Europe Food Cans Market Trends & Summary

Europe Food Cans Market Overview

The Europe Food Cans Market, valued at US$ 8.73 billion in 2024, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.44% from 2025 to 2033, reaching US$ 10.82 billion by 2033, according to Renub Research. This growth is powered by the region’s increasing demand for long-shelf-life and convenient packaging, the rise in urbanized lifestyles, and technological advances in sustainable materials. In addition, European Union legislation promoting green and BPA-free packaging continues to encourage the development of environmentally friendly cans.

Food cans — typically made from aluminum or steel — play a crucial role in preserving food freshness by protecting contents from light, air, and contaminants. Their durability and recyclability make them an essential packaging solution for everything from vegetables, fruits, meat, and seafood to soups and ready meals. In Europe, the market’s momentum stems from consumers’ growing reliance on affordable, convenient, and sustainable packaged food options, alongside manufacturers’ increasing investments in eco-conscious can designs.

Market Dynamics

1. Growing Demand for Convenience and Long Shelf-Life Foods

As urbanization accelerates, convenience has become the cornerstone of modern consumption. Canned food — with its ability to maintain quality and freshness over extended periods — is a perfect fit for time-pressed consumers. The popularity of ready-to-eat and pre-cooked meals has particularly strengthened demand across Europe.

According to Eurostat, between 2022 and 2024, fast-food spending in European metropolitan regions grew by 35%. Among younger demographics, over 60% of consumers cite convenience as their primary reason for choosing quick meals. With this rise in fast-paced lifestyles, canned foods are emerging as a trusted ally, offering nourishment that fits seamlessly into busy routines.

2. Rising Focus on Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Packaging

Sustainability is no longer an option—it’s a requirement. Europe leads globally in environmental packaging regulations, with new 2024 EU laws mandating recyclable, low-impact, and minimal packaging materials. These rules are driving food manufacturers toward steel and aluminum cans, both of which are 100% recyclable and key to a circular economy.

The shift toward BPA-free coatings and eco-conscious materials has become a competitive differentiator for brands. Consumers now prefer companies that demonstrate environmental responsibility, pushing manufacturers to innovate in sustainable can design. For instance, several European food producers are investing in green manufacturing processes and high-recycled-content metal cans to align with EU sustainability goals.

3. Increase in Processed and Packaged Food Consumption

Europe’s appetite for processed and packaged foods continues to grow, fueled by urban living, smaller household sizes, and the need for convenient meal solutions. Canned products, known for nutrient preservation and storage efficiency, are key beneficiaries of this trend.

Segments such as pet food, baby food, and plant-based ready meals have witnessed particularly strong growth. For example, in 2022, British brand THIS launched new plant-based ready meals in Tesco stores, offering options like “This Isn’t Pork Meatballs & Spaghetti” and “This Isn’t Chicken Thai Green Curry.” These canned and ready-to-heat meals cater to health-conscious consumers seeking quick, protein-rich, and sustainable food options.

Challenges in the Europe Food Cans Market

1. Concerns Over BPA and Toxic Coatings

Despite advancements in coating technology, health concerns related to BPA and other potentially harmful chemicals remain a challenge. Regulators are tightening standards, requiring manufacturers to reformulate can linings, which increases production costs and affects profitability. The ongoing need to innovate while ensuring compliance will be a central issue for can producers over the next decade.

2. Competition from Alternative Packaging Solutions

The emergence of flexible pouches, glass containers, and paper-based packaging is creating competition for metal cans. These alternatives appeal to environmentally conscious consumers for their lightweight, resealable, and biodegradable properties. In addition, advances in food preservation technologies allow companies to extend shelf life without metal packaging, posing another threat to traditional can usage.

Segmental Insights

By Product

• Aluminum Cans:

Aluminum cans dominate the European food packaging market due to their light weight, corrosion resistance, and high recyclability. Widely used for packaging soups, vegetables, seafood, and ready meals, aluminum cans ensure food longevity while complying with EU sustainability standards. The material’s ability to be recycled infinitely without quality loss makes it integral to Europe’s low-carbon packaging initiatives.

• Steel Cans:

Known for their durability and superior barrier properties, steel cans are particularly favored for meat, pet food, and vegetable packaging. The move toward lightweight steel variants and BPA-free linings is making steel cans safer and more sustainable. As European manufacturers push for full recyclability and reduced waste, steel cans are reclaiming their relevance across diverse food categories.

By Application

• Ready Meals:

The fast-paced European lifestyle has spurred strong demand for ready-to-eat canned foods, including curries, soups, and pasta dishes. Both online and retail distribution channels have seen significant growth as consumers prioritize ease of use and minimal preparation.

• Vegetables:

Canned vegetables remain household staples in Europe due to their affordability, year-round availability, and minimal waste. The market is expanding toward organic, low-sodium, and preservative-free options, aligning with health-conscious eating trends.

• Pet Food:

Europe’s pet ownership boom is driving robust growth in canned pet foods, which offer higher moisture content and better nutrition preservation than dry alternatives. Manufacturers are developing grain-free and natural canned formulations to cater to pet owners seeking premium, clean-label products.

Regional Analysis

France

France’s food can market is flourishing, driven by rising demand for premium canned vegetables, seafood, and ready meals. The nation’s commitment to green packaging policies and preference for BPA-free, organic canned goods are shaping market behavior. Innovation is key, with French brands emphasizing gourmet-quality canned foods that appeal to the discerning palate.

In March 2022, Gopuff entered the French market, expanding its rapid grocery delivery network and supporting accessibility to premium canned and ready-to-eat products.

Germany

Germany ranks as Europe’s second-largest market for food cans, underpinned by strong demand for meat, vegetables, and pet food. The country’s rigorous recycling laws and consumer preference for sustainable packaging have propelled innovation in lightweight, reusable cans.

In August 2023, Crown Holdings acquired Helvetia Packaging AG to expand its European beverage and food can capacity by nearly one billion units, signaling growing investment in sustainable packaging infrastructure.

United Kingdom

The UK market continues to evolve, with organic, additive-free canned foods gaining traction. Consumers are increasingly health-aware, driving innovation in clean-label canned products.

In January 2024, NOMOQ launched digitally printed blank aluminum cans for UK brands, providing flexible, sustainable solutions that reduce waste and simplify logistics for small and mid-sized producers.

Spain

Spain’s strong tradition of canned seafood, olives, and vegetables underpins steady market growth. As consumers seek premium, organic, and sustainable canned goods, brands are pivoting toward eco-friendly packaging innovations. This shift aligns with Spain’s gastronomic culture that values freshness and authenticity, even in preserved foods.

Market Segmentation Overview

Product:

Aluminum

Steel

Application:

Ready Meals

Meat

Vegetables

Fish

Fruits

Powder Products

Pet Food

Others

Countries Covered:

France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Belgium, Netherlands, Russia, Poland, Greece, Norway, Romania, Portugal

Competitive Landscape

The Europe food cans market is moderately consolidated, with leading players focusing on expanding production capacity, developing sustainable coatings, and introducing recyclable can formats. Key companies include:

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

These players are emphasizing innovation in green packaging, regional expansion, and strategic partnerships to stay competitive in the evolving European market.

Final Thoughts

The Europe Food Cans Market is on a steady growth trajectory, driven by the intersection of convenience, sustainability, and innovation. As consumers continue prioritizing ready-to-eat and eco-friendly packaging, food cans remain an indispensable part of Europe’s modern food ecosystem. The shift toward circular economy models, combined with government regulations and technological advancements, will further accelerate the market’s transition toward a greener and smarter packaging future.