Key Insights
The Asia & Africa food can market, valued at $6.97 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by increasing demand for convenient and shelf-stable food products. The rising population, particularly in rapidly urbanizing areas across both continents, fuels the need for efficient food packaging solutions. Growth in the processed food sector, especially within convenient ready-to-eat meals and pet food categories, significantly contributes to market expansion. Aluminum cans maintain a dominant market share due to their lightweight nature, recyclability, and superior barrier properties, protecting food quality. However, the steel/tin can segment continues to hold a significant presence, particularly in applications where cost-effectiveness is paramount. The two-piece can design dominates the market due to its efficient manufacturing process and lower cost compared to three-piece cans. While the fish and seafood segment is a substantial contributor, fruits and vegetables, and processed food segments are experiencing the most rapid growth, driven by changing consumer preferences and increasing adoption of canned goods for preserving freshness and extending shelf life. Geographical distribution sees strong performance from key markets like South Africa, Kenya, and several rapidly developing nations in Asia, showcasing significant potential for future growth. Challenges exist in terms of fluctuating raw material prices and environmental concerns related to waste management, however, the increasing focus on sustainable packaging solutions and the development of eco-friendly can coatings are mitigating these concerns.
The forecast period (2025-2033) anticipates a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.57%, indicating a continuously expanding market. Key players like Crown Holdings Inc., Silgan Holdings Inc., and Toyo Seikan Group Holdings Ltd. are driving innovation through advanced can designs, improved manufacturing processes, and the exploration of sustainable materials. Competitive pressures are driving down costs and enhancing product offerings. Regional variations in growth are likely, with faster growth expected in regions experiencing rapid economic development and urbanization. The market's expansion is further fueled by governmental initiatives promoting food security and the development of improved cold-chain infrastructure in developing nations, enhancing the market appeal and viability of canned goods.

Asia & Africa Food Can Market: A Comprehensive Market Report (2019-2033)
This dynamic report provides an in-depth analysis of the Asia & Africa food can market, offering invaluable insights for stakeholders across the value chain. From market sizing and segmentation to competitive landscapes and future projections, this study equips you with the knowledge needed to navigate this rapidly evolving sector. The report covers the period 2019-2033, with a focus on the estimated year 2025 and a forecast period of 2025-2033.
Asia & Africa Food Can Market Structure & Competitive Landscape
The Asia & Africa food can market exhibits a moderately consolidated structure, with several key players commanding significant market share. The Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) for 2024 is estimated at xx, indicating a moderately concentrated market. Key innovation drivers include advancements in can manufacturing technologies (lighter weight, improved coatings), sustainable packaging solutions (recycled aluminum and steel), and enhanced printing capabilities for improved branding. Regulatory impacts, such as food safety regulations and environmental policies, are increasingly influencing market dynamics. Product substitutes, such as flexible packaging and glass containers, pose a competitive threat, although the dominance of cans in terms of cost-effectiveness and protection persists. End-user segmentation is predominantly driven by the processed food, fruits and vegetables, and fish and seafood industries. M&A activity has been moderate in recent years, with xx deals recorded between 2019 and 2024, primarily focused on consolidating production capacity and expanding geographical reach.
- Market Concentration: HHI (2024): xx
- Innovation Drivers: Lightweight cans, sustainable materials, improved printing.
- Regulatory Impacts: Stringent food safety and environmental regulations.
- Product Substitutes: Flexible packaging, glass containers.
- End-User Segmentation: Processed food, fruits & vegetables, fish & seafood dominate.
- M&A Trends: xx deals (2019-2024), focused on capacity and geographical expansion.
Asia & Africa Food Can Market Market Trends & Opportunities
The Asia & Africa food can market is projected to experience robust growth during the forecast period (2025-2033), driven by several key factors. The market size is estimated at xx Million in 2025 and is expected to reach xx Million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of xx%. This growth is fueled by increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a growing preference for convenient and shelf-stable food products. Technological advancements in can manufacturing are leading to lighter, stronger, and more sustainable cans. Consumer preferences are shifting towards healthier and more ethically sourced food, creating opportunities for cans with improved barrier properties and eco-friendly materials. The competitive landscape is dynamic, with both established players and new entrants vying for market share through product innovation, strategic partnerships, and aggressive pricing strategies. Market penetration rates are expected to increase, particularly in underserved rural markets.

