Columbia Distributing and Métier Brewing Company (MBC) just announced a partnership that will see the brewery’s beer enjoy wider distribution across Washington state.
“We proudly and humbly join the Columbia Distributing portfolio of highly regarded local, national, and global brands,” said Rodney Hines, CEO & Co-founder of Métier Brewing Company. “With Columbia Distributing, we expand the reach of our brand, enabling us to further our mission.”
The announcement was made on February 1st, marking the first day of Black History Month. Local beer enthusiasts will recall that Métier Brewing became Washington’s first Black-owned brewery when it opened back in 2018. It is just one of a shockingly small number of Black-owned craft breweries in the USA. According to the National Black Brewers Association, less than 1 percent of craft breweries in the U.S. are owned by African Americans.
Speaking about the new partnership, Columbia’s President and CEO Chris Steffanci said, “What pleases me most is MBC’s confidence in our ability to do it with purpose and heart. We can’t wait to get started delivering on our shared goals and values.”
You can learn more about this new partnership in the official press release below.
Métier Brewing Company Partners with Columbia Distributing to Expand in Washington State
KENT, Washington – February 1, 2024 – Columbia Distributing, the largest total beverage distributor in the Pacific Northwest, today announced that Métier Brewing Company (MBC) has selected the company to lead its expansion throughout Washington state. As one of the few Black-owned breweries in the country, Columbia will enable MBC to grow its following while nurturing its mission: To brew damn good beer and build stronger community to inspire bigger dreams for all.
“Integral to the continued growth of MBC is the connection consumers feel to our mission and values wherever they purchase or drink a pint, can, or bottle of our award-winning beer or our non-alcoholic beverages. We proudly and humbly join the Columbia Distributing portfolio of highly regarded local, national, and global brands. With Columbia Distributing, we expand the reach of our brand, enabling us to further our mission,” said Rodney Hines, CEO & Co-founder of Métier Brewing Company.
Columbia’s President and CEO Chris Steffanci sees this appointment as an endorsement of the company’s own commitment to foster inclusion inside Columbia and within the communities it serves. “Our logistics capabilities and proven ability to grow brands speak for themselves – our team is incredible. What pleases me most is MBC’s confidence in our ability to do it with purpose and heart. We can’t wait to get started delivering on our shared goals and values.”
The two companies also share a passion for providing access to the industry through professional skill-building programs. MBC’s Mosaic State Brewers Collective (MSBC) Mentorship Program offers insightful curricula, industry experience and authentic mentorship to historically underrepresented people. Columbia’s Beer Careers Program is an immersive 10-week training in the wholesale beverage industry with a purpose to provide fundamental knowledge of the business in support of building long-term careers.
About Métier Brewing Company
Métier means “one’s calling,” and at Métier Brewing Company (MBC), our calling is brewing damn good beer and building stronger communities to inspire bigger dreams for all. MBC is an award-winning, purpose-led brewery featuring two family and bike-friendly locations in the greater Seattle area: a taproom and production facility in the heart of the Artisan Hill District in Woodinville, WA, and a flagship taproom in Seattle’s Central District. With our commitment to craft, we brew with intention and integrity. From our award-winning Coconut Porter to the selection of our barrel-aged beers, there is an MBC beverage for everyone. As one of few Black-owned breweries in the country, we know representation matters — from the vendors, suppliers, and charities we partner with to the artwork on our beer labels, we are committed to expanding the craft beer space so more folks see themselves reflected and feel welcomed. We believe that great beer, paired with dialogue, connection, and action, strengthens and deepens our community. Keep up with all things MBC by visiting our website and following us on Facebook and Instagram @metierbewing. www.metierbrewing.com
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, please visit www.coldist.com.