A Suffolk brewery is toasting a deal to provide alcohol-free beer to 93 East of England Co-op stores.

St Peter’s Brewery, based at St Peter South Elmham, said the contract to provide its St Peter’s Without alcohol-free craft beer reflects a growing demand for alcohol-free alternatives.

“Times are changing in the UK drinks market,” said chief executive Steve Magnall.

“Since launching Without last summer we’ve noticed a huge growth in demand for alcohol-free drinks in general. People want a high quality alternative and Without fits the bill.

“Without is now the UK’s number one alcohol-free craft beer and we expect interest to continue to grow and for more retailers to increase their alcohol-free offerings.”

The company, which already sells the product via Wholefoods Market, Nisa and Mitchell & Butler pubs, said the latest deal will strengthen further the brand’s position in the market.