Latest Statistics Show Can Market Growth for 1999
(2 May, 2000)

The latest statistics from the Can Makers show that 1999 was a very good year for the drinks can. During 1999 sales of empty cans to the UK breweries and soft drinks manufacturers showed an overall increase of 2% compared with 1998.

UK sales of beer and other alcoholic drinks in cans did particularly well, with the market growing by 7% during 1999. The market began growing during the summer months, followed by an increase in Autumn and very good performance over the Christmas period.

Sales increased during October, coinciding with the Rugby World Cup, but the most growth came at the end of year. This was mainly driven by the low prices on large multipacks of leading brands in the multiple grocers and also the 'Millennium effect', which was evident as consumers began to stock up for Christmas and Millennium Eve parties.

The growth in sales of empty cans was mirrored by AC Nielsen's retail statistics. According to Nielsen, the competitive prices on 24 packs of canned beer in the multiple grocers lead to a very respectable 31% increase in sales in the final two months of the year compared with 1998, and sales of 24 packs increased by a massive 283%.

Can sales were also boosted by an interesting resurgence in widget beers. These ales were heavily promoted over the Christmas period with 24 packs of leading brands below £15, and with a 28% growth in unit terms at the end of the year.

During 1999 the carbonated soft drink market continued to be dominated by large PET bottles at very competitive prices. This has put pressure on other packs and sales of empty cans to the UK carbonated beverage fillers saw a decline of 2% in 1999 compared with the previous year.

However, during late summer the multiple grocers offered competitive prices and promotions on multipacks, which helped to increase sales during the second half of the year. Also, AC Nielsen reported an 8% increase in the sales of the smaller can sizes (265ml and below). This can mainly be attributed to the ever-increasing popularity of energy drinks such as Red Bull.

Graham Fenton, the Chairman of the Can Makers, commented: "The Can Makers statistics show excellent growth during the latter half of 1999. I was very pleased to see multipacks of canned beer and carbonated soft drinks being sold at competitive prices, and I hope that this has set a precedent for future promotions during 2000".