Two-billion barrier broken
2.08 billion beverage cans were sold in Germany in 2015, and roughly 80 percent of them were made of aluminium. The record sales are comprised of two strong half-years. The first half-year, in which more than 900 million cans were sold, looked very promising, but the second half-year, with 1.18 billion units, bestowed a new record on the European beverage can association BCME (Beverage Can Makers Europe).
Around 40 percent of the beverage cans sold last year contained beer. Breaking the two-billion barrier translates into an increase of twelve percent compared to the previous year. No wonder the responsible parties are satisfied. "We began the preceding year full of expectation. With the bottom line now showing sales of more than two billion beverage cans, our positive expectations have really been fulfilled. For us it demonstrates the consumers' acceptance of the can as packaging unit, with all of its benefits," says Welf Jung, spokesman of BCME Germany.
Last summer in particular, with the heat records that were broken here and there across Germany, really pushed up sales. Ultimately the shatter-free beverage can has a high cooling capacity, is extremely light, and is convenient to handle. Retailers recognised the higher demand of consumers and, after it began to be stocked by further discounters in 2015, now offer the can across the board. Their advantages in terms of logistics, such as the low weight and great stackability, also play a key role. And 2016? "We expect positive developments again this year," says Welf Jung.