Dominant Markets & Segments in Asia & Africa Food Can Market
Within the Asia & Africa food can market, India and Indonesia are projected to be the leading countries due to their large and rapidly growing populations, coupled with increasing food processing activities. Significant growth is also anticipated in several sub-Saharan African nations.
- Leading Region/Country: India, Indonesia, and several Sub-Saharan African countries.
- Dominant Material: Steel/Tin Cans (due to cost-effectiveness). Aluminum Cans are gaining traction for premium applications.
- Dominant Can Type: 2-piece cans are more prevalent due to cost efficiency. 3-piece cans are used for applications requiring higher strength.
- Dominant Application: Processed food, followed by fruits and vegetables and fish and seafood.
Key Growth Drivers:
- India & Indonesia: Expanding middle class, rising food processing industry.
- Sub-Saharan Africa: Increasing urbanization, improved infrastructure (in select areas).
- Steel/Tin Cans: Cost-effectiveness and wide availability.
- Processed Food: High demand for convenient and shelf-stable food products.
Asia & Africa Food Can Market Product Analysis
Recent innovations focus on improved barrier properties to enhance product shelf life, lighter weight cans to reduce transportation costs, and sustainable materials to meet growing environmental concerns. These advancements cater to evolving consumer preferences for convenience, food safety, and environmental responsibility. Competitive advantages are gained through cost-efficient manufacturing, superior product protection, and innovative designs.
Key Drivers, Barriers & Challenges in Asia & Africa Food Can Market
Key Drivers:
- Rising disposable incomes across several Asian and African countries drive demand for processed foods.
- Growing urbanization and changing lifestyles fuel demand for convenient, shelf-stable food options.
- Technological advancements in can manufacturing increase efficiency and reduce costs.
Key Challenges:
- Fluctuating raw material prices (aluminum, steel) impact production costs.
- Stringent regulatory compliance requirements add complexity and costs.
- Intense competition from substitute packaging materials necessitates product innovation and cost optimization. This leads to approximately xx Million in lost revenue annually.
Growth Drivers in the Asia & Africa Food Can Market Market
The market's growth is mainly driven by increasing demand for processed foods, fueled by rising urbanization and changing lifestyles. Technological improvements in can manufacturing, such as lighter and more sustainable materials, also contribute. Government policies supporting the food processing industry create further impetus.
Challenges Impacting Asia & Africa Food Can Market Growth
Raw material price volatility and stringent regulations pose significant challenges. Intense competition from flexible packaging and other alternatives necessitates continuous innovation to maintain market share. Supply chain disruptions can also affect production and delivery.
Key Players Shaping the Asia & Africa Food Can Market Market
- Asia Can Co Ltd
- Nampak Ltd
- MC Packaging (Pte) Ltd
- Ardagh Group
- Royal Cans Industries Company
- Dongwon Systems
- Crown Holdings Inc
- CPMC Holdings Limited
- CanSmart Group
- Toyo Seikan Group Holdings Ltd
- Kaira Can Private Limited
- Kian Joo Can Factory (Can One)
- Silgan Holdings Inc
- ORG Packaging Co Limited
- Can It
Significant Asia & Africa Food Can Market Industry Milestones
- November 2020: Nestle announced the expansion of its cereal business production in Zimbabwe, aiming for over 30% production increase. This signifies increased demand for food cans in the region.
- February 2021: Tyson Foods and Malayan Flour Mills Berhad (MFM) partnered, with Tyson investing in MFM's poultry business. This partnership enhances poultry supply chain efficiency impacting the demand for food cans for poultry products.
Future Outlook for Asia & Africa Food Can Market Market
The Asia & Africa food can market is poised for continued expansion, driven by sustained economic growth, urbanization, and evolving consumer preferences. Strategic investments in sustainable packaging solutions and technological advancements will further propel market growth. Opportunities exist in expanding into underserved markets and developing innovative products tailored to specific consumer needs. The market's future is bright, promising significant growth and expansion throughout the forecast period.
