Bhutan Agro Industries switches to aluminium cans as export markets expand

BHUTAN — Bhutan Agro Industries Ltd (BAIL), a key processor of fruit and vegetables in the country, has transitioned its fruit juice packaging from its previous formats to lightweight aluminium cans in a move aimed at improving product protection, modernizing design, and aligning with global packaging standards.

The company confirmed that aluminium cans offer better durability and dent resistance compared to tinplate formats traditionally used in Bhutan.

Aluminium’s lighter weight is also expected to support more efficient transportation, particularly important as BAIL accelerates its export activities.

“The transition to aluminum cans brings the product’s packaging and design in line with global expectations,” said BAIL CEO Sherab Namgay.

According to the company, the switch enhances both the physical protection of the juice products and the overall consumer experience, two factors increasingly prioritized by brands competing in regional and international markets.

Aluminium cans are also widely used in global beverage packaging due to their strong barrier properties and high recyclability, aligning with industry trends and sustainability goals.

The packaging upgrade comes as BAIL expands its international distribution footprint. The company continues supplying markets in Bangladesh and India, including Siliguri and Guwahati, and has recently entered Bodhgaya.

It has also dispatched its first shipment to Australia and is preparing to enter Thailand, marking one of the most significant export expansions in its recent history.

BAIL said demand is growing for beverages with fewer chemicals, minimal preservatives, and lower sugar content, attributes that support Bhutan’s premium image abroad.

While the packaging has changed, the juice formulation remains the same, produced using fruit purchased from local farmers and processed at BAIL’s facility in Lingmethang, Monggar.

The transition mirrors broader shifts across South and Southeast Asia, where beverage companies are increasingly adopting aluminium cans to enhance product aesthetics, reduce damage during transport, and tap into consumer preferences for convenient, recyclable packaging.

In India, for example, beverage brands such as Paper Boat and PepsiCo have expanded their use of cans for specialty and export products, while Sri Lanka and Nepal have seen rising adoption in the juice and RTD segments.

For BAIL, the move positions the company competitively as it targets higher-value export markets, signalling the country’s growing capabilities in processed foods and international-standard packaging.

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