WINETECH Technical Yearbook 2019

details can be printed on it. It has a further advantage, because it can fit into any space. These foil bags are obtainable in 187 ml to bigger sizes. The bigger bags usually have a semi-rigid base to impart partial stability to it ( www.alternativewinepackaging.com ). The latest wine packaging is without doubt the aluminium can, which is also used for cool drinks, fruit juices and beer. Due to the chemical composition of wine a liner must be used on the inside of the can to prevent corrosion of the metal. Vinsafe is for example

an Australian patent, which prevents this problem. Wine in cans is especially popular amongst Millennials, seeing that it is cheap, recyclable, unbreakable and portable and does not contain much wine. It is also ideal for barbecues, camping, beaches and sport events. It is especially popular in Asian and North-American markets and is also gaining momentum in Australia. In the USA, the sales in cans grew by 43% during the year ending June 2018 and more than 100 wine brands are sold in it (Curtis, 2018).

Although South Africa is a wine consuming country, cans have not yet taken off. Last year 450 million L wine was sold in South Africa, of which 177 million (39%) was in glass, 149 million (33%) in BIBs, 62 million (18%) in plastic, 14 million (3%) in Tetra Pak and 0,38 million in foil bags ( www. businessinsider.co.za ). Seeing that South Africa usually catches onto international trends later, wine in cans should follow shortly.

REFERENCES Curtis, A., 2018. Is it time to can the classic 750 ml bottle? Alternative wine packaging could be on the rise. Australian and New Zealand Grapegrower and Winemaker , September 2018(656): 90-92. www. co l l ageg roup . com/ 2018/ 04/ 09/ millenial-wine/ . www.alternativewinepackaging.com/ . www.businessinsider.co.za/ .