Spanish brewer Damm has taken a minority stake in UK soft-drinks brand Dalston's Soda Co., as part of its efforts to become "a total beverage company".

Financial terms were not disclosed.

In a statement today (29 July), Damm said it will support Dalston with production, distribution and commercial infrastructure to "further Dalston's growth across on-trade and off-trade channels".

It said the move was "another step in Damm's journey to becoming a total beverage company".

The investment makes London-based Dalston's the first soft-drinks partner in Damm UK's Accelerator Programme at the Damm Eagle Brewery in Bedford, which the company said is "designed to support fledgling beverage brands".

Luke White, the managing director at Damm UK, said: "We are excited to welcome Dalston's as our first soft drinks partner which is well aligned with Damm's premium offering that centres around craftsmanship, excellent ingredients and outstanding quality.

"We look forward to seeing Dalston's flourish as we work together to help support its growthin the UK and beyond."

Speaking to Just Drinks, White said Dalston's already had a strong presence in the UK off-trade, and Damm would help the brand grow in the on-trade. But he also stressed the Spanish group sees opportunities for the brand across channels.

"When you take a step back and you look at the soft drinks category, especially on those brands that are more natural, more premium, considered better-for-you, they are growing, and they're growing in every channel and subchannel," White said.

"One of the biggest things that excites us is the scale at which we think this brand could grow to, given the way that the consumers are interacting now with healthier beverages, so it's not a one channel opportunity."

Dalston's was founded in London by chef Duncan O'Brien and sells fruit-based sodas made without added sugar, artificial sweeteners or flavourings. O'Brien owns the business alongside a group of angel investors.

Founder O'Brien said: "It's a little mind-blowing to see Dalston's make it from its bootstrapped origins to partnering with Damm. They're a superb ally for Dalston's - we share a focus on producing great-tasting drinks, and a real respect for gastronomy, sustainability and the arts."

The business is listed by UK retailers including Waitrose, Asda and Ocado, and also supplies hospitality and independent outlets in the country.

With the latest agreement, Damm also wants to bring Dalston's to global markets, though it could not confirm at this stage where it might export the brand to.