USA, WA: Craft breweries switching to aluminum cans

Craft beer is encroaching on more than cooler space; the fast-growing malt beverage segment is also entering territory once designated to Budweiser and MillerCoors - the aluminum can, Convenience Store News reported on December, 29.

Even though craft beer in a can debuted in the cooler in 2002 when Colorado's Oskar Blues Brewery began canning its Dale's Pale Ale, it didn't gain momentum until recently. Two years ago, 50 craft breweries (mostly small ones) sold their products in cans. Today that number is approaching 150, and it's not just the small breweries anymore.

The trend is continuing to grow. As the news report forecast, at least half of the 25 largest U.S. craft breweries will be selling canned beer by the end of 2012. For example, Samuel Adams maker Boston Beer is working with several manufacturers to develop cans for its products, Boston Beer President Jim Koch said.

Cans help beer stay fresh by blocking out the light and keeping out oxygen better than bottles. In addition, cans offer a significant cost savings to breweries.

06 January, 2012