The US craft beer industry is increasingly adopting aluminum cans, with 78% of packaged craft beer volume now in cans, according to the Brewers Association.
This shift away from bottles has been steady, with cans accounting for 69% of packaged craft beer in 2022, and glass making up 31%, the Brewers Association reported.
However, the growth of cans may be approaching its limit, with some states like Rhode Island already having 92% of their craft beer in cans, leaving little room for further expansion, said Matt Gacioch, staff economist with the Brewers Association.
State Variations
In contrast, states such as Mississippi, Kansas, and Louisiana have lower can adoption rates, around 58% or lower, indicating potential for further growth, Gacioch noted.
Tariffs and operational costs remain a challenge for brewers, with high switching costs making it unlikely for them to suddenly change packaging, Gacioch said.
Packaging Trends
Sales of singles and 19.2-ounce cans, also known as "stovepipe" cans, are growing, with the latter making up 60% of single beer sales in 2025, up from 55% in 2024, according to the report.
Additionally, 24-packs have become more popular, with volumes sold rising 6.4% year over year, and average case prices declining 4.6%, the Brewers Association found.
Consumer Preferences
Consumers are seeking value, whether through smaller or larger packaging, Gacioch said, citing the example of buying a single 19.2-ounce can for under $5 or opting for larger packs like 12-packs or 24-packs for a lower unit price.
Gacioch anticipates that the share between bottles and cans may continue to shift, with cans potentially taking one to two percentage points more share, or dropping by one percentage point, but unlikely to drop significantly more, he said.
Industry Outlook
The craft beer industry has faced a tough period, with evolving consumer preferences and declining sales volumes, but open communication between brewers and packaging suppliers is key to navigating this uncertainty, Gacioch emphasized.
