Canned Beverages in Trend: Sales Continue to Rise

Canned soft drinks are becoming increasingly popular in Germany, especially among young people. In the past five years alone, sales have risen by nearly 47%, now surpassing the one million ton mark. This includes drinks such as cola, lemonade, energy drinks, fruit spritzers, and iced teas, sold in grocery stores, drugstores, beverage retail markets, and gas stations. Kiosk sales are not included.

Why are Cans Selling So Well?

The market research company NIQ refers to this as a "can boom." The demand mainly comes from young consumers who have been increasingly influenced by social media to make purchases in recent years. More and more brands are expanding their portfolios to respond to online trends. Market researcher Petra Ossendorf explains that cans are popular because of their practical shape and easy portability. Also many consumers find the new, rigid caps on PET bottles bothersome, and the can offers an attractive alternative.

Rising Sales Driven by Energy Drinks

An important factor contributing to the sales increase of canned beverages is the popularity of energy drinks. From February 2020 to February 2025, sales of canned soft drinks grew by around 66% to 3.23 billion euros. More than 70% of this revenue comes from energy drinks. No other age group spends as much money on them as young adults.

However, there is criticism of the can. Environmentalists continue to highlight the high energy consumption involved in aluminum production. However, Ossendorf emphasizes that the environmental impact of cans is not entirely negative, as the material can be reused.

Photo: Unsplash / by Osmar do Canto