Beer is traditionally a very demanding product for packaging technology. A few specialized manufacturers like Sidel have always focused on fresh taste, oxygen absorption, microbial stability, long-lasting foam, and aroma when designing beer bottling equipment.
The variety of beers produced worldwide is impressive, and in the last decade non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beer as well as malt-based drinks have won market shares in various areas. Very recently, container sizes have diversified greatly, and PET is gradually winning new market shares.
Generally, one-way containers are gaining popularity over returnable containers, even if increasing environmental concerns, energy costs, and some changes in local laws show a reverse trend here and there. Also a trend toward larger containers is appearing in some specific markets. That trend is mostly aimed at reducing the overall cost per packaged liter.
The global beer market is expanding steadily thanks to rising consumption in Asia, Eastern Europe, the Russian Federation, Latin America, and some areas of Africa. The expansion comes despite a slight but continuing decline in the traditional strongholds of Western Europe and North America.
Consolidation in the global beer industry continued in 2006 and 2007. The world’s leading brewers have continued to merge, create joint ventures, acquire local players, and increase their share of the global market.
For an overview of Sidel solutions for beer, click on the equipment mentioned below to get more detailed technical information:
