Cawston Press acquires low and no brand Loah

British soft drinks business Cawston Press has expanded into the low and no alcohol drinks category with the acquisition of Loah, a 0.5% abv fruit beer brand. 

Terms of the transaction were undisclosed.

Loah founder Hugo Tapp will continue to lead the brand, retaining operational responsibility for brewing, innovation and brand development.

Cawston Press stated there will be no changes for Loah following the acquisition and both brands will continue to operate as distinct entities.

Loah will now be able to utilise shared resources with the soft drinks firm in the supply chain, distribution and marketing.

Steve Kearns, managing director of Cawston Press, said: “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, whilst extending the portfolio we can offer to on-trade customers, helping operators create interesting, independent-led menus crafted to serve multiple drinking occasions.”

Loah’s Tapp added: “Over the last five years, we’ve watched no/low-alcohol beer shift from a token presence to a dynamic category. 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.”

Loah beers are brewed to under 0.5% abv, with the range including Peach Pale Ale, Blood Orange IPA and Lime Lager.

The updated Loah range will be available to trade customers via Cawston Press with immediate effect.