Europe Food Cans Market Trends & Summary (2025–2033)

The Europe Food Cans Market was valued at US$ 8.73 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 10.82 billion by 2033, registering a CAGR of 2.44% during 2025–2033. Market growth is driven by rising demand for long-shelf-life and convenient food packaging, increasing urbanization, innovations in sustainable materials, and regulations supporting BPA-free and recyclable cans.

The report covers segmentation by Product (Aluminum, Steel), Application (Ready Meals, Meat, Vegetables, Fish, Fruits, Powder Products, Pet Food, Others), Countries, and Company Analysis for 2025–2033.

Market Overview

Food cans are sealed metal containers designed to store and preserve food for extended periods. Typically made of aluminum or steel coated with tin, they protect contents from light, air, contaminants, and other spoilage factors. Cans are widely used for vegetables, fruits, meat, seafood, soups, and ready meals, making them a staple packaging format in the European food industry.

In Europe, food cans are gaining popularity due to their convenience, long shelf life, and sustainability. Consumers favor canned foods for easy storage, reduced food waste, and affordability. Urban lifestyles have accelerated demand for ready-to-eat and processed foods, while regulations promoting recyclable and BPA-free packaging have prompted manufacturers to invest in eco-friendly solutions. Innovation in sustainable can designs continues to support the growth of the market.

Key Growth Drivers
Growing Demand for Convenience and Long Shelf-Life Foods

Busy European lifestyles prioritize convenient, ready-to-eat foods. Canned food provides extended shelf life without refrigeration, maintaining freshness and nutritional value. According to Eurostat, fast-food spending in metropolitan regions grew 35% between 2022 and 2024, with over 60% of young adults preferring fast, convenient meal options. This shift has boosted the demand for canned foods in urban areas.

Increasing Demand for Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Packaging

Environmental concerns and government regulations have accelerated the adoption of sustainable packaging. Recyclable steel and aluminum cans support circular economy principles by minimizing waste and carbon footprint. BPA-free and environmentally friendly coatings are increasingly common. In March 2024, the EU Parliament and Council agreed on new rules for sustainable packaging, emphasizing recyclability, reduced harmful substances, recycled content, and improved collection and recycling systems.

Growth in Processed and Packaged Food Consumption

Urbanization and changing consumer habits have fueled demand for processed and packaged foods. Canned products preserve perishable goods like vegetables, meat, and fish while retaining nutritional value. Growth in pet food, baby food, and ready meals also drives the market. In September 2022, UK-based plant-based brand THIS launched three new ready meals in Tesco, emphasizing low-fat, high-protein, and easy-to-reheat options.

Market Challenges
Concerns Over BPA and Toxic Coatings

Despite BPA-free coatings, some consumers remain cautious about chemical exposure from can linings. Regulatory requirements demand safer packaging formulations, increasing production costs and creating challenges for manufacturers.

Competition from Alternative Packaging

Flexible pouches, glass jars, and paper packaging are increasingly popular, providing lightweight, resealable, and biodegradable alternatives. Innovations in food preservation technology also reduce reliance on metal cans, intensifying competition.

Segment Insights
Aluminum Food Cans

Aluminum cans are widely used due to their lightweight nature, corrosion resistance, and recyclability. Popular for packaging soups, vegetables, seafood, and ready meals, aluminum cans are favored for sustainability and regulatory compliance.

Steel Food Cans

Steel cans are durable and strong, ideal for pet food, vegetables, and meats. They offer excellent protection against light and oxygen, extending product shelf life. Lightweight steel cans with BPA-free linings are increasingly used in Europe.

Ready Meals

Demand for ready-to-eat canned foods is rising due to fast-paced lifestyles. Popular items include canned curries, pasta, and soups, available both in retail stores and online.

Vegetables

Canned vegetables are convenient, cost-effective, and available year-round. Organic and preservative-free options are growing in demand. Manufacturers are introducing low-sodium and BPA-free canned vegetables to meet health-conscious consumer preferences.

Pet Food

Canned pet food is gaining popularity for its moisture content and preservation compared to dry food. Manufacturers are focusing on grain-free, natural, and high-quality products to address consumer demand.

Country Insights
France

France’s food can market is expanding due to a growing interest in vegetables, seafood, and ready meals, alongside strong emphasis on green packaging and BPA-free products. Companies are introducing organic and premium canned foods to meet diverse consumer preferences. In March 2022, Gopuff entered France, offering rapid delivery of high-quality canned products in major urban areas.

Germany

Germany’s market, the second-largest in Europe, is driven by high demand for meat, vegetables, and pet food cans. Strict recycling laws encourage innovative and sustainable packaging, supporting market growth. In August 2023, Crown Holdings acquired Helvetia Packaging AG, expanding its European beverage can platform with nearly one billion units of annual capacity.

United Kingdom

The UK market is witnessing increased demand for convenient and healthy canned foods. Consumers increasingly favor organic and additive-free products, prompting manufacturers to innovate. In January 2024, NOMOQ introduced digitally printed blank aluminum cans for UK brands, enabling flexible label customization.

Spain

Spain’s food can market is influenced by its rich culinary traditions, including canned fish, olives, and vegetables. Rising demand for premium, organic, and sustainable products is driving market expansion. Companies are adopting green practices to maintain competitiveness.

Market Segments

Product: Aluminum, Steel
Application: Ready Meals, Meat, Vegetables, Fish, Fruits, Powder Products, Pet Food, Others
Countries: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Belgium, Netherlands, Russia, Poland, Greece, Norway, Romania, Portugal

Key Companies

Ardagh Group

Ball Corporation

Can-Pack S.A.

CPMC Holdings Limited

Crown Holdings Inc.

Nestlé S.A.

Zwanenberg Food Group

Silgan Holdings Inc.

Lucky Star Ltd. (Glenryck)

Sarten Romania SRL

Conclusion

The European food cans market is poised for steady growth through 2033, supported by urbanization, demand for convenient and sustainable packaging, and regulatory support for BPA-free and recyclable products. Rising consumer awareness of sustainability, combined with innovation in can design and materials, ensures continued expansion across multiple food categories, including ready meals, vegetables, and pet food.