In 2009, global retail beer packaging consumption amounted to 261BN units, with glass bottles maintaining position as consumers' first choice pack type for beer, accounting for 59% or retail beer sales (ref: Euromonitor). However, the metal beverage can continues to build on its presence, recording a dynamic 7% increase in sales in 2009 as against a more modest 2.5% increase recorded by glass bottle sales. The greatest volume gains for glass are being enerated in Asia Pacific. The split in glass bottle sales for beers by region in 2009 was: Asia Pacific 33%: Western Europe 18%; Latin America 18%; Eastern Europe 14%; Middle East & Africa 2%; Australasia 2%. In 2004, the percentage ratio with regards to global retail beer packaging mix was 61% glass vs 39% cans. In 2009 the figure was 59% glass as opposed to 41% cans, and Euromonitor forecast that in 2013, this data will read a 50-50% split between the two.
