News Summary
Arizona’s craft beer scene gains momentum with the merger of Huss Brewing Co. and PHX Beer Co., which will operate as Zonafide Beverages LLC. This new entity positions itself as the second-largest craft brewer in Arizona, led by Steve Robbins as CEO and Jeff Huss as brewmaster. The merger allows both brands to keep their unique offerings, while brewing will take place at Huss’s facility in Tempe, stirring excitement among craft beer enthusiasts and industry partners.
Arizona has officially entered a new chapter in its craft beer landscape with the merger of Huss Brewing Co. and PHX Beer Co., which will collectively operate under the name Zonafide Beverages LLC. This significant move positions Zonafide Beverages as the second-largest craft brewer in the state, boasting an impressive annual production capacity nearing 30,000 barrels.
Leading the newly formed company is Steve Robbins, who previously served as the president of PHX Beer Co. He will take on the role of CEO for Zonafide Beverages. Meanwhile, Jeff Huss, co-founder of Huss Brewing, will step into the position of brewmaster. The leadership team aims to meld their strengths and expertise to enhance their offerings in the craft beer market.
A key aspect of this merger is that both breweries will continue to operate under their respective brands, maintaining their unique flavors and fan-favorite beers. For instance, consumers can still expect to find Scottsdale Blonde, Arizona Gold, Zanjero IPA, and Bird City lager on the shelves. However, brewing operations will move to the Huss production facility located in Tempe, raising questions about the future of the PHX Beer brewhouse in Phoenix.
The announcement of the merger was made public through social media platforms by both companies, highlighting their continued commitment to produce quality local craft beer. This collaboration reflects a broader trend within the craft beer industry, where independent brands merge to achieve greater economies of scale while preserving their distinct identities.
Both Huss Brewing Co. and PHX Beer Co. have played significant roles in Arizona’s craft beer evolution. PHX Beer Co. began operations in 2011 under the name Phoenix Ale Brewery and later underwent a rebranding in 2019 following the passing of its co-founders. Huss Brewing Co. launched in 2013 and expanded its reach by acquiring Papago Brewing in 2016, further cementing its footprint in the market.
This merger has garnered positive reactions from the industry. Crescent Crown Distributing, the distribution partner for both breweries, expressed enthusiasm for the merger, believing it will create a stronger and more efficient organization moving forward.
As Zonafide Beverages LLC prepares to embark on this new venture, co-founders Leah Huss and Jeff Huss bring decades of experience to the table. Leah Huss expressed admiration for PHX Beer Co., mentioning shared values and a commitment to supporting the local community as driving forces behind the decision to merge.
Currently, PHX Beer Co. operates three locations in Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Sky Harbor Airport, while Huss Brewing has two sites in downtown Phoenix and Tempe. With this merger, the breweries hope to leverage their combined strengths, establishing a more robust presence in Arizona’s vibrant craft beer scene.
In conclusion, the formation of Zonafide Beverages LLC represents a significant shift within Arizona’s craft brewing landscape, setting the stage for exciting developments while ensuring that the unique attributes of both breweries are preserved. As the craft beer industry continues to evolve, this merger is a clear indication of adaptability in the face of changing market dynamics.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Brewbound: Huss Brewing and PHX Beer Co. Merge
- Wikipedia: Craft Beer
- AZ Family: Arizona Breweries Merger
- Google Search: Huss Brewing
- Craft Brewing Business: Arizona Craft Beer Powerhouse
- Google Scholar: Arizona Craft Beer
- Brewer Magazine: Huss Brewing PHX Beer Merge
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Brewing
- MSN: Arizona Breweries Merge
- Google News: PHX Beer Co.
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