Asia & Africa Food Can Market Segmentation
-
1. Material
- 1.1. Aluminum Cans
- 1.2. Steel/Tin Cans
-
2. Can Type
- 2.1. 2-piece
- 2.2. 3-piece
-
3. Application
- 3.1. Fish and Seafood
- 3.2. Fruits and Vegetables
- 3.3. Processed Food
- 3.4. Pet Food
- 3.5. Other Applications
-
4. Geography
-
4.1. Asia
- 4.1.1. China
- 4.1.2. India
- 4.1.3. South Korea
- 4.1.4. Southeast Asia
-
4.2. Africa
- 4.2.1. South Africa
-
4.1. Asia
Asia & Africa Food Can Market Segmentation By Geography
-
1. Asia
- 1.1. China
- 1.2. India
- 1.3. South Korea
- 1.4. Southeast Asia
-
2. Africa
- 2.1. South Africa

Asia & Africa Food Can Market REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
Aspects | Details |
---|---|
Study Period | 2019-2033 |
Base Year | 2024 |
Estimated Year | 2025 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
Growth Rate | CAGR of 6.57% from 2019-2033 |
Segmentation |
|
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1. Research Scope
- 1.2. Market Segmentation
- 1.3. Research Methodology
- 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions
- 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Introduction
- 3. Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Introduction
- 3.2. Market Drivers
- 3.2.1. High Recyclable Score of Metal Cans over Alternatives; Demand for Canned Foods Driven by Cost and Convenience-related Advantages; Product Innovations Leading to Increased Shelf Life
- 3.3. Market Restrains
- 3.3.1. ; Stringent Regulations on the Usage of Plastic Bottles
- 3.4. Market Trends
- 3.4.1. Fruits and Vegetables to Drive the Market Growth
- 4. Market Factor Analysis
- 4.1. Porters Five Forces
- 4.2. Supply/Value Chain
- 4.3. PESTEL analysis
- 4.4. Market Entropy
- 4.5. Patent/Trademark Analysis
- 5. Asia & Africa Food Can Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Material
- 5.1.1. Aluminum Cans
- 5.1.2. Steel/Tin Cans
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Can Type
- 5.2.1. 2-piece
- 5.2.2. 3-piece
- 5.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 5.3.1. Fish and Seafood
- 5.3.2. Fruits and Vegetables
- 5.3.3. Processed Food
- 5.3.4. Pet Food
- 5.3.5. Other Applications
- 5.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 5.4.1. Asia
- 5.4.1.1. China
- 5.4.1.2. India
- 5.4.1.3. South Korea
- 5.4.1.4. Southeast Asia
- 5.4.2. Africa
- 5.4.2.1. South Africa
- 5.4.1. Asia
- 5.5. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Region
- 5.5.1. Asia
- 5.5.2. Africa
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Material
- 6. Asia Asia & Africa Food Can Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Material
- 6.1.1. Aluminum Cans
- 6.1.2. Steel/Tin Cans
- 6.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Can Type
- 6.2.1. 2-piece
- 6.2.2. 3-piece
- 6.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 6.3.1. Fish and Seafood
- 6.3.2. Fruits and Vegetables
- 6.3.3. Processed Food
- 6.3.4. Pet Food
- 6.3.5. Other Applications
- 6.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 6.4.1. Asia
- 6.4.1.1. China
- 6.4.1.2. India
- 6.4.1.3. South Korea
- 6.4.1.4. Southeast Asia
- 6.4.2. Africa
- 6.4.2.1. South Africa
- 6.4.1. Asia
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Material
- 7. Africa Asia & Africa Food Can Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Material
- 7.1.1. Aluminum Cans
- 7.1.2. Steel/Tin Cans
- 7.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Can Type
- 7.2.1. 2-piece
- 7.2.2. 3-piece
- 7.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 7.3.1. Fish and Seafood
- 7.3.2. Fruits and Vegetables
- 7.3.3. Processed Food
- 7.3.4. Pet Food
- 7.3.5. Other Applications
- 7.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 7.4.1. Asia
- 7.4.1.1. China
- 7.4.1.2. India
- 7.4.1.3. South Korea
- 7.4.1.4. Southeast Asia
- 7.4.2. Africa
- 7.4.2.1. South Africa
- 7.4.1. Asia
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Material
- 8. South Africa Asia & Africa Food Can Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 9. Sudan Asia & Africa Food Can Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 10. Uganda Asia & Africa Food Can Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 11. Tanzania Asia & Africa Food Can Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 12. Kenya Asia & Africa Food Can Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 13. Rest of Africa Asia & Africa Food Can Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 14. Competitive Analysis
- 14.1. Market Share Analysis 2024
- 14.2. Company Profiles
- 14.2.1 Asia Can Co Ltd
- 14.2.1.1. Overview
- 14.2.1.2. Products
- 14.2.1.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.1.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.1.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.2 Nampak Lt
- 14.2.2.1. Overview
- 14.2.2.2. Products
- 14.2.2.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.2.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.2.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.3 MC Packaging (Pte) Ltd
- 14.2.3.1. Overview
- 14.2.3.2. Products
- 14.2.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.3.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.3.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.4 Ardagh Group
- 14.2.4.1. Overview
- 14.2.4.2. Products
- 14.2.4.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.4.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.4.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.5 Royal Cans Industries Company
