Sales of beverage cans in Brazil were up 12% in the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2023, says the Brazilian Association of Aluminium Can Manufacturers (Abralatas).

The association expects the strong growth to continue until the end of 2024, as a result of economic growth following positive results from Brazil’s GDP this year, in addition to increased consumer awareness of the advantages of canned beverages compared with other packaging.

According to Abralatas’ president, Cátilo Cândido, the sector has resumed growth since 2023, after a period of adjustments with the end of the pandemic: “We had a very hot summer this year, which favours the consumption of beverages, and economic growth that is resuming positive rates in the country and increasing the population’s buying power, combined with the strength of aluminium cans in the beverage segment, with new canned products (being launched) all the time.”

He added that beer continues to be the sector’s leading product, with 10% growth. In another popular category, soft drinks grew 23% in the first half of this year. 

“We already have more than 20 types of beverages that are packaged in aluminium cans in Brazil. These are figures that we celebrate and represent a clear conscious choice by consumers, who see aluminium cans as a safe, convenient and truly sustainable option,” he explained.

Among the products that are gaining popularity in cans are ready-to-drink cachaça (the Brazilian spirit used to make ‘caipirinhas’), energy drinks, non-alcoholic beer, wines and sparkling wines.

In October Abralatas reported that in 2023 Brazil’s aluminium can shipments grew 1.65% to 32.3 billion units, compared with 2022. This year Abralatas estimates that almost 40 billion cans will be produced.

This month Brazil’s beverage can industry also celebrates 35 years since the first aluminium beverage can was produced in the country. Launched in 1989, it was made by Reynolds Latasa in Pouso Alegre, Minas Gerais state, and packaged local beer brand Skol.