Choosing the Right Size Can for Your Beverage: A Guide for Distributors
Selecting the right size can for your beverage might seem like a simple decision, but it’s actually a crucial aspect of your product’s success. The size of the can not only plays a role in how your beverage is perceived by consumers but also affects your brand identity and overall customer experience.
In this guide, we’ll explore the importance of choosing the right can size for your beverage and discuss the factors you need to consider during the decision-making process. Our goal is to help you make an informed choice that will positively impact your brand and delight your customers.
Importance of selecting the right size can for your beverage
The size of your beverage can is more than just a container to hold your product. It represents your brand, communicates value to customers, and can even influence how much a consumer enjoys your beverage.
A well-chosen can size can enhance your product’s appeal, while the wrong size may detract from the overall experience. For example, an 8-ounce can may be perfect for an energy drink, but it might not be the best choice for a refreshing iced tea meant to quench thirst on a hot day.
Factors to consider when choosing a can size
Several factors come into play when deciding on the perfect can size for your beverage, including the target market, ingredients, shelf life, and distribution requirements. You’ll need to carefully consider each of these aspects to make an informed decision that aligns with your brand’s goals and vision. Additionally, keep in mind that trends and consumer preferences can shift over time, so staying informed and adaptable is essential.
How the right can size can impact your brand and customer experience
The can size you choose will have a direct impact on your brand identity and the way customers perceive your product. A unique or eye-catching can size can help your beverage stand out on the shelf, while a standard size might blend in with competitors.
Furthermore, the right can size can enhance the customer experience by meeting their expectations in terms of serving size, value, and sustainability. In short, making the right choice when it comes to can size can significantly contribute to the success and longevity of your beverage brand.
Common Can Sizes and Their Applications
Understanding the various can sizes and their typical uses can help you make an informed decision on the best option for your beverage. Here, we’ll discuss some of the most common can sizes and explore their ideal applications.
8-ounce (237 ml) cans
Energy drinks and functional beverages: The 8-ounce can size is perfect for energy drinks and other functional beverages that pack a punch in a small package. Consumers often expect these products to be concentrated and pack a real punch in flavor and effect, so a smaller can size aligns with that expectation.
Smaller servings for portion control: 8-ounce cans also cater to those looking for smaller servings or seeking portion control, making them suitable for diet sodas, low-calorie beverages, or even mini versions of popular soft drinks.
12-ounce (355 ml) cans
Standard size for beer, soda, and RTD cocktails: The 12-ounce can is the industry standard for many beverages, including beer, soda, and ready-to-drink cocktails. Consumers are familiar with this size, and it’s a safe choice for most mainstream beverages.
Widely accepted and easily stocked on shelves: Retailers and distributors are accustomed to stocking 12-ounce cans, making them easy to integrate into existing store layouts and display units. This size also works well for multipack packaging.
16-ounce (473 ml) cans
Popular for craft beers, ciders, and specialty beverages: The 16-ounce can size is a popular choice for craft beers, ciders, and other specialty beverages. This larger size appeals to customers who are looking for more value or a larger serving, often making it a go-to option for those seeking a more substantial drink experience.
Appeals to customers seeking more value or a larger serving: With more content per can, 16-ounce options provide greater value to customers. This size is perfect for those who want a bigger serving without having to purchase multiple smaller cans, making it an attractive choice for many consumers.
Slim cans and specialty sizes
Slim cans differentiate your product on the shelf. Slim cans and other specialty sizes can make your beverage stand out on store shelves. By choosing a unique can size or shape, you can create a distinct visual identity for your brand to customers who have never seen or experienced your brand, capturing the attention of potential customers and setting your product apart from competitors.
Slim cans and specialty sizes are often used for niche markets or premium beverages, such as flavored waters, iced teas, and upscale energy drinks. These unique can designs can help convey a sense of luxury and exclusivity, appealing to consumers who are willing to pay a premium for a differentiated product.
Assessing Your Beverage’s Needs
Ingredients and formulation
It’s crucial to consider whether your beverage’s ingredients and formulation are compatible with the can material, like aluminum. Some beverages might react with the can’s interior lining, affecting the taste or quality of the product. Ensure that your beverage’s formulation will not negatively interact with the can material before making a decision on can size.
Different can sizes and materials can impact your beverage’s shelf life. For example, aluminum cans can help maintain freshness and protect against light and oxygen, which could affect the taste and quality of your product. Determine the shelf life requirements for your beverage and choose a can size that will best preserve its quality.
Target market and consumer preferences
Consider the demographics of your target market and their preferences for serving sizes. For example, a younger audience may prefer smaller, more portable cans, while an older demographic might appreciate a larger, resealable option. Analyze your target market’s needs and preferences to select the most suitable can size for your beverage.
Stay informed about industry trends and competitor offerings to ensure that your can size choice remains relevant and appealing to your target market. Regularly analyze your competition’s can sizes and packaging to identify any gaps in the market or potential areas of improvement. By staying up-to-date on trends and competitors, you can make more informed decisions on the ideal can size for your beverage.
Cost Implications
Unit cost per can size
Different can sizes may have varying unit costs, with smaller cans generally being cheaper per unit. However, the cost difference may not always be proportional to the size difference. Compare the unit costs for each can size to determine the most cost-effective option for your beverage.
Production volume and economies of scale
Higher production volumes can lead to lower per-unit costs through economies of scale. How many cans do you need? Consider your expected production volume and how it may affect the cost of different can sizes.
Storage, shipping, and distribution costs
The size and shape of your cans can impact storage, shipping, and distribution costs. Larger cans may require more storage space, while smaller cans may be more space-efficient. Analyze the cost implications of different can sizes on your overall logistics and distribution strategy.
Working with Co-Packers and Can Suppliers
Finding the right co-packer for your can size and volume
Research co-packers with experience in handling your chosen can size, beverage, and your required production volume. Ensure they have the necessary equipment, certifications, and expertise to produce and package your beverage efficiently and safely.
Develop relationships with reliable can suppliers who can provide the specific can size you need. Be aware of lead times and potential supply chain disruptions that may affect your production schedule. At Crowlers and More, we always maintain open communication with our customers so you stay up to date about any changes that could impact your timeline.
Find a co-packer and can supplier who will work closely with you to ensure the quality of your cans and the accuracy of your labels. This includes checking for any defects in the cans, verifying that the labels adhere to regulatory requirements, and ensuring that the overall presentation aligns with your brand identity.
Ready to elevate your beverage game with top-notch cans?
Look no further than Crowlers and More! As a leading supplier of high-quality cans, we offer a wide range of sizes, styles, and custom branding options to help your product stand out on the shelves. With our expertise, reliable service, and commitment to customer satisfaction, we’re here to support your business every step of the way. Don’t wait—visit Crowlers and More today to find the ideal cans for your beverage.