Moosehead Breweries, the largest Canadian-owned brewery, has made a significant announcement this week. They revealed plans to discontinue selling beer in glass bottles early next year, transitioning entirely to cans. This decision aligns with the growing consumer preference for canned beer over bottled beer, as noted by the brewery in an Instagram post.
While some consumers expressed disappointment over the shift away from glass bottles, citing a belief that beer tastes better from a bottle, Moosehead Breweries emphasized the industry trend favoring cans. Statistics from Beer Canada show a substantial increase in can sales, rising from 53% in 2015 to 77% in 2024, indicating a clear shift in consumer choice.
Beer sommelier Roger Mittag shared insights on the debate between bottles and cans, highlighting the perceived superior taste of bottled beer due to better carbonation retention. However, he acknowledged that cans offer advantages such as ease of handling, creative packaging opportunities, and cost-efficiency for breweries and retailers.
Moreover, the environmental impact of beer packaging was also discussed, comparing the sustainability of reusable glass bottles with recyclable aluminum cans. While bottles become more eco-friendly after multiple uses, cans are recycled after a single use, raising concerns about the overall life cycle assessment of each packaging option.
The article further delves into the challenges posed by tariffs on aluminum, impacting the cost and supply chain of beer can production. Despite these obstacles, Moosehead Breweries’ decision reflects a broader industry shift towards canned beer, driven by consumer demand, efficiency, and economic considerations.
In conclusion, while the nostalgia for traditional glass bottles remains, the prevailing trend towards canned beer appears to be reshaping the brewing landscape in Canada. As the industry evolves, balancing consumer preferences, environmental concerns, and economic factors will continue to shape the beer packaging debate.