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The global food cans market size was USD 18.30 billion in 2023, estimated at USD 18.83 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach around USD 25.04 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 2.89% from 2024 to 2034.
The global food cans market size is worth around USD 18.83 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to reach around USD 25.04 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 2.89% over the forecast period 2024 to 2034. North America food cans market Size to reached USD 5.86 Billion in 2023. The rising demand for packaged foods and changing consumer needs drive the market.
The U.S. food cans market size was valued at USD 4.68 billion in 2023 and is predicted to surpass around USD 6.55 billion by 2034, rising at a CAGR of 3.10% from 2024 to 2034.
North America dominated the global food cans market in 2023. The rising demand for packaged foods, sedentary lifestyles, technological advancements, and the presence of key players drive the market. The USFDA’s guidelines for high-quality and safe food products also increase the demand for food cans. According to data provided by the US government, approximately 1.7 billion cans are imported into the US, which equates to 10% of the domestic can production. In addition, the US is among the top five countries globally producing steel and aluminum. The demand for nutritious foods also augments the market.
Asia-Pacific is projected to host the fastest-growing food cans market in the coming years. The rising population, changing consumer demands, increasing demand for ready-to-eat foods, favorable manufacturing infrastructure, and increased investments and collaborations boost the market. China is the leading producer of both steel and aluminum globally. India and Japan are the second and third-largest global producers of steel, respectively. Myanmar is the third-largest producer of tin ore in the world. Additionally, the high exports of canned foods from India and China to the world drive the market. China accounts for 70% of the total export of canned asparagus in the world and is the leading producer of canned tomatoes. In 2022, China exported around 3.13 million tonnes of canned food, with a value of $6.89 billion. Additionally, the government’s policies emphasize food security in the region, which augments the market.
The food cans market is rapidly evolving, with many variants available for storing and preserving food. Food cans are generally made of steel, tin, or aluminum. The modern tin can is made up of 98.5% sheet steel with a thin coating of tin. Cans are preferred for food items like fruits, vegetables, beverages, sweets, and meat. The canning process comprises multiple steps: cleaning and further preparing the raw food material, blanching it, filling the containers, closing and sealing the containers, sterilizing the canned products, and labeling and warehousing the finished goods. These cans keep the food fresh and increase its shelf life while maintaining the nutritional content. They also help to reduce food waste by eliminating unnecessary food spoilage and keeping food ready to eat without the need for cold storage.
How can AI help the food cans market?
Automation and robotics are the essential components of a digital revolution. artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) integration in the food sector promises increased productivity and response to market demands, resulting in a more complex and resilient food ecosystem. AI plays a crucial role in the food industry, from agriculture to food sales. Metal cans are most widely used for storing, preserving, and transporting food items to consumers. AI is also helpful in the manufacturing of metal cans by optimizing processes and enhancing product quality. Technologies like artificial neural networks (ANN) can assist in predicting mechanical properties like tensile strength and surface roughness to meet stringent quality standards. These technologies can also aid in monitoring the real-time manufacturing process to identify defects. AI expedites the design and production cycles, enabling manufacturers to launch their products faster in the market. Apart from manufacturing, AI can also assist in supply chain management, resulting in the timely delivery of cans.
| Report Coverage | Details |
| Market Size by 2034 | USD 25.04 Billion |
| Market Size in 2024 | USD18.83 Billion |
| Market Growth Rate from 2024 to 2034 | CAGR of 2.89% |
| Largest Market | North America |
| Base Year | 2023 |
| Forecast Period | 2024 to 2034 |
| Segments Covered | Material, Can Type, Closure Type, Application, and Region |
| Regions Covered | North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa |
Demand for environmental sustainability
After food is processed, it is stored and packed in different containers, depending on its storage requirements. However, the use of plastic containers poses severe risks to the environment. Governments of various countries have imposed policies to ban the use of plastics. Hence, metal containers are widely preferred. Metal food cans serve as a barrier to oxygen, light, and bacteria for food products, extend the shelf life of products, and prevent premature spoilage. Metal cans made up of steel and aluminum are easily reusable and recyclable. This ultimately helps to keep our planet healthier, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save energy. Additionally, recycling metal cans helps save landfill space, providing a valuable scrap resource to the steel industry. The Government of India aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 and reduce the carbon intensity of the economy by 45% by 2030.
High Raw Material Cost
Despite numerous advantages, food cans face several limitations. One of the major limitations of the food cans is the fluctuating cost of raw materials. The high cost of raw materials increases the ultimate price of the product, restricting its use. Also, the geopolitical developments pose a risk of disruptions in the supply chains, which have an adverse effect on profitability. Additionally, the stringent packaging regulations also make it difficult to use.
