Crown Holdings reported a 5% increase in global beverage can volumes during the second quarter of 2026, supported by stronger shipments in Asia, Europe and North America. The packaging group also raised its full-year earnings forecast as demand encouraged further investment in production capacity.
The Tampa, Florida-based company said beverage can volumes recorded double-digit growth in Asia during the three months ended 30 June. Volumes increased by 7% in Europe and 5% in North America, offsetting weaker demand in Latin America.
The results provide a useful indicator of demand across the global beverage packaging market. Crown supplies rigid packaging to alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks companies, along with food cans, closures, packaging equipment and protective packaging products.
Net sales reached $3.67 billion in the second quarter, up from $3.15 billion in the same period of 2025. The increase reflected higher beverage can shipments, $395 million in material cost pass-throughs and a $32 million benefit from foreign currency movements.
Operating income rose to $464 million from $391 million. Net income attributable to Crown increased to $245 million, compared with $181 million a year earlier.
Adjusted diluted earnings per share increased by 16% to $2.49. Reported diluted earnings per share rose to $2.23 from $1.56.
Why is beverage can demand growing?
Crown linked the volume increase to continued demand for aluminium cans across alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks categories. Beverage companies are also using cans for new product launches, making packaging availability important for brand innovation and supermarket supply.
The growth is relevant to the US FMCG market, where beverage manufacturers depend on reliable packaging capacity to support product launches, seasonal promotions and supermarket distribution.
The regional figures suggest that demand remains uneven. Strong growth in Asia, Europe and North America contrasted with softer conditions in Latin America.
Crown is responding by progressing with previously announced capacity expansion projects in Brazil, Greece and Spain. It is also building a new manufacturing facility in northern India, marking its entry into one of the world’s fastest-growing beverage markets.
The investments could give beverage manufacturers additional regional capacity while shortening supply routes in key growth markets. For supermarkets and FMCG businesses, reliable can availability is particularly important during seasonal demand peaks and major product launches.
Material costs remain a pressure across the packaging supply chain. Crown passed through $395 million of higher material costs during the quarter, while inflation also partly offset the benefit of increased shipments.
For the first six months of 2026, Crown recorded net sales of $6.93 billion, compared with $6.04 billion a year earlier. First-half net income increased to $420 million from $374 million.
The company raised its full-year adjusted earnings guidance from $7.90–$8.30 per share to $8.30–$8.50. It continues to expect adjusted free cash flow of at least $900 million after approximately $550 million of capital expenditure.
Crown’s next reporting periods will show whether beverage can growth remains balanced across its major markets and whether its expansion projects stay on schedule. The company is advancing the projects as global beverage brands continue investing in canned formats and new product launches.
