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British soft drinks maker Cawston Press has entered the fast-growing no- and low-alcohol drinks market with the acquisition of Loah, a fruit-led alcohol-free beer brand, as manufacturers increasingly look to blur the lines between soft drinks and beer.

The acquisition marks Cawston Press’ first move into the non-alcoholic beer category and reflects a broader shift among drinks producers seeking growth beyond traditional soft drinks, as consumer demand for alcohol moderation and 'zebra striping' drinking habits becomes a year-round trend rather than a seasonal one.

Loah produces beers brewed to under 0.5% ABV, using hops designed to complement added fruit flavours. Its range includes Peach Pale Ale, Blood Orange IPA and Lime Lager, all of which are gluten-free and vegan – attributes that have become increasingly important in the no/low segment.

Founder Hugo Tapp will continue to lead the brand, retaining responsibility for brewing, innovation and brand development, while gaining access to Cawston Press’ supply chain, distribution and marketing infrastructure.

For Cawston Press, the deal offers a route into a category that sits between soft drinks and alcohol, allowing the company to leverage its established grocery, impulse and on-trade relationships while expanding the portfolio it can offer operators.

“The lines between soft drinks and no/low alcohol are blurring,” Cawston's managing director Steve Kearns said, adding that the company sees opportunities to grow Loah through retail while also supporting pubs and restaurants looking to build more varied drinks menus across multiple occasions.

Industry data suggests flavour is becoming a decisive factor in alcohol purchasing, with UK drinkers increasingly prioritising taste over price – a shift that has helped premiumise parts of the no/low category, particularly fruit-forward and beer-adjacent products.

Cawston Press said the acquisition follows strong seasonal interest in alcohol moderation at the start of the year, but is aimed at capturing longer-term growth as consumers increasingly alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

The updated Loah range is available to trade customers through Cawston Press with immediate effect.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.