Charlotte's craft breweries face growing can crisis

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — NoDa Brewing Co.’s Todd Ford expects his canning line to churn out 2.7 million 16-ounce cans of beer this year — that is, if he can get the cans.

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His most recent order is backlogged at the manufacturer. A four-week wait time has stretched closer to 12 weeks, and there’s still no date for delivery.

“It’s making it difficult to run a business. About all you can do is start stockpiling cans,” he says.

It’s not clear what exactly is affecting supply. Possibilities include increased demand across the beverage industry, can production issues or possible stockpiling. Can manufacturers Crown Holdings and Ball Corp. did not respond to a request for comment.

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A 10% tariff on aluminum levied by the Trump administration earlier this year is clearly a factor in rising prices — and is likely exacerbating the shortage.

The impact is being felt across Charlotte’s craft-brewing industry and beyond.

Read more in CBJ's in-depth cover story here.

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