Why beer and cola are sold in cans while wine and whiskey in bottles

Before 1935, every cold beer came straight from a hefty glass bottle. Then suddenly everything changed when Krueger’s Finest Beer burst onto the scene in sleek, shiny tin cans, as Krueger Brewing Company in Richmond, Virginia, teamed up with the American Can Company. These cans were easy to cool, stack, and store and quite a hit with women. The only problem was a slightly metallic aftertaste, which fine drinkers did not appreciate. After two years of trial-and-error across the US, they nailed a lining that kept the brew tasting crisp, with no metallic tang in sight.These cans became game-changers. Super light, they chilled in a flash and stacked neatly in the fridge, homemakers loved ditching the bulky bottles. Post-Prohibition buzz and wartime shortages made them an instant smash. Fast-forward to today, and beer lovers still raise a can every January 24 for National Beer Can Appreciation Day, toasting that genius pivot. Why Cans? Why wine and whiskey come in glass bottles only Winds of changeBut with development of new technology even these drinks are now being sold in specially designed cans. According to Grandview research, "The canned wine market touched $112.9 million in 2024 and is projected to hit $211.5 million by 2030, with a CAGR of 11.1%. Sales surged 3,800% by volume from 2017 to 2022, driven by Gen Z's preference for sustainable packaging like recyclable aluminum. Forecasts show it expanding to $3.4 billion by 2035 at 16.3% CAGR.Images Courtesy: istock