Beer is good food.

–John Goodman

The word “case” doesn’t imply a number, just a method of packaging. While generally speaking, a case is thought of as holding four six-packs, or 24 bottles or cans, some American companies have started marketing 30-can cases. This allows them to make it seem like the consumer is getting more for their money (more is better, right? Quantity over quality?). Also, by abandoning the six-pack packaging within the case, they can reduce the amount of empty space in the case, saving them money in shipping. The cans are put in an offset pattern in the case, rather than in a rectangular, four-by-six pattern. Think of the pattern of stars on a modern, 50 star American flag, as opposed to an old 48 star flag, and you’ll get the idea.

Also, apparently, the term “case” means different things in different areas of the world, but I’ll admit to not being able to treat on that subject.