Food Cans Market Size - By Material, By Capacity, By Application Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Food Cans Market Size

The global food cans market was valued at USD 25.4 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.7% from 2025 to 2034. The growing demand for shelf-stable packaging solutions is driving the market. Food cans offer durability, extended shelf life, and protection from contamination, making them ideal for preserving food quality and meeting consumer needs for convenience and long-term storage.
 

For instance, in January 2023, Israeli food tech startup Vgarden, Ltd. launched a fish-free canned tuna alternative made from pea protein. Packaged in food cans and pouches, the product mimics traditional tuna’s texture and nutritional value. This sustainable, clean-label solution reflects growing demand for plant-based seafood and innovations in food cans packaging.
 

Food Cans Market Trends

A key trend in the food cans industry is the increasing focus on sustainability. Manufacturers are adopting eco-friendly materials and designs to reduce carbon footprints, minimize food waste, and enhance recyclability. Innovations such as lighter materials, improved sealing technologies, and circular economy principles are driving the transition towards more sustainable and efficient packaging solutions. For instance, in June 2023, Eviosys launched Ecopeel, a new food cans closure designed to replace traditional ring-pulls. Made from lighter foil, Ecopeel reduces carbon emissions by 20% per can. With a unique sealing surface and 45° angle, it enhances ease of use and food waste reduction. The product, already popular in Spain and Italy, aims to expand across European food markets.
 

Competition from alternative packaging solutions is a growing challenge for the food cans industry. As consumers and companies become more environmentally conscious, demand for sustainable and versatile packaging options like biodegradable materials, flexible pouches, and glass jars has increased. These alternatives often offer advantages in terms of reduced environmental impact, convenience, and innovation in design. For example, flexible pouches are lighter, easier to transport, and use less material than traditional cans, while glass packaging provides a perception of higher quality and is fully recyclable.
 

An opportunity for the food cans market lies in the expansion of functional and convenience packaging. As consumer lifestyles become busier, there is a growing demand for easy-to-use, on-the-go packaging that preserves the freshness and quality of food. Manufacturers can seize this opportunity by developing innovative can designs that offer easy-open features, resealability, and portability, catering to the needs of busy consumers. Additionally, the trend of premium and health-conscious foods opens up avenues for food cans to be positioned as a packaging solution for high-quality, organic, or ready-to-eat products.
 

Food Cans Market Analysis

Based on material, the market is divided into aluminum, and steel. The aluminum segment is expected to reach a value of over USD 20 billion by 2034.

• The aluminum segment in the market is expected to reach a significant value due to its lightweight, durable, and recyclable properties. Aluminum cans are preferred because they provide an effective barrier against light, air, and moisture, preserving food quality and extending shelf life. Additionally, aluminum is easy to mold and lightweight, reducing transportation costs and carbon emissions, which aligns with global sustainability goals.
   
• Moreover, the increasing emphasis on circular economy practices has boosted the demand for aluminum cans, as they are infinitely recyclable without loss of quality. Governments and companies worldwide are promoting the use of recyclable packaging materials to meet sustainability targets, further driving the adoption of aluminum cans. Growing consumer preference for eco-friendly packaging solutions also makes aluminum a dominant material in the market.
   

Based on application, the food cans market is divided into fruits and vegetables, meat and seafood, pet food, ready-to-eat meals, processed food, powder products, and others. The ready-to-eat meals segment is the fastest growing segment with a CAGR of over 6% between 2025 and 2034.
 

• The ready-to-eat meals segment is the fastest-growing in the market due to increasing consumer demand for convenience and time-efficient food options. Rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and changing lifestyles have driven the preference for ready-to-eat meals, especially among busy professionals and young consumers. Canned ready-to-eat meals offer a long shelf life, easy storage, and minimal preparation time, making them an ideal choice for modern, fast-paced lifestyles.
   
• Additionally, the growing popularity of health-conscious and premium meal options has led to innovations in canned ready-to-eat meals, including organic, gluten-free, and nutrient-rich products. The pandemic further accelerated this trend, as consumers sought shelf-stable, convenient food solutions. Companies are also investing in attractive packaging and improved preservation technologies to enhance product appeal, further fueling the segment's growth.
   