- 14.2.5.1. Overview
- 14.2.5.2. Products
- 14.2.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.5.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.5.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.6 Dongwon Systems
- 14.2.6.1. Overview
- 14.2.6.2. Products
- 14.2.6.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.6.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.6.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.7 Crown Holdings Inc
- 14.2.7.1. Overview
- 14.2.7.2. Products
- 14.2.7.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.7.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.7.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.8 CPMC Holdings Limited
- 14.2.8.1. Overview
- 14.2.8.2. Products
- 14.2.8.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.8.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.8.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.9 CanSmart Group
- 14.2.9.1. Overview
- 14.2.9.2. Products
- 14.2.9.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.9.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.9.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.10 Toyo Seikan Group Holdings Ltd
- 14.2.10.1. Overview
- 14.2.10.2. Products
- 14.2.10.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.10.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.10.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.11 Kaira Can Private Limited
- 14.2.11.1. Overview
- 14.2.11.2. Products
- 14.2.11.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.11.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.11.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.12 Kian Joo Can Factory (Can One)
- 14.2.12.1. Overview
- 14.2.12.2. Products
- 14.2.12.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.12.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.12.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.13 Silgan Holdings Inc
- 14.2.13.1. Overview
- 14.2.13.2. Products
- 14.2.13.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.13.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.13.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.14 ORG Packaging Co Limited
- 14.2.14.1. Overview
- 14.2.14.2. Products
- 14.2.14.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.14.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.14.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.15 Can It
- 14.2.15.1. Overview
- 14.2.15.2. Products
- 14.2.15.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.15.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.15.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.1 Asia Can Co Ltd
List of Figures
- Figure 1: Asia & Africa Food Can Market Revenue Breakdown (Million, %) by Product 2024 & 2032
- Figure 2: Asia & Africa Food Can Market Share (%) by Company 2024
List of Tables
- Table 1: Asia & Africa Food Can Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 2: Asia & Africa Food Can Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Material 2019 & 2032
- Table 3: Asia & Africa Food Can Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Can Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 4: Asia & Africa Food Can Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 5: Asia & Africa Food Can Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 6: Asia & Africa Food Can Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 7: Asia & Africa Food Can Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 8: South Africa Asia & Africa Food Can Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 9: Sudan Asia & Africa Food Can Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 10: Uganda Asia & Africa Food Can Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 11: Tanzania Asia & Africa Food Can Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 12: Kenya Asia & Africa Food Can Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 13: Rest of Africa Asia & Africa Food Can Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 14: Asia & Africa Food Can Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Material 2019 & 2032
- Table 15: Asia & Africa Food Can Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Can Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 16: Asia & Africa Food Can Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 17: Asia & Africa Food Can Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 18: Asia & Africa Food Can Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 19: China Asia & Africa Food Can Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 20: India Asia & Africa Food Can Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 21: South Korea Asia & Africa Food Can Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 22: Southeast Asia Asia & Africa Food Can Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 23: Asia & Africa Food Can Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Material 2019 & 2032
- Table 24: Asia & Africa Food Can Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Can Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 25: Asia & Africa Food Can Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 26: Asia & Africa Food Can Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 27: Asia & Africa Food Can Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 28: South Africa Asia & Africa Food Can Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the Asia & Africa Food Can Market?
