Canadians are bidding farewell to long-necked glass beer bottles, following the trend set by the discontinuation of stubby bottles. Moosehead Breweries, the largest Canadian-owned brewery, recently announced that it will cease selling beer in bottles starting early next year. The decision comes as a response to the overwhelming preference for cans among Canadian beer consumers, as stated in an Instagram post by the brewery.
While some individuals expressed disappointment with the news, citing that beer tastes better from bottles, Moosehead Breweries’ president and CEO, Andrew Oland, acknowledged the consumer preference for bottles and the upset caused by the transition. The shift from bottles to cans aligns with the industry trend, with sales data from Beer Canada indicating a significant increase in can sales over bottles in recent years.
Beer sommelier Roger Mittag highlighted the perceived superiority of beer in bottles due to factors like enhanced carbonation and flavor preservation. Despite the preference for bottled beer among some connoisseurs, cans offer advantages such as cost-effectiveness, ease of handling for retailers, and better protection against light and oxygen.
Environmental considerations have also come into play, with a comparison of bottles and cans in terms of sustainability. While bottles are typically reused multiple times before recycling, aluminum cans are recycled after a single use. The impact of tariffs on aluminum, particularly in the wake of increased trade tensions, poses challenges for the canning industry, potentially leading to higher costs for brewers and consumers.
Despite the shift towards cans, industry experts like CJ Hélie believe that bottled beer will not vanish entirely, given its historical significance and consumer preference for refillable bottles. The allure of creative can designs and operational efficiencies supports the longevity of cans in the beer market. While the transition may mark the end of an era for Moosehead’s iconic green bottles, it reflects the evolving landscape of the Canadian beer industry.
