UK: Cawston Press enters beer category with acquisition of Loah

Cawston Press, the UK-based soft drinks manufacturer, has expanded into the low and no-alcohol beer market for the first time with the acquisition of the low-alcohol beer brand Loah for an undisclosed sum.

Founded in 2020, Loah specialises in fruit-infused, 0.5% abv beers, including Peach Pale Ale, Blood Orange IPA and Lime Lager. The brand, which markets its range as low-calorie, gluten-free and vegan, will be integrated into Cawston Press’s existing supply chain and distribution network across grocery, impulse and on-trade channels. Under the terms of the deal, Loah founder Hugo Tapp will continue to lead the business, retaining responsibility for brewing and innovation.

Steve Kearns, managing director of Cawston Press, commented: “This move is a true reflection on consumer drinking habits today. The lines between soft drinks and no/low alcohol are blurring and this makes Loah a great strategic fit for us – it’s a brand built on fruit, flavour and quality, just like Cawston Press. We see real opportunity to help build Loah through our established grocery and impulse distribution channels”.

Loah founder Hugo Tapp added: “Working with Cawston Press will allow us to take our beers to the next level, with a reformulated range that tastes better than ever. Joining the Cawston family gives Loah the chance to reach real scale while staying true to its mission: to make alcohol-free beer more fruitful”.

Source: The Caterer / FoodBev