‘King’ can maker Rexam has high hopes for Russian 75cl move

By Ben Bouckley

- Last updated on GMT

Picture Copyright: Rexam
Picture Copyright: Rexam

Related tags European union Russia

Rexam has revealed that it will produce Europe’s first 75cl can, first launched onto the Russian and Eastern European markets at the end of 2011, and says the product also has promise further west.

Cans developed with client Baltika Breweries will be made at Rexam’s plant in Naro-Fominsk, Russia, and are designed for the beer market, although they are also suited to other drink varieties.

Craig Jones, General Director for Rexam Russia, said: “The 75cl can is the next logical step for beverage cans in Russia. We first introduced the 33cl can in Russia in 1998 and since then a majority of beers have moved to 50cl packaging, following a demand for a larger size beer packaging.”

Jones said that packaging group Rexam launched its first 1l ‘King’ can in 2007, but beer producers were now seeing demand for something a can between 50cl and 1l.

The 1l cans are also made at Naro-Fominsk, and Rexam said that existing lines there would be adapted slightly to produce the 75cl offering, made using the same manufacturing techniques.

We asked Rexam whether it thought such a large product had potential in Western Europe, and whether there was demand or interest in such sizes here?

Western European potential

Mark Bunker, sector communications manager at Rexam Beverage Can Europe and Asia told BeverageDaily.com: “Although the 75cl can has been created for the Russian market, to accommodate a demand for a size can between standard and the King can, we believe the 75cl can certainly has potential in Western Europe.

“The successful launch of our 1l can in Germany and Norway in 2011 is proof that there is a demand for all types of cans across the European market. “

1l cans first hit the Russian market in 2011, and Bunker said their popularity proved that consumers liked the option of a larger size, encouraging Rexam’s clients to release it in Germany and Norway.

New can sizes were popular right across Europe, Bunker added, with brand owners looking to differentiate packaging in a bid to drive sales in a competitive market.

As well as making a real impact at point of sale, 75cl and 1 litre cans also provided considerable surface space to display branding messages and provide an eye-catching design, he said.

Suitability beyond beer

Pressed as to whether he thought unwonted media or regulatory attention might deter drinks firms here from adopting such products, Bunker said:

Rexam partners with its customers and suppliers to bring innovation to the market. In doing so, Rexam explores attitudes and behaviours across a wide variety of geographies and consumer groups whilst of course respecting and working within local, national and international regulations.”

The 75cl can was also suited to a wide range of other carbonated and non-carbonated beverages, Bunker said, which is available with all of Rexam’s value-added finishes.

Bunker said: “[It] can be used as a regular addition to a product range, or can be used as a limited edition or promotional can to make a real impact at point of sale.”

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