Cawston Press enters no‑ and low‑alcohol market
Cawston Press has made its first move into the booming no‑ and low‑alcohol drinks category with the acquisition of LOAH, the 0.5% fruit‑led beer brand founded by entrepreneur Hugo Tapp.
The deal, announced in January 2026, marks a strategic shift for the pressed‑juice and soft‑drinks company as it responds to rapidly changing drinking habits in the UK.
The move comes at a moment of heightened interest in alcohol moderation, with nearly one in three Brits taking part in Dry January this year. But Cawston Press says the decision is driven by a much broader, year‑round trend: the rise of “zebra striping” drinking patterns, where consumers increasingly switch between alcoholic and non‑alcoholic options depending on the occasion.
Why Cawston is entering no/low now
Managing director Steve Kearns said the acquisition reflects a fundamental shift in how consumers approach drinking.
“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.”
Kearns added that the company sees significant opportunity to scale LOAH through its established grocery and impulse distribution channels, while also strengthening its offer to on‑trade customers seeking more interesting, independent‑led no/low options.
The decision is also rooted in evolving consumer expectations. Recent research shows 35% of UK drinkers now rank taste as their top priority when buying alcohol – well ahead of price. LOAH’s flavour‑first approach, built around natural fruit and carefully selected hops, directly taps into this demand for premium, great‑tasting alternatives.
LOAH to retain creative and brewing leadership
Founder Hugo Tapp will continue to lead LOAH, retaining responsibility for brewing, innovation and brand development. The integration will give LOAH access to Cawston’s supply chain, distribution and marketing infrastructure, enabling the brand to scale without losing its identity.
Tapp said the partnership comes at a pivotal moment for the no/low beer category.
“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. 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.”
Fruit‑forward beers for a flavour‑driven market
LOAH’s range – including Peach Pale Ale, Blood Orange IPA and Lime Lager – is brewed naturally to under 0.5% ABV. Each beer is crafted to highlight fruit character supported by complementary hop profiles. The range is gluten‑free and vegan, aligning with growing demand for accessible, high‑quality no/low options.
The acquisition positions Cawston Press to compete in a category that continues to expand as consumers seek moderation without sacrificing flavour. It also strengthens the company’s presence across multiple drinking occasions – from daytime refreshment to evening socialising – reflecting the increasingly fluid boundaries between soft drinks and no/low alcohol.
The updated LOAH range is available to trade customers immediately through Cawston Press.
