The Idaho joint venture between Scout Distribution and Columbia Distributing is being sold to Hayden Beverage Company, the companies shared today.
The transaction is expected to close in September.
The JV launched in September 2022 with equal 50-50 partnership between Scout and Columbia. The partnership launched with a five-year plan to reach 1 million cases. It operated from a 30,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Boise.
The divestment of Scout’s Idaho operations follows the sale of its Los Angeles business to Hand Family Companies’ Sunset Distributing in June and its Arizona branch to Hensley Beverage Company earlier this month.
Hayden is planning to pick up all Scout employees, the companies shared.
“By far, Hayden is the best total beverage distributor in Idaho,” Columbia president and CEO Chris Steffanci said in the announcement. “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.”
Hayden Beverage founder and CEO Dodds Hayden added: “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.”
Scout co-founder and CEO Jeff Hansson said he will turn his focus to craft beer brand Harland Brewing Company 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,” he added. “Your dedication and partnership have been instrumental in our success, and we wish everyone the best.”
Supplier discussions are ongoing about transitioning to Hayden. It’s unclear at this time how many cases will change hands.
Scout’s Idaho book included craft beers, imports, cider brands, wine, beyond beer offerings and non-alcoholic (NA) offerings from Alaskan, AleSmith, Duvel USA, Coronado Brewing, Great Notion, Jester King, Mad Swede, Melvin Brewing, Migration, pFriem Family Brewers, Roadhouse, Tilray Brands (SweetWater) and WeldWerks, among others.
Hayden’s portfolio includes craft brands, beyond beer offerings, spirits-based ready-to-drink cocktails (RTDs), imports and NA brands from Boston Beer, Athletic Brewing, New Belgium Brewing, Guinness, Garage Beer, Heineken USA, Mark Anthony Brands, Pabst, NOCA, Gambrinus (Shiner), Sierra Nevada, Singha, Surfside, Black Rifle Coffee, Poppi, Red Bull, Spindrift and Talking Rain, among others.