The European canned food retail market recorded a remarkable 12% growth in 2024, according to the latest data from the European Canned Food Manufacturers Association (EUROPEN). This growth, significantly above the 10-year average of 4.5%, signals a structural shift in European consumer behavior toward long-shelf-life packaged foods.
What Is Driving the Growth?
Several factors contributed to the surge in demand. First, persistent food inflation across the Eurozone -- with grocery prices up 8.3% year-on-year -- led consumers to seek value-oriented options without sacrificing nutrition. Canned foods offer an average 40% cost savings compared to fresh equivalents while maintaining comparable nutritional profiles.
Second, the continued trend toward home cooking and meal preparation -- accelerated during the pandemic years -- has remained embedded in European household habits. Canned ingredients such as tomatoes, beans, tuna and vegetables have become pantry staples for families seeking convenient, budget-friendly meal solutions.
"Canned food has shed its outdated image. Today's European consumers see it as a modern, sustainable and affordable food option -- not a compromise." -- EUROPEN Annual Report 2024
Third, retailers across Germany, France, the Netherlands and the UK have significantly expanded their private-label canned food ranges, improving quality perception and driving volume growth. Premium private-label canned fruit and fish, in particular, showed double-digit growth.
Country-Level Breakdown
Germany remains the largest European market for canned food by volume, accounting for approximately 28% of total European consumption. German consumers purchased 2.1 million metric tons of canned food in 2024, a 9% increase over 2023.
France showed the strongest growth rate at 16%, driven by increased demand for canned vegetables and fish. The French market's recovery from 2023 supply disruptions also contributed to the rebound.
Spain and Italy, both major producers and consumers, saw moderate growth of 7% and 8% respectively, with export demand complementing domestic consumption.
Implications for Global Suppliers
For international canned food suppliers -- particularly those in China, Southeast Asia and South America -- the European market presents significant opportunities. Key trends to watch include:
1. Demand for clean-label and non-BPA linings: European retailers are increasingly requiring cans with non-bisphenol coatings. Suppliers without this capability may face exclusion from premium retail contracts.
2. Sustainability credentials: Recyclable packaging, FSC-certified paper labels and carbon footprint reporting are becoming de facto requirements for European retail partnerships.
3. Private label growth: The rise of private-label canned food means European retailers are actively seeking reliable, large-scale manufacturers who can meet consistent quality and volume requirements.
Siville Foods, as a BRC-certified Chinese supplier with extensive experience supplying European retail chains, is well-positioned to serve this growing market. Our non-BPA lining options and sustainability-compliant packaging are available for OEM and wholesale orders.
If you are a European retailer, wholesaler or importer looking for a reliable canned food supplier, contact our export team at postmaster@sivillefoods.com for a competitive wholesale quote.