Originally Posted On: https://www.g3enterprises.com/blog/navigating-beer-can-sizes-a-guide-for-breweries
Choosing the Right Beer Can Sizes: An Essential Guide for Breweries
The United States ranks second globally in beer consumption, making the choice of beer can size a crucial decision for breweries. But with options ranging from 8 oz to 16 oz, how do you select the right can for your brand? Let’s explore the various beer can sizes.
Why Cans?
Despite bottles’ former popularity, cans have emerged as the preferred choice from craft brewers to regional and large-scale companies. What makes them so appealing?
Oxidation
When oxygen and beer meet, the beer oxidizes, changing its flavor. Some brewers have described the resultant taste as similar to wet cardboard. Most drinkers don’t want to put soggy cardboard in their mouths.
The seal of an aluminum container allows less oxidation and improved flavor. The seal also helps retain carbonation. Both encourage a fresher taste.
Sun Damage
Cans offer better protection against sunlight, preventing beer from acquiring the skunky taste often associated with prolonged exposure to light.
12 Oz Beer Cans
The 12 oz can represents familiarity and stability for many beer drinkers. Mass-market beer comes in 12-ounce cans.
What has made the 12-ounce can so popular, though? Why do many beer manufacturers turn to this familiar choice?
Serving Sizes
The average beer clocks in at 5% ABV, and a 12-ounce beer at this ABV represents a standard serving, promoting responsible consumption and preventing overindulgence.
Distributor Storage
Small beer distributors and liquor stores appreciate 12-ounce cans. They take up less shelf space than their larger counterparts, which makes them easier to sell as a small beer retailer.
Personal Storage
Many people have storage solutions that work best for 12-ounce cans. Some refrigerators include a special shelf or rack for holding beer or cans of soda.
16 Oz Beer Cans
Craft breweries have embraced the 16 oz can, offering advantages such as compatibility with bar preferences, familiarity with pint-sized servings, and opportunities for eye-catching label designs.
Better Value and Shelf Appeal
Large cans appeal to consumers seeking value for their purchase, while providing ample space for creative label designs that attract attention on store shelves.
8 Oz Beer Cans
Although less common, 8 oz cans offer unique opportunities for breweries looking to stand out in the market, particularly for high-ABV beers and premium or alternative beverages.
Image
Small, sleek cans can present a more stylish, trendy appearance. If you want to appeal to image-conscious drinkers, an 8-ounce can might offer a unique look.
Shelf Appeal
The 8-ounce can sometimes stands out on shelves due to its rarer size. While macro breweries churn out 12-ounce cans daily and craft brews have historically used the 16-ounce can, the 8-ounce can will draw consumers’ eyes to your novel product offering.
More Than Volume
Choosing your beverage packaging dictates the volume of your can, but it also changes your presentation. Younger customers like their beer cans to look distinctive. Some favor water in aluminum cans with trendy designs, and their relationship with beer comes from the same sensibility.
Most can manufacturers offer multiple can shapes in the same volumes. If a 12-ounce can suits your product and its price point but you still want the appeal of a different can, consider a 12-ounce sleek can instead of the standard shape.
Great at Any Size
Whether you choose the 12 oz beer cans popularized by macro breweries, a sleek alternative, or a different volume, your packaging makes a statement about your product. Present your best face to customers with the ideal beer can.
If you’re looking for help with packaging or logistics for your alcohol business, contact G3 Enterprises. Check out our wide range of aluminum can options and take advantage of our new domestic can supply.
