Molson Coors increase sourcing to 4 continents to combat aluminum can shortage

Molson Coors leaned on additional sourcing to shore up its aluminum can inventory while Ball established a plant dedicated to producing aluminum cups as the material's shortage continues to plague the food and beverage industry.

According to Molson Coors CFO Tracey Joubert, they sourced additional aluminum cans from all over the world to support its core brands to address unprecedented off-premise demand.

Molson Coors CEO Gavin Hattersley noted that the sourcing reached four continents and required closely working with suppliers.

As a result, Molson Coors completed a production line for about 750 million "sleek cans" annually.

However, the additional sourcing and the gradual opening of new production facilities are not yet enough, but there are signs of improvement.

Sourcing for glass bottles, paperboard, and toll cans from suppliers has improved, with Hattersley pointing out that its inventory for Coors Light is higher than it was at this point last year.

Meanwhile, beverage can maker Ball established a dedicated aluminum cup production plant instead of sourcing the finished product, in anticipation of its expanded retail launch this year.

Volumes of Ball's North America sector were up 11 percent and 6 percent for full-year 2020 and fourth quarter 2020.

On top of multiple new US production facilities in operation, Ball is readying to ramp up production in its plant in Pittston, Pennsylvania in the second half.