Ball Introduces ‘Protected Quality’ Seal for Wine in Cans

To ensure a long shelf life, Ball’s specially developed premium wine can is equipped with a specific internal coating (lacquerspec) and an increased metal gauge.

24 May 2012 --- Ball Packaging Europe presents its “Protected Quality” seal for wine in cans from 22 to 24 May at London International Wine Fair. As one of the leading beverage can producers in Europe, Ball is an expert in manufacturing special cans for high-quality still and sparkling wines.

Ball’s “Protected Quality” initiative chimes with the theme of this year’s London International Wine Fair: discovering new trends in wine. It demonstrates that wine in cans has the potential to deliver extraordinary taste and quality if three key aspects are observed: you need premium wine, a specially equipped wine can and carefully chosen fillers. Cans with the “Protected Quality” seal ensure consistent quality, stability and a shelf life of 12 months. Cans are generally well suited for protecting beverages because they are completely airtight and light-proof. And what’s best: canned wine will never be corked.

Quality at all levels

Filling wine in cans requires careful matching between product and packaging. To ensure a long shelf life, Ball’s specially developed premium wine can is equipped with a specific internal coating (lacquerspec) and an increased metal gauge. While the slim 200 ml or 250 ml aluminum can is suitable for all wines, it is particularly recognized for canning premium wines. For day-to-day wines, Ball offers another competitively priced wine can.

Only audited fillers with high hygienic and technical standards like EB-Secco, Cacolac and Font Salem are chosen as partners. EB-Secco is a German producer of sparkling and still wines certified as organic wine filler, who is able to offer even small batches of wine in cans (as of 2000 cans). The French filler Cacolac, situated near Bordeaux, has already started filling French wine into cans bearing the “Protected Quality” seal. They include both white (Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc) and red (Bordeaux) wines that are distributed to export markets.

Opening new markets with canned premium wine

The market for canned wine in Europe currently shows double-digit growth figures. Whereas sales for bottles at the single-serve market are stagnant, sales of single-serve canned wines are growing by about 10 percent per year. The small serving size makes the can attractive for a younger target group of 18-35 year-olds, who is attracted by innovative, practical and trendy beverages. This audience is not a traditional wine drinker but is open to try out new premium products that fit their lifestyle. Premium wine in completely recyclable cans with the Ball “Protected Quality” seal matches their needs and offers a new wine experience. Another key market for single-serve quality wines is the travel segment, with airline companies and hotel mini bars being obvious targets.