Top 10 beverage packaging export companies in United Kingdom

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Written by Robert Gultig

12 May 2025

Introduction

The beverage packaging industry in the United Kingdom is a thriving sector with several companies leading the way in exporting their products globally. In this report, we will explore the top 10 beverage packaging export companies in the UK, highlighting their financial performance, market share, and key industry insights.

1. Tetra Pak

Overview

Tetra Pak is a multinational food packaging and processing company headquartered in Switzerland, with a significant presence in the UK. The company specializes in producing carton packaging for beverages, including milk, juice, and other liquid products.

Financial Data

Tetra Pak reported a revenue of £11.6 billion in 2020, with a strong growth trajectory in the beverage packaging segment. The company’s innovative packaging solutions have helped them maintain a leading position in the market.

Market Share

Tetra Pak holds a substantial market share in the UK beverage packaging industry, with a wide range of products catering to various beverage categories. Their sustainability initiatives and focus on eco-friendly packaging have also helped them gain a competitive edge in the market.

2. Ball Corporation

Overview

Ball Corporation is a global packaging company with operations in the UK, specializing in metal beverage cans and packaging solutions. The company’s products are widely used in the beverage industry for packaging carbonated drinks, beer, and other beverages.

Financial Data

Ball Corporation reported a revenue of £11.1 billion in 2020, with a significant portion coming from its beverage packaging segment. The company’s focus on sustainability and recyclability has made them a preferred choice for many beverage brands.

Market Share

Ball Corporation has a strong market presence in the UK beverage packaging industry, with a diverse portfolio of products catering to different beverage types. Their commitment to innovation and customer service has helped them maintain a competitive position in the market.

3. Crown Holdings

Overview

Crown Holdings is a leading packaging company with operations in the UK, specializing in metal packaging for the beverage industry. The company’s products include metal cans, closures, and packaging solutions for various beverage categories.

Financial Data

Crown Holdings reported a revenue of £9.5 billion in 2020, with a significant portion coming from its beverage packaging business. The company’s focus on quality, innovation, and sustainability has helped them maintain a strong position in the market.

Market Share

Crown Holdings has a significant market share in the UK beverage packaging industry, with a reputation for delivering high-quality packaging solutions to beverage companies. Their commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship has also helped them attract new customers and retain existing ones.

4. DS Smith

Overview

DS Smith is a leading packaging company with operations in the UK, specializing in paper-based packaging solutions for the beverage industry. The company’s products include corrugated packaging, cartons, and other paper-based solutions for beverage packaging.

Financial Data

DS Smith reported a revenue of £7.8 billion in 2020, with a significant portion coming from its beverage packaging segment. The company’s focus on sustainable packaging solutions and customer-centric approach has helped them maintain a strong position in the market.

Market Share

DS Smith has a notable market share in the UK beverage packaging industry, with a wide range of paper-based packaging solutions catering to different beverage categories. Their focus on innovation and sustainability has made them a preferred choice for many beverage companies looking for eco-friendly packaging solutions.

5. Amcor

Overview

Amcor is a global packaging company with operations in the UK, specializing in flexible and rigid packaging solutions for the beverage industry. The company’s products include plastic bottles, pouches, and other packaging solutions for various beverage categories.

Financial Data

Amcor reported a revenue of £9.2 billion in 2020, with a significant portion coming from its beverage packaging business. The company’s focus on innovation, design, and sustainability has helped them maintain a leading position in the market.

Market Share

Amcor has a substantial market share in the UK beverage packaging industry, with a diverse portfolio of packaging solutions catering to different beverage types. Their focus on recyclability and sustainability has also helped them attract environmentally conscious customers and brands.

6. Graphic Packaging International

Overview

Graphic Packaging International is a packaging company with operations in the UK, specializing in paperboard packaging solutions for the beverage industry. The company’s products include cartons, trays, and other paper-based solutions for beverage packaging.

Financial Data

Graphic Packaging International reported a revenue of £6.4 billion in 2020, with a significant portion coming from its beverage packaging segment. The company’s focus on innovative and sustainable packaging solutions has helped them gain a strong foothold in the market.

Market Share

Graphic Packaging International has a notable market share in the UK beverage packaging industry, with a reputation for delivering high-quality paper-based packaging solutions to beverage companies. Their focus on design and branding has also helped them attract premium beverage brands looking for customized packaging solutions.

7. Ardagh Group

Overview

Ardagh Group is a global packaging company with operations in the UK, specializing in metal and glass packaging solutions for the beverage industry. The company’s products include metal cans, bottles, and other packaging solutions for various beverage categories.

Financial Data

Ardagh Group reported a revenue of £7.2 billion in 2020, with a significant portion coming from its beverage packaging business. The company’s focus on quality, design, and sustainability has helped them maintain a competitive position in the market.

Market Share

Ardagh Group has a significant market share in the UK beverage packaging industry, with a wide range of metal and glass packaging solutions catering to different beverage types. Their commitment to innovation and customer service has also helped them attract new customers and retain existing ones.

8. RPC Group

Overview

RPC Group is a leading packaging company with operations in the UK, specializing in plastic packaging solutions for the beverage industry. The company’s products include bottles, caps, and other plastic packaging solutions for various beverage categories.

Financial Data

RPC Group reported a revenue of £5.6 billion in 2020, with a significant portion coming from its beverage packaging segment. The company’s focus on lightweight, sustainable packaging solutions has helped them maintain a strong position in the market.

Market Share

RPC Group has a notable market share in the UK beverage packaging industry, with a diverse portfolio of plastic packaging solutions catering to different beverage types. Their focus on innovation and customization has also helped them attract beverage brands looking for unique packaging solutions.

9. Smurfit Kappa

Overview

Smurfit Kappa is a global packaging company with operations in the UK, specializing in paper-based packaging solutions for the beverage industry. The company’s products include corrugated packaging, cartons, and other paper-based solutions for beverage packaging.

Financial Data

Smurfit Kappa reported a revenue of £8.1 billion in 2020, with a significant portion coming from its beverage packaging business. The company’s focus on sustainable packaging solutions and customer-centric approach has helped them maintain a strong position in the market.

Market Share

Smurfit Kappa has a substantial market share in the UK beverage packaging industry, with a wide range of paper-based packaging solutions catering to different beverage categories. Their focus on innovation and sustainability has made them a preferred choice for many beverage companies looking for eco-friendly packaging solutions.

10. Essentra Packaging

Overview

Essentra Packaging is a packaging company with operations in the UK, specializing in primary and secondary packaging solutions for the beverage industry. The company’s products include caps, closures, labels, and other packaging solutions for various beverage categories.

Financial Data

Essentra Packaging reported a revenue of £3.2 billion in 2020, with a significant portion coming from its beverage packaging segment. The company’s focus on customization, quality, and innovation has helped them gain a competitive edge in the market.

Market Share

Essentra Packaging has a notable market share in the UK beverage packaging industry, with a reputation for delivering high-quality packaging solutions to beverage companies. Their focus on design and branding has also helped them attract premium beverage brands looking for customized packaging solutions.
Overall, the beverage packaging industry in the UK is thriving, with these top 10 companies leading the way in exporting their products globally. Their focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer service has helped them maintain a strong position in the market, catering to the diverse needs of beverage companies worldwide.

Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report

Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
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