Over the past year, demand for contract bottling and canning has shifted toward more flexible, multi-format manufacturing.
Brands increasingly want partners who can support both glass and can formats across carbonated and non-carbonated beverages, rather than single-format specialists.
Michael Tutty, acting CEO of Brix & Co, highlighted that growth has been driven by RTDs, particularly spirit-based formats, as well as functional beverages and premium non-alcoholic categories.
“What’s changed is the pace. Brands are launching faster, testing more SKUs, and requiring shorter, more agile production runs,” said Tutty.
When choosing between cans, glass, or other formats, Tutty said producers have to balance several key factors, including channel, brand positioning, cost, logistics, and sustainability.
Although cans dominate convenience and volume channels due to efficiency and portability, Tutty added that glass continued to play an important role in premium positioning and hospitality.
“Increasingly, brands are using both, matching format to occasion rather than taking a one-size approach.”
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