In the world of beer distribution, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep the players straight as acquisitions and consolidations become more common. How this trickles down to consumers remains to be seen, but it is a noteworthy trend in the industry. I reported on some of this action back in April. Today, Columbia Distributing announced its intentions to sell its stake in Scout Distribution’s Idaho business to Hayden Beverage Company. Here is the press release regarding this latest development.
Hayden Beverage Company to Acquire Idaho’s Scout Distribution from Columbia Distributing
KENT, Washington – August 13, 2025 – Columbia Distributing today announced its intent to sell its stake in Scout Distribution’s Idaho business to Hayden Beverage Company. The transaction aligns with other recent Scout developments in California and Arizona, as its owners exit the company’s distribution arm to increase focus on their successful craft beer production through Harland Brewing Company. The deal is expected to close in September.
Columbia President & CEO Chris Steffanci is pleased with the selection of Hayden. “By far, Hayden is the best total beverage distributor in Idaho. Suppliers are in the excellent hands of the most capable team in this region. I’m excited to watch how they continue to grow under Hayden’s great leadership.”
“It is so much fun when your nemesis becomes your brother. We are excited to partner with the Scout breweries and employees. They have done a remarkable job in Idaho. This creates a formidable sales force in the Idaho Wine Merchant arm of the Hayden Beverage family. We look forward to continuing their market-trend-defying growth,” stated Founder & CEO Dodds Hayden.
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Jeff Hansson, Scout Co-founder & CEO, states, “This transition allows us to focus our energy and passion on Harland, our craft brewery in San Diego. We’re deeply grateful to our partners at Columbia Distributing, our incredible team, and the many retailers who have supported us over the past three years. Your dedication and partnership have been instrumental in our success, and we wish everyone the best.”
About Columbia Distributing
Since 1935, Columbia Distributing has helped build some of the best-known brands in the beverage business. Today Columbia Distributing and its 2,800 teammates service over 24,000 retail customers covering more than 135,000 square miles in Oregon and Washington. We operate eight warehouses in Washington, located in the cities of Kent, Everett, Poulsbo, Tumwater, Spokane, Kennewick, Yakima and Vancouver. Oregon is composed of seven warehouses, located in the cities of Canby, Springfield, Medford, Bend, Pendleton, La Grande, and Ontario. Columbia’s success is based on the 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 on Columbia Distributing, including employment opportunities, visit www.coldist.com.
About Scout Distribution
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Created by a group of individuals who are committed to building brands in an unconventional way, Scout Distribution is leading with innovation and customer service. With the goal to work with each of their brands individually to achieve their goals; Scout Distribution, where brands come first. For more information, visit https://scoutdist.com.
About Hayden Beverage Company
In 2008, our company and Young’s Market Company (a 9-state wine and Spirits Distributor) saw an opportunity to grow together and we created a strategic partnership. This partnership led to rapid geographic and sales growth helping us create the first true state-wide Idaho distributorship and eventually leading us to set up a Montana-wide distributorship. The two legal entities (Young’s Market Company of Idaho selling Wine and low-proof spirits and Boise Sales Company selling beer and non-alcoholic beverages) operate under the Hayden Beverage banner and share sales, logistic, and administrative functions. In 2020, RNDC purchased Young’s Market Company and became our partner. Dodds Hayden serves as CEO of both Boise Sales and RNDC of Idaho. For more information, visit www.haydenbeverage.com.
