The Rise of Sleek Cans in RTD Spirits | Big Storm Distillery’s Co-Packing Services
Discover why sleek cans are transforming the RTD spirits market, the purchasing habits of Millennials and Gen Z, and how Big Storm Brewery & Distillery offers premium co-packing services in Florida for printed and labeled sleek cans.
The Evolution of RTD Spirits Packaging
The market for Ready-to-Drink (RTD) spirits has seen explosive growth, and with it, a shift in packaging trends. Sleek cans are quickly becoming the preferred choice, driven by consumers’ desire for both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. This shift reflects evolving preferences for convenience, sustainability, and style, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z consumers.
What Is a Sleek Can?
Sleek cans are taller and slimmer compared to traditional cans, often seen in sizes such as 200 ml and 355 ml. Their slender profile and minimalist design appeal strongly to a younger, style-conscious demographic, reinforcing a sense of sophistication and quality.
Why Sleek Cans Are Taking Over the RTD Spirits Market
1. Aesthetics and Shelf Appeal
Visual Impact: Sleek cans stand out on shelves, giving brands a high-end look that appeals to younger consumers who favor minimalist design and a curated visual identity.
Consumer Preference for Premium Packaging: Millennials and Gen Z are highly visual, valuing aesthetic experiences that match their lifestyles. Sleek cans appeal by aligning with these design-driven preferences.
Instagram-Friendly: Sleek cans are photogenic, making them perfect for social media content. In a digital age where “if you didn’t post it, it didn’t happen,” the visual appeal of sleek cans is a powerful marketing tool.
2. Portability and Convenience
Easy to Hold and Carry: The slender design of sleek cans fits more comfortably in hand, making them easy to take on the go, which aligns with the active, mobile lifestyles of younger consumers.
Compact Size for Social Settings: Millennials and Gen Z frequently seek products that enhance social experiences. Sleek cans, with their stylish design, serve as accessories at social gatherings, music festivals, and events.
3. Sustainable Packaging Option
Environmentally Conscious Packaging: Millennials and Gen Z show a strong preference for brands that demonstrate environmental responsibility. Sleek cans, made of recyclable aluminum, fit well with this value, reinforcing brand loyalty.
Reducing Waste: The portion-controlled size of sleek cans often results in less waste compared to larger formats, making them a preferred choice for environmentally conscious consumers who value resourcefulness.
Consumer Purchasing Habits and the Move Towards Sleek Cans
1. Millennials and Gen Z: A Generational Shift
Millennials and Gen Z share a unique consumer mindset. Born into the digital age, they have a global outlook, prioritize experiences, and are generally more health conscious. Their purchasing habits reflect a desire for products that align with their lifestyles and values, which translates directly to their preferences for RTD spirits in sleek cans.
2. Health-Conscious and Moderate Drinking Habits
Focus on Portion Control: Millennials and Gen Z are health-aware, favoring smaller serving sizes that allow them to enjoy a drink without overindulging. Sleek cans’ controlled volumes meet this need by allowing enjoyment in moderation.
Caloric Awareness: Younger consumers are increasingly mindful of calorie intake. Sleek cans often include detailed nutritional information, reassuring these health-conscious buyers about what they consume.
Preference for Low-ABV Options: Millennials and Gen Z often choose lower-alcohol or mocktail RTD options, which are perfectly suited to sleek cans. This enables them to enjoy social drinking without high alcohol content, reflecting a shift from volume to quality.
3. Premiumization of RTD Beverages
Willingness to Pay for Aesthetic and Experience: Both Millennials and Gen Z prioritize quality and are willing to pay a premium for products that deliver a unique or luxurious experience. Sleek cans, with their sophisticated appearance, cater to this desire for high-end appeal.
Aesthetics as Value: For these consumers, packaging plays a significant role in perceived value. A sleek can signals sophistication and a brand that understands the importance of visual identity, a significant influence on purchase decisions.