North America held the share of over 35% in 2024. The U.S. is experiencing growth in the food cans market due to several key factors. The increasing demand for convenient, long-shelf-life food products aligns with the benefits offered by canned goods, especially in emergency preparedness, busy lifestyles, and health-conscious consumers seeking easily stored, preservable foods.
 

In China, the market is expanding due to the country's growing urbanization and changing consumer habits. Increasing demand for ready-to-eat and preserved food products, driven by busy lifestyles and the desire for convenience, is a significant factor in the market's growth. Additionally, there is a growing trend towards sustainability, leading to investments in eco-friendly canning solutions. The strong presence of local food manufacturers and their increasing focus on innovation, along with China's large consumer base, further support the market's expansion.
 

India's food cans market is experiencing growth driven by the rising middle class, urbanization, and evolving food consumption patterns. With an expanding demand for processed and packaged foods, particularly among younger, urban populations, canned food products are gaining popularity. The increasing trend of nuclear families and the need for convenient food options are boosting the adoption of canned goods. Moreover, the Indian government's focus on food safety and packaging regulations is encouraging improvements in the market, providing opportunities for both local and international companies.
 

South Korea's food cans market is growing, fueled by the country's strong economy, advanced technology, and increasing interest in processed foods. Busy lifestyles, coupled with the demand for long-shelf-life products, are driving the popularity of food cans. Additionally, South Korea is a significant player in the global food processing industry, with its robust manufacturing capabilities supporting the production of canned goods. The rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions and innovative product offerings is also driving growth in the market.
 

Japan's food cans market is expanding due to a combination of factors, including an aging population, high consumer demand for convenience, and a strong focus on food preservation. Canned food products are increasingly popular as they align with the needs of Japan's elderly population, who often seek easy-to-store and prepare meals. Additionally, Japan's strong tradition of food packaging innovation and the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging are supporting market growth. With a high level of technological advancement, Japan is also a leader in developing sustainable and efficient canning solutions.
 

Food Cans Market Share

The competition in the market is driven by several key factors. Companies primarily compete on price, as affordability remains a key consideration for both consumers and manufacturers. Product differentiation is also crucial, with players focusing on innovation, such as eco-friendly packaging and new canning technologies, to stand out. Additionally, strong distribution networks are essential for ensuring market reach, especially in regions with growing demand. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor, with companies differentiating themselves through green practices and sustainable packaging solutions. Overall, the market is shaped by a combination of price competitiveness, product innovation, and efficient distribution strategies.
 

Food Cans Market Companies

Major players operating in the food cans industry are:

• Aaron Packaging
• CANPACK
• Colep Packaging
• Crown Holdings
• CPMC Holdings
• Envases
• Independent Can Company
• Jamestrong Packaging
• Kian Joo Group
• Lageen Food Packaging
• Massilly Holding
• Nampak
• Silgan Holdings
• Sonoco Products
• Toyo Seikan Group
• Trivium Packaging
• Visy Industries
• Wells Can
   

Food Cans Industry News

• In June 2024, Sonoco announced its acquisition of Eviosys, a European metal packaging supplier, for $3.9 billion. This acquisition will strengthen Sonoco’s leadership in global metal food cans and aerosol packaging.
   
• In April 2024, Canovation introduced CanReseal, a sustainable, resealable can design. This innovation features a twist-top closure, reducing food waste and replacing single-use plastics. With applications beyond beverages, it offers potential for packaging pet food, paint, and more. Canovation aims to scale up and increase consumer awareness of environmental sustainability.
   

This food cans market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) & volume (Kilo Tons) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Material

• Aluminum
• Steel

Market, By Capacity

• Less than 200 ml
• 200 ml to 500 ml
• 500 ml to 1000 ml
• More than 1000 ml

Market, By Application

• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat and seafood
• Pet food
• Ready-to-eat meals
• Processed food
• Powder products
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa