The Freedonia Group forecasts that global demand for beer containers will advance 2.5%/pa to 325 BN units in 2005. Gains will be based on the shift toward smaller-sized containers in developing markets like Latin America, as well as the trend toward packaged versus draft beer in many developed markets, which in turn reflects the rising popularity of at-home vs on-premises drinking. One-way packaging, including metal, glass & plastic types, will further supplant returnable glass bottles, especially in developing country markets where the latter have traditionally dominated. Details on these & other findings are available in World Beer Containers. The study provides historical data (1990, 1995, 2000) & forecasts to 2005 & 2010 for beer production & consumption (in liters) & metal, plastic & glass container demand (in units) for 24 countries & six regions of the world. The study also evaluates world beer and container market shares, and profiles leading beer container users and producers, including Anheuser-Busch, Ball, Crown Cork & Seal and Owens-Illinois.