Experiential Purchase: Millennials and Gen Z often view purchases as expressions of self. By selecting stylish, thoughtfully designed products like sleek cans, they feel they are curating their personal brand.
4. Environmental Consciousness
Ethical Brand Preference: Younger consumers are highly motivated by ethical considerations and seek brands that reflect their values. Aluminum, being one of the most recyclable materials, is favored by Millennials and Gen Z as an environmentally friendly choice.
Sustainable Packaging’s Influence on Brand Loyalty: Brands that prioritize sustainable packaging, like sleek cans, create long-term loyalty among these younger demographics who appreciate companies committed to positive environmental impacts.
Printed Cans vs. Labeled Cans: Making the Right Choice for Sleek Can RTDs
As the RTD market grows and sleek cans gain popularity, brands face a crucial decision: whether to use printed cans or labeled cans. Each option has unique advantages, and the choice can significantly impact a brand’s image, cost, and overall consumer appeal. Here’s a look at the considerations for each type:
1. Printed Cans: A Premium, Seamless Look
Printed cans feature graphics, logos, and text printed directly onto the aluminum surface, creating a sleek, uninterrupted design that appeals strongly to the minimalist aesthetic favored by Millennials and Gen Z.
Advantages of Printed Cans:
Enhanced Shelf Appeal: Printed cans offer a seamless look without any labels or edges, giving a high-end, premium feel that stands out on shelves and online.
Durability: Since the graphics are printed directly onto the can, they are more resistant to moisture, scratches, and wear, making them ideal for products stored in coolers or used at outdoor events.
Eco-Friendly: Printed cans are fully recyclable, with no need to remove labels, aligning with the sustainability values of younger consumers.
Considerations:
Higher Initial Cost: Printed cans typically require a larger initial investment, including custom printing plates and design setup fees, which may be challenging for smaller brands or limited-edition runs.
Longer Lead Times: Since the printing process is more involved, lead times are often longer for printed cans, making them less ideal for brands that frequently update designs or launch seasonal products.
2. Labeled Cans: Flexibility and Versatility
Labeled cans feature adhesive labels applied to plain aluminum cans. This approach offers greater design flexibility and is a popular choice for brands that frequently change designs, experiment with flavors, or produce small batches.
Advantages of Labeled Cans:
Design Flexibility: Labels can be easily adjusted or redesigned without the cost of new printing plates, making labeled cans ideal for limited editions, seasonal releases, or frequent design updates.
Lower Initial Cost: With fewer setup costs and no minimum order requirements, labeled cans are a cost-effective option for smaller brands or those new to the market.
Ideal for Smaller Batches: Labeled cans allow brands to test different designs or product variations without a significant upfront investment, reducing the financial risk of launching new products.
Considerations:
Slightly Less Durable: Labels can be susceptible to peeling or damage, especially in wet environments like coolers. This may impact the appearance of the product if it’s exposed to moisture.
Perception of Quality: While labels allow for flexibility, they may not deliver the same premium feel as printed cans. In a crowded market where sleek cans are chosen for their high-end appeal, this can affect a brand’s perceived value.
Choosing the Right Option for Your Brand
When selecting between printed and labeled cans, it’s essential to weigh your brand’s needs and target market. Sleek cans with direct printing generally appeal to consumers who value a luxury feel and premium appearance, which can enhance the brand’s reputation among Millennials and Gen Z. However, labeled cans provide flexibility that can support a brand’s growth and experimentation, allowing for dynamic branding.
Printed Cans Are Ideal For:
Established Brands: Brands with larger production volumes that can absorb the higher setup costs benefit from the seamless, premium look of printed cans.
High-Volume Products: For flagship products that are produced in large quantities, printed cans offer consistency and durability.
Luxury Positioning: Printed cans provide a refined, polished appearance that aligns with a high-end brand identity.
