YES YOU CAN

What was once invented to preserve food by the French has gone on to become the number-one packaging for beverages around the world. This now includes wine, which 1s not as weird as you might think.

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Introducing a new product to an already successful market is often a challenge.

When canned wine first hit the shelves in the US in 1936, it wasn't safe from the scrutiny of loyal wine enthusiasts - after all, when you think of cracking open a cold one, chances are it's beer that comes to mind, not wine.

But the canned wine from back then is not the same as the canned wine available today. In 1996, a coating was introduced to prevent canned wine from tasting metallic, so if you're still on the fence about the quality, you can rest assured the grass is greener (so to speak).

Today, canned wine has seen massive growth on a global scale, particularly in the US. On home ground, according to Business Insider South Africa, sales of canned wine grew by 43% between June 2017 and June 2018, resulting in a market valued at R675 million - and that was four years ago. Many winemakers see their canned wine ranges as an 'in' into places where bottled wine doesn't generally sell well, such as sport events and music festivals.

THE PROS Traditional wine drinkers might turn up their nose at the thought of their vino housed in a can, but canned wine offers a surprising amount of perks.

1. It's affordable.

One can of wine is roughly equal to one glass. Since cans offer a smaller serving size than a bottle, you're only paying for what you want, which is good news for your pocket - and your liver!

2. It's convenient.

Canned wine is conveniently lightweight, and poses less of a breakage risk than its glass counterpart. Cans can be chilled in a flash, easily transported, and the need for a wine glass, foil cutter and/or corkscrew is completely eliminated as the can serves as a decanter and drinkware in one.

3. It's easier on the planet.