UK-based Cawston Press has ventured beyond its fruit-forward juice and CSD homeland, buying the Loah alcohol-free beer business.
Privately-owned Cawston, which owns the namesake fruit juice, carbonated and ‘fruit water’ brand, has spent an undisclosed sum on the London-based non-alc start-up, which debuted in 2020. All three variants in the Loah portfolio, Blood Orange IPA, Lime Lager and Peach Pale Ale, will be absorbed into Cawston’s distribution, marketing and supply-chain operations.
Founder Hugo Tapp will “continue to lead the brand, retaining operational responsibility for brewing, innovation, and brand development”.
Cawston MD Steven Kearns said: “The lines between soft drinks and no- and 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.”
Cawston is minority owned by Princes Group, which is home to the Jucee range of cordials.
Late last week, the CEO of Molson Coors Beverage Co said he had identified what he believes are “gaps” in the company’s ‘Beer and Beyond’ portfolio, with Rahul Goyal pointing to categories such as RTD spirits as potential targets to drive growth.
