nature, which align with the growing consumer demand for sustainable packaging solutions. Aluminum cans are highly valued for their ability to be recycled indefinitely without losing quality, making them the preferred choice for environmentally conscious consumers and manufacturers. Additionally, aluminum offers excellent barrier properties, which help preserve the freshness and flavor of food and beverages, further driving its widespread adoption in the market. These factors position aluminum as the leading material in the sector.

Based on the Can Type

• 2-Piece Cans
• 3-Piece Cans

Based on can type, the market is segmented into 2-piece cans and 3-piece cans. Among these, 2-piece cans are anticipated to dominate the market. The primary driver for this trend is the cost-effectiveness and design flexibility of 2-piece cans, which are made from a single sheet of metal, reducing the overall manufacturing complexity. These cans also have a more streamlined design, offering improved aesthetic appeal, which is increasingly important for brand differentiation in the competitive food and beverage market. Additionally, 2-piece cans are lighter than 3-piece cans, which helps reduce shipping costs, further supporting their market dominance.

Based on the Application:

• Food
• Beverage

Based on application, the market is segmented into Food and Beverage, with each category further divided. Among these, the Beverage segment is expected to lead the market, driven by the increasing demand for carbonated soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and energy drinks, all of which are predominantly packaged in metal cans. The convenience of metal cans, along with their ability to preserve the taste, carbonation, and freshness of beverages, has made them the preferred choice for beverage manufacturers. Additionally, the growing consumer preference for on-the-go drink options and the continued innovation in can designs are fueling the expansion of the beverage segment within the market.

Based on the Distribution Channel:

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online Retail
• Others

Based on the distribution channel, the market is segmented into Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online Retail, and Others. Among these, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets are anticipated to dominate the market. The primary driver for this trend is the large-scale availability and high foot traffic in these retail formats, which offer a wide variety of food and beverage products, including those packaged in metal cans. Consumers often prefer shopping in supermarkets for their one-stop shopping convenience, where they can find a broad range of products at competitive prices. Additionally, supermarkets and hypermarkets benefit from established supply chains, making it easier to stock and distribute metal can-packaged goods to a wide customer base