Labeled Cans Are Ideal For:
Emerging Brands: New or smaller brands benefit from the lower cost and flexibility of labeled cans.
Seasonal or Limited-Edition Products: Labeled cans are perfect for brands that want to release unique, limited-run products without committing to large orders.
Experimentation: For brands testing new flavors or styles, labels offer an adaptable solution to gauge consumer interest without a large financial commitment.
Big Storm Brewery and Distillery: Supporting Your Can Choice
At Big Storm Brewery and Distillery, we understand the importance of packaging in a competitive RTD market. We offer co-packing services for both printed and labeled sleek cans, giving our partners the flexibility to choose the packaging that best suits their brand and product needs.
Expert Guidance: Our team works closely with clients to advise on the most effective packaging solutions based on brand goals, budget, and production scale.
Top-Tier Facilities for Both Options: Whether you choose printed or labeled cans, Big Storm’s facilities are fully equipped to handle both with quality and efficiency.
Scalable Solutions: As your brand grows, we provide scalable solutions, allowing you to transition from labeled cans for smaller batches to printed cans as production increases.
By choosing Big Storm Brewery and Distillery, brands can confidently navigate the printed versus labeled can decision, ensuring their sleek can RTD products achieve maximum impact and appeal to today’s discerning consumers.
Big Storm is Florida’s Co-Packer of Choice for Sleek Canned RTD Cocktails
1. Expertise in RTD Spirit Production
Craftsmanship and Quality: Big Storm Brewery and Distillery combines premium ingredients with expert craftsmanship, producing RTD beverages that appeal to the refined tastes of younger consumers.
Commitment to Innovation: With a focus on innovation, Big Storm quickly adapts to emerging trends, including the sleek can format. Our team understands the appeal of sleek cans to Millennials and Gen Z, ensuring every product reflects modern preferences.
2. Advanced Co-Packing Facilities
State-of-the-Art Equipment: Big Storm’s facilities are designed for the efficient, high-quality production of sleek cans, ensuring a seamless process from start to finish.
Versatile Packaging Options: As demand grows for different sizes and styles, we offer a range of sleek can options, making Big Storm an adaptable co-packing partner for RTD brands.
3. Benefits of Partnering with Big Storm Brewery and Distillery
One-Stop Co-Packing Solution: From formulation to canning, Big Storm provides a full-service co-packing experience, allowing clients to focus on branding and marketing.
Quality Assurance: Our rigorous quality control processes ensure every RTD product meets high standards, essential for establishing credibility among Millennials and Gen Z.
Florida-Based Advantage: As a local co-packer, we offer reduced shipping costs and faster turnaround times, providing competitive advantages for Florida-based brands looking to enter the RTD market.
The Future of Sleek Cans in the RTD Market
1. Growing Demand for On-the-Go Options
Busy Lifestyles: Millennials and Gen Z are among the busiest demographics, balancing careers, side hustles, and social lives. Sleek cans offer the portability they seek, fitting seamlessly into their mobile lifestyles.
Convenience for Social Events: Sleek cans are especially suited to social gatherings, which are highly valued by younger consumers. Their stylish appearance enhances any occasion, aligning with the experiential value these demographics prioritize.
2. Expansion into New Markets
Health and Wellness: As interest in health-focused options rises, sleek cans are an ideal format for low-ABV and non-alcoholic RTDs, catering to the growing wellness market among Millennials and Gen Z.
Non-Alcoholic RTDs: The popularity of alcohol-free RTDs is on the rise, with sleek cans offering a stylish packaging solution for these products. This trend reflects the preference of younger generations for mindful drinking.
Choose Big Storm for Sleek Can Co-Packing
The trend toward sleek cans is shaping the future of RTD spirits, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z, who prioritize style, sustainability, and convenience. For brands aiming to capture this market, Big Storm Brewery and Distillery offers premier co-packing services in Florida, combining expertise, quality, and innovation. Partner with Big Storm to create sleek can RTD products that