The projected CAGR is approximately 6.57%.
2. Which companies are prominent players in the Asia & Africa Food Can Market?
Key companies in the market include Asia Can Co Ltd, Nampak Lt, MC Packaging (Pte) Ltd, Ardagh Group, Royal Cans Industries Company, Dongwon Systems, Crown Holdings Inc, CPMC Holdings Limited, CanSmart Group, Toyo Seikan Group Holdings Ltd, Kaira Can Private Limited, Kian Joo Can Factory (Can One), Silgan Holdings Inc, ORG Packaging Co Limited, Can It.
3. What are the main segments of the Asia & Africa Food Can Market?
The market segments include Material, Can Type , Application, Geography.
4. Can you provide details about the market size?
The market size is estimated to be USD 6.97 Million as of 2022.
5. What are some drivers contributing to market growth?
High Recyclable Score of Metal Cans over Alternatives; Demand for Canned Foods Driven by Cost and Convenience-related Advantages; Product Innovations Leading to Increased Shelf Life.
6. What are the notable trends driving market growth?
Fruits and Vegetables to Drive the Market Growth.
7. Are there any restraints impacting market growth?
; Stringent Regulations on the Usage of Plastic Bottles.
8. Can you provide examples of recent developments in the market?
February 2021 - Tyson Foods and Malayan Flour Mills Berhad (MFM) announced a partnership in which Tyson Foods is expected to invest in MFM's vertically integrated poultry business, thus adding more supply flexibility for both companies.
9. What pricing options are available for accessing the report?
Pricing options include single-user, multi-user, and enterprise licenses priced at USD 4750, USD 5250, and USD 8750 respectively.
10. Is the market size provided in terms of value or volume?
The market size is provided in terms of value, measured in Million.
11. Are there any specific market keywords associated with the report?
Yes, the market keyword associated with the report is "Asia & Africa Food Can Market," which aids in identifying and referencing the specific market segment covered.
12. How do I determine which pricing option suits my needs best?
The pricing options vary based on user requirements and access needs. Individual users may opt for single-user licenses, while businesses requiring broader access may choose multi-user or enterprise licenses for cost-effective access to the report.
13. Are there any additional resources or data provided in the Asia & Africa Food Can Market report?
While the report offers comprehensive insights, it's advisable to review the specific contents or supplementary materials provided to ascertain if additional resources or data are available.
14. How can I stay updated on further developments or reports in the Asia & Africa Food Can Market?
To stay informed about further developments, trends, and reports in the Asia & Africa Food Can Market, consider subscribing to industry newsletters, following relevant companies and organizations, or regularly checking reputable industry news sources and publications.
Methodology
Step 1 - Identification of Relevant Samples Size from Population Database



Step 2 - Approaches for Defining Global Market Size (Value, Volume* & Price*)

Note*: In applicable scenarios
Step 3 - Data Sources
Primary Research
- Web Analytics
- Survey Reports
- Research Institute
- Latest Research Reports
- Opinion Leaders
Secondary Research
- Annual Reports
- White Paper
- Latest Press Release
- Industry Association
- Paid Database
- Investor Presentations

Step 4 - Data Triangulation
Involves using different sources of information in order to increase the validity of a study
These sources are likely to be stakeholders in a program - participants, other researchers, program staff, other community members, and so on.
Then we put all data in single framework & apply various statistical tools to find out the dynamic on the market.
During the analysis stage, feedback from the stakeholder groups would be compared to determine areas of agreement as well as areas of divergence