Recovery in demand for alcoholic spirits boosts use of aluminium closures

Figures released by IWSR Drinks Market Analysis* reveal global consumption of alcoholic spirits increased by 3% in 2021, after falling by 6% the previous year. Volume consumption in Europe increased by 9% in 2021.

According to IWSR data, global duty-free spirits volumes returned to growth in 2021, increasing by nearly 60% compared to the year before.  

With over 80% of the market, globally, using aluminium screwcaps, and more than 90% in Europe, according to Euromonitor International**, this recovery in demand appears to spell good news for the sector. Volumes increased by almost 100 million units in Europe during 2021, passing 7 billion, reveals Euromonitor’s research. Aluminium closure use was up almost 6% for both off- and on-trade outside Europe and above 20% inside, for on-trade consumption.

Anja Holthoff-Schlegel, Aluminium Closures Group representative, was encouraged by these latest figures, “While the numbers are still under 2019 volumes, they indicate a welcome return to growth, particularly in Europe and particularly in on-trade sales. Undoubtedly the figures for the rest of the world, by far the biggest market, are still weak. But the factors affecting many of these countries, such as on-going tourism and travel restrictions as well as more lockdowns, continued to weigh and, even here, on-trade showed healthy positive growth. The current 12 months should see stronger recovery in all areas.”

Aluminium screw caps are traditionally widely used in the spirits sector. Especially for consumers who enjoy their drinks at home, the ease of resealing and the resulting long shelf life is an important selling point. Aluminium screwcaps for spirits offer a wide range of designs matching all price segments from price entry level to super premium with excellent material properties.

* About IWSR Drinks Market Analysis: IWSR is the leading source of data and analysis on the global beverage alcohol market.

** About Euromonitor International: Euromonitor International is the world's leading independent provider of strategic market research. We create data and analysis on thousands of products and services around the world.