How are cans going posh?

Sardines

Source: Unsplash

By Megan Tatum (wordsbymegantatum@gmail.com)

Publishing: 18 April 2026       

Advertising deadline: 3 April 2026       

Submissions deadline: 27 March 2026       

Canned food has long been a utilitarian, plain-looking shopping staple to be hidden in kitchen cupbards and pantries. But now, it’s increasingly something almost decorative. Initially the preserve of Portuguese and Spanish sardines, canned is being reinvigorated by a slew of beautifully designed products.

• How are cans going posh?

• Which brands and categories are driving the change?

• How has this trend affected pricing and value sales?

Premium cans: Posh cans are getting a facelift. What’s behind it?

• Who’s got the most visually appealing cans?

• Which countries and brands from overseas have inspired the change?

• What role has social media played in making this category more posh?

• How are brands positioning these products – do they come with a premium pricetag?

• Are any brands revamping current products? If so, are they reformulating?

• Why are ambient jars of beans, fish and the like taking off?

• How do they fit into the broader canned category?

• Which brands are driving jars’ growth?

Value vs UPFS: The canned category is well-know for offering value for money. Yet, many consumers associate cans with ultra-processed food.

• How are these push and pull dynamics affecting sales of cans?

• Which brands or suppliers are helping shoppers save money?

• To what degrees is it the case that people are buying fewer canned lines due to health concerns? And how are suppliers addressing those concerns?

Own Label: At a time of stronger branded growth, how is own label punching back?

• Which retailers are growing category value. And how?

• Which other retailers are doing well? How are they fighting back against the power of branded canned goods? 

• Which own label innovations are drawing in shoppers?

Innovation: The canned category isn’t know to be prolific when it comes to NPD

• How innovative is canned these days?

• Who’s doing what? And what’s preventing more brands and suppliers from launching NPD?

• What are the main concerns when developing new lines? Value? Health? Other? 

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