Big news coming out of Oregon. One of the nation’s largest beer distributors announces it is acquiring Oregon’s craft-focused Point Plank Distributing.
Since 2003, Point Blank has operated as a craft-focused beer distributor in Oregon, growing with the rest of the craft beer industry. The company distributes notable Oregon-based craft brands like Barley Brown’s Beer, Stormbreaker Brewing, Double Mountain Brewery, Von Ebert Brewing, pFriem Family Brewers, Boneyard Beer, and others. It also handles notable Washington-based breweries like Matchless Brewing, Black Raven Brewing, Recluse Brew Works, Trap Door Brewing, and others.
Columbia Distributing is one of the largest and oldest beverage distributors in the United States, primarily operating in the Pacific Northwest. It already handles some notable craft brands but is perhaps best known as the distributor of products from MolsonCoors, Heineken, Corona, and Modelo.
According to the press release below, the intent is to ensure a seamless transition for the partners involved — the brewery and retail partners. Time will tell how this impacts the comparatively smaller breweries that will now exist in a much, much deeper catalog.
Columbia Distributing to Acquire Point Blank Distributing
Point Blank to Remain a Craft-Focused Division within Columbia, Preserving Supplier and Retailer Relationships and Service
WILSONVILLE, Oregon – January 26, 2026 – Columbia Distributing today announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Point Blank Distributing, a respected Oregon craft-focused distributor, with the transaction expected to close on March 31, 2026.
Point Blank has spent more than 25 years building deep relationships with craft breweries and retailers across Oregon, earning a reputation for disciplined execution, on-premise expertise, and service-first partnership. Columbia’s acquisition is designed to preserve those strengths while providing additional long-term investment, infrastructure, and support for Point Blank’s suppliers and customers.
Following the close, Point Blank will operate as a dedicated craft beer division within Columbia, maintaining its craft-first focus, service model, and brewer relationships—now backed by Columbia’s statewide logistics network, unmatched merchandising and category resources.
“This is a relationship-driven decision, first and foremost,” said Chris Steffanci, President and CEO of Columbia Distributing. “Point Blank has built something special by staying focused on craft, service, and trust. Our goal is simple: protect what makes Point Blank successful and strengthen it with long-term investment, people, and infrastructure that help suppliers and retailers grow.”
For Point Blank’s supplier and retail partners, the transition is designed to be seamless. Day-to-day service, sales relationships, and portfolio focus will remain consistent, supported by expanded capabilities that enhance execution and reach.
“I started my career at Columbia and cut my teeth there for 15 years. This new partnership sets our craft partners up for success with more resources and more reach. This is going to be a great opportunity for their long-term growth,” said Scott Willis, Owner of Point Blank Distributing.
Several longtime Point Blank brewers also expressed confidence in the transition.
“For almost 14 years, pFriem has had an amazing partnership with Point Blank Distributing. They have been deeply committed to the consumer and our team and have been a great representative of our brand. We have also had the opportunity to work with Columbia in Washington, where we have an excellent partner that takes great care of both the customer and our brand. We are excited for the two to join forces in Oregon to continue the customer service platform that Point Blank has built, backed by the scale and strength of Columbia—creating a stronger resource to keep our customers happy by delivering fresh, cold-stored beer across the state,” said Josh Pfriem, co-founder of pFriem Family Brewers.
“Point Blank has been an outstanding brand builder and executor from the outset. The Point Blank team’s skill and work ethic over the last decade helped propel Boneyard RPM IPA to become the top craft beer product in Oregon. Partnering with Columbia will further enhance Point Blank’s ability to be effective across more channels and a broader account universe. This is the next big step for the Boneyard brand, and we couldn’t be happier to see our two most important distributor partners come together,” said Peter Skrbek, CEO of Deschutes Brewery.
By combining Point Blank’s craft expertise with Columbia’s operational scale, the transaction creates a durable growth platform for craft beer in Oregon—one that prioritizes brand stewardship, service quality, and long-term partnerships. “This is about continuity and opportunity,” added Steffanci. “We’re committed to earning trust every day—just as Point Blank has done for decades.”
About Columbia Distributing
Since 1935, Columbia Distributing has helped build some of the best-known brands in the beverage business. Today, Columbia and its teammates service more than 24,000 retail customers across Oregon and Washington. Columbia’s success is rooted in strong relationships, reliable service, and a commitment to long-term growth for suppliers, customers, teammates, and the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.coldist.com.
About Point Blank Distributing
Founded more than 25 years ago, Point Blank Distributing is a craft-focused beverage distributor serving Oregon, known for its deep on-premise expertise, strong supplier partnerships, and commitment to service and quality.
