Alcoholic Drinks Packaging in Hong Kong, China

2020 IMPACT

On-trade sales continue their steep decline in 2020

On-trade closures had a major impact on on-trade sales in 2020, with sales of alcoholic drinks packaging slumping in this channel. This followed a year when on-trade sales had already seen a marked decline, with the anti-government protests, often resulting in the shutdown of on-trade establishments, having negatively affected sales through this channel in 2019.

Growth for smaller pack sizes in metal beverage cans

Smaller pack sizes like 330ml/335ml packaged in metal beverage cans in beer, primarily designed for individual consumption, attracted increasing consumer attention in 2020. Consumers who are looking for on-the-go consumption, convenience and want to try out different products/flavours opt for these smaller-portioned beverage cans.

Players concentrate their focus on the off-trade in their marketing

Due to the closure of on-trade outlets in Hong Kong for majority of 2020, the overall on-trade channel sales plummeted. As the fear of the pandemic remains in place, the sales are not expected to rebound in 2021, with recovery only due in 2022.

RECOVERY AND OPPORTUNITIES

ecoSPIRITS to the rescue as sustainability becomes a key watchword in the industry

With increasing consumer awareness of sustainability and positive environmental choices, there is a growing need for state-of-the-art technology to tackle the carbon footprint of and waste associated with single-use glass in the alcohol industry. Proof & Company, a leading spirits distributor in Asia Pacific, hopes to be able to close the loop for spirits producers, large-scale hospitality operators and bars through its innovative packaging solution.

Rising e-commerce share could benefit pack types like folding cartons

Although the on-trade will record a major rebound in 2022, this channel’s performances are generally expected to be relatively disappointing over the forecast period, with on-trade sales of alcoholic drinks packaging in 2025 still expected to be well below the levels being recorded prior to the street protests and the pandemic. A certain amount of on-trade consumption may have made its way into people’s home on a permanent basis, with off-trade sales expected to grow year on year throughout the forecast period.