Columbia Distributing and Hayden Beverage Complete Strategic Partnership Investment Strengthening a Growing Pacific Northwest Total Beverage Platform
WILSONVILLE, Oregon, and BOISE, Idaho (September 17, 2026) – Columbia Distributing and Hayden Beverage Company today announced the completion of their previously announced strategic partnership, with Columbia acquiring a minority stake in
Hayden Beverage.
As part of the transaction, the Hayden family has also taken an indirect ownership interest in Columbia, creating long-term alignment between two established beverage distributors with shared supplier relationships, similar cultures, and a strong focus on execution and local markets.
“This is an exciting milestone for Columbia, Hayden, and our shared vision for total beverage distribution in the Pacific Northwest,” said Chris Steffanci, President and CEO of Columbia Distributing. “Hayden has built an exceptional business in Idaho with strong supplier relationships, a talented team, and a proven commitment to execution. This partnership strengthens both companies and creates new opportunities for long-term growth.”
Hayden will remain independent and continue operating under its existing leadership, banner, licenses, systems, and processes. The transaction will not result in any employee changes, layoffs, or changes to day-to-day operations.
“Columbia is a remarkable company with great history, people, brands, culture, and reputation that set it apart. In a moment of transition in our industry, our partnership puts us in a position to not only survive but to create opportunities to thrive,” said Dodds
Hayden, Owner and Chairman of Hayden Beverage. “We are excited about what’s to come.”
Strategic partnerships have long played an important role in Hayden’s growth. The Young’s Market Company and RNDC alliances were instrumental in Hayden’s substantial growth. The partnership with Columbia creates the same, but with a more
local and regional flavor.
The partnership also advances Columbia’s broader Pacific Northwest strategy. Columbia currently operates across Oregon and Washington, has now established a strategic partnership with Hayden in Idaho, and continues working toward the acquisition of related assets in Alaska. Together, those efforts are intended to create a true four-state Pacific Northwest total beverage platform across Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, with stronger regional alignment while preserving local market expertise and relationships. The Alaska transaction has not yet closed.
“This is about building the right platform with the right partners in the right markets,” Steffanci said. “We believe the Pacific Northwest offers a unique opportunity to combine regional scale with strong local execution, and we are excited about what comes next.”
About Columbia Distributing
Since 1935, Columbia Distributing has helped build some of the best-known brands in the beverage business. Today, Columbia’s 3,200 teammates serve more than 24,000 retail customers across Oregon and Washington, covering nearly 170,000 square miles.
With the planned expansion into Alaska, Columbia will add approximately 1,125 accounts and extend its reach to more than 835,000 square miles across three states. Columbia’s success is based on a deep-rooted tradition of delivering quality products,
timely service and a genuine concern for customers’ needs. This is achieved by providing ongoing, sustainable opportunities and growth for its teammates, customers, suppliers, shareholders and communities. For more information, visit www.coldist.com.
About Hayden Beverage
Hayden Beverage, founded by John Hayden in 1970 and purchased by Dodds Hayden in 2006, is the leading Idaho-based beverage distributor. Built on a multi-division model that brings specialized expertise across categories, channels, and markets, the company serves customers statewide with a portfolio spanning wine, beer, cider, non-alcoholic beverages, and other emerging categories. For more information, visit www.haydenbeverage.com.
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