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British soft drinks manufacturer Cawston Press has announced its strategic entry into the fast-growing no- and low-alcohol sector, acquiring fruit-led alcohol-free beer brand Loah.

The deal signals a significant portfolio diversification for Cawston Press, capitalising on the blurring lines between traditional soft drinks and the adult alcohol-free category. By integrating Loah, the company aims to offer a more comprehensive beverage solution to operators across grocery, impulse, and on-trade channels.

Blurring Category Lines

Loah specialises in beers brewed to under 0.5% ABV, utilising hops specifically selected to complement added fruit flavours. The acquisition allows Cawston Press to leverage its existing fruit sourcing and pressing expertise within a beer-adjacent format.

Steve Kearns, Managing Director of Cawston Press, commented on the market dynamics driving the deal: "The lines between soft drinks and no/low alcohol are blurring. We see opportunities to grow Loah through retail while also supporting pubs and restaurants looking to build more varied drinks menus across multiple occasions."

Operational Integration and Leadership

Under the terms of the acquisition, Loah founder Hugo Tapp will remain with the business. Tapp retains responsibility for brewing, innovation, and brand development, ensuring the product's craft credentials are maintained.

Critically, the brand will now plug into Cawston Press’ established infrastructure, gaining immediate access to scaled supply chain logistics, distribution networks, and marketing resources.

Product Portfolio

Loah’s range is positioned as "fruit-led," a key differentiator in a market often dominated by traditional lager or ale analogues. The current lineup includes:

• 🍑🍺 Peach Pale Ale

• 🍊🍺 Blood Orange IPA

• 🍋🍺 Lime Lager

All products in the range are gluten-free and vegan, attributes that are becoming baseline requirements for the modern no/low consumer.

Market Context

The acquisition comes amidst strong seasonal interest in alcohol moderation, but Cawston Press frames the move as a long-term play. Industry data suggests that flavour is becoming a decisive factor for UK drinkers, who are increasingly prioritising taste over price—a trend that supports premium, fruit-forward propositions like Loah.

The updated Loah range is available to trade customers through Cawston Press with immediate effect. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.