Rising Food Processing Industry
The food processing sector involves the processing of raw materials from agriculture to consumable foods. The rising food processing industry presents significant opportunities for the food cans market. The increased demand for packaged and ready-to-eat foods increases the need for food cans. Consumers desire food products with longer shelf life and, at the same time, maintaining their nutritional value. This can be achieved through food cans. The food processing industry is not only growing in developed nations but also in developing nations to cater to the changing needs of customers. Rapid urbanization and lifestyle changes escalate the need for the food processing industry. Additionally, the industry is innovating with new products requiring canned packaging. India has the largest food processing sector in the world, with a total FDI of $12.58 billion from April 2000 to March 2024.
The steel segment held a dominant presence in the food cans market in 2023. Steel is the widely preferred choice of material for food cans. Steel cans have more strength and durability than plastics and are less fragile than glass. Steel cans can be recycled multiple times without downgrading the material. Hence, over 75% of all steel produced is still used today. Additionally, the nutritional content, freshness, and flavor of foods are retained in steel cans without needing preservative agents. Foods stored in steel cans do not require refrigeration or cold storage; hence, they help save energy. According to the World Steel Association, the total global crude steel production was found to be 1,888.2 million tonnes in 2023.
The aluminum segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the food cans market during the forecast period of 2024 to 2034. Aluminum offers numerous benefits over other materials used for producing food cans. It is lightweight, aiding in less transportation costs. It has a very clean and elegant appearance, attracting more customers. Aluminum does not undergo rusting; hence, food materials are safe and protected. It can be pressed into any shape, making it easy for manufacturers. Additionally, like steel, aluminum can also be easily recycled and reused, thereby reducing waste. They are most commonly used for food & beverages like olives, soups, sweets, seasonal fruits, etc. According to the International Aluminum Institute, the primary aluminum production was found to be 70,581 metric tonnes in 2023, with China being the leading producer, producing 59% of the global primary aluminum.
The two-piece cans segment accounted for dominant share of the food cans market in 2023. A two-piece is a packaging container in which the metal discs are reshaped into cylinders with integrated ends. In order to seal the can, a loose end or lid is used. The manufacturing process of two-piece cans is easy and efficient. The can is tightly sealed from all ends, as there is no seam between the body and the bottom end. Hence, it requires less raw materials.
The three-piece cans segment is anticipated to grow with the highest CAGR in the food cans market during the studied years. Three-piece cans are made up of a cylindrical body that is rolled from a flat sheet of metal and joined by a longitudinal seam, as well as two can ends that are welded onto the body at each end. They are generally rigid and can be made from any material. Large-scale production of three-piece cans with different shapes and sizes is simple and versatile. Additionally, it can be easily opened and requires less machinery for production.
The can-ends segment led the global food cans market in 2023. The lids of the cans are called can-ends. Can-ends are essential in a food can as they tightly seal the container to protect the contents. It not only preserves the food but also provides an aesthetic and premium appearance to the cans. There are different types of can-ends available depending on the requirements, including single or double-die ends, multi-die ends, deep-drawn ends, easy peel ends, easy opening ends, etc. They can be made of different materials like aluminum, tinplate, and plastic.
The screw caps segment is projected to expand rapidly in the food cans market in the coming years. Screw caps are also a type of lid used in a food can. They are widely preferred as they can be easily opened and closed by the consumer. They are generally used for preserving honey and beverages like soft drinks, soda, beer, and wine. Hence, screw caps prevent leakage and tampering, keeping the product airtight and fresh during transportation. They are made of plastic, tinplate, or aluminum. The increased consumption of carbonated beverages and alcohol boosts the market.
The food & beverages segment registered its dominance over the global food cans market in 2023. The dynamic consumer needs for food & beverages due to the rising global population augment the market. Cans for food & beverages are generally made of outer aluminum or steel coating and tin-plated inside. This preserves the food product and protects the food from light, moisture, and bacteria. Also, the rising demand for packaged foods due to busy lifestyles and the demand for seasonal fruits and vegetables throughout the year drive the market. Additionally, the growing research & development for the latest innovation in the design, manufacturing, and packaging of food cans to attract more customers boost the market.
The pet food segment is predicted to witness significant growth in the food cans market over the forecast period. Food cans are widely used for wet foods in the form of jelly, gravy, sauce, loaf, or mousse. The high adoption of pets and increasing demand for high-quality and nutritious food drive the market. Also, all pet foods are subject to strict regulations to ensure safe and quality products. The USFDA releases guidelines that pet foods should be safe to eat, produced under sanitary conditions, contain no harmful substances, and be truthfully labeled. The canned pet foods should also be free of viable microorganisms. Hence, food cans meet all such specifications.
Segments Covered in the Report
By Material
By Can Type
By Closure Type
By Application
By Geography
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