Shortage of aluminium cans increases the use of growlers amongst South Carolina breweries

The pandemic has caused disruptions, in many sectors of the industry, including aluminium cans. Aluminium cans are in low supply due to supply chain difficulties. However, companies in Lowcountry, Carolina, stated that it is not a big issue.

Tradesmen Brewing Co., a renowned brewery in South Carolina, is located conveniently at Interstate-26 but the majority of its patrons are not locals. This, according to them, may restrain them from carrying items in cans due to the scarcity and increased prices.

In 2018, Charleston's Tradesmen Brewing began using cans for its artisan brews. Staff claimed they used growlers for packing before that and throughout the can scarcity.

“Anybody would say, ‘Yeah, I’ve seen a difference in the price of my favorite beer in the last couple months. It’s gone up,’” stated Sarah Gayle McConnell, co-owner and co-founder of Tradesmen Brewing Co.

According to the owners, growlers are air-tight beer canisters, available in 32 and 64 ounce sizes, similar to a miniature keg.

“If [people] have to adjust for a little bit because of the market, they usually do because they know you’re going to eventually help them get their favorite beer from you,” added McConnell.

When they did obtain cans, tradesmen said they got them from a mobile can business, which raised their fees during the epidemic.

“If we were to sell it like originally, we would only make about 2 cents to 5 cents a can,” stated McConnell.

As per local breweries, beer is not the only factor affected by this shortage.

“It’s Pepsi, Cola, tonic water, juices, anything on a grocery store list,” added McConnell.

Other brewers in the vicinity claim they are unaffected by the scarcity since they stored up during the epidemic and bought in quantity. While the scarcity hasn't caused a significant drop in sales, tradesmen say they're willing to serve in cans again if they can do so without raising rates.