Brazil’s aluminium beverage can market recorded sales of 16.4 billion units in the first half of 2026, with full-year growth expected to remain in the low single digits, according to the Brazilian Aluminium Can Association (Abralatas).

The first six-month period saw growing demand for cans beyond traditional beer and soft drink categories. Energy drinks, non-alcoholic beer, juice and water are expanding their presence in cans. These emerging categories grew by around 30% in the first half and, for the first time, reached 1 billion units sold over a six-month period.

Abralatas said the market was being shaped by changing consumption patterns and the emergence of new beverage categories and occasions. Factors expected to support beverage demand during 2026 include the FIFA World Cup, elections and higher temperatures, although their anticipated impact had yet to be fully realised during the first half.

“The first half shows more than the performance of a single period: it shows how the market is changing. New categories, products and occasions are gaining ground, and the can is evolving alongside them. Convenience, versatility, product protection and sustainability are attributes that help explain its growing presence across different consumption occasions,” said Guilherme Canielo, Corporate Affairs at Abralatas.

Positive outlook for second half

Abralatas maintained a positive outlook for the remainder of 2026, supported by diversification in beverage consumption and the characteristics of aluminium cans.

“The outlook for the full year is as important as the performance achieved so far. Even though some of the factors expected to stimulate demand in the first half fell short of expectations, the segment has demonstrated resilience, supported by beverage diversification and the characteristics of the can. That is what allows us to maintain a positive view for the months ahead,” Canielo said.

The association also highlighted the role of regulation as the Brazilian market develops, arguing that policies affecting packaging should consider environmental, economic and social factors throughout the packaging life cycle.

“It is important that decisions affecting the sector take a balanced view of the environmental, economic and social aspects of packaging. Brazil has a mature recycling chain and a package that can continuously return to the production cycle. Recognizing these characteristics can help align public policy with the advances already being made by the industry,” Canielo said.

As Brazil moves forward with regulations related to its Tax Reform, Abralatas is advocating for objective sustainability criteria for packaging to be considered, with the aim of encouraging solutions that are already delivering results for the country’s circular economy.