Cans of beer set to make a comeback
Taking their cue from trendy American craft brewers such as Samuel Adams, the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company and Flying Dog, brewers are keen to highlight the benefits of the much maligned can.
“Cans are great for beer,” said Mark Dredge, marketing manager at the Camden Town Brewery, which has just invested in a canning line.
“They keep out oxygen and light, two things which make beer taste terrible, plus they don’t smash, they’re lightweight and drinkers are more likely to recycle them.”
There are also benefits to retailers, as cans cool more quickly, are safer than bottles and can be stacked, which maximises fridge space.
Czech brewer Budweiser Budvar has also commissioned its first canning line and has launched a new 330ml can in the UK for its Original lager, with its Dark lager to follow.
“We’ve done 500ml cans already but are seeing a move in some of the fashionable London bars to cans and think the new smaller can will fit well,” said spokesman Denis Cox. “It’s early days but it is going well.”
The format fits well with the move to more relaxed dining, street food and pop-ups, explained Ben McFarland of the Thinking Drinkers, who have just brought out, Hobo, a beer sold exclusively in cans.
“In the US there are about 300 breweries producing canned beer,” he said. “There are so many benefits for the beer and for bar owners that I’m not surprised it is taking off here. We are definitely going to see more and more of it.”
