Two of Arizona’s craft breweries, Huss Brewing Co. and PHX Beer Co., announced their merger, creating a powerful new partnership within the Arizona beverage industry. United under a recently established umbrella company, Zonafide Beverages LLC., the collective paves the way for innovation and growth, and is poised to expand into multiple beverage categories while continuing to deliver the high-quality craft beers Arizonans know and love.
The breweries will retain independent identities as well as brands and plan to consolidate their brewing in Tempe. This strategic merger positions the combined company as the second- largest craft brewer in Arizona, with a projected production of nearly 30,000 barrels annually. The brewing vision will be guided by Jeff Huss, co-founder of Huss Brewing, who will assume the role as Brewmaster.
“For years, we’ve admired PHX Beer Co. as a respected leader in the Arizona craft beer scene,” says Leah Huss, co-founder of Huss Brewing Co. “With shared values, a deep passion for quality, and a commitment to our communities, the timing is finally right to come together. This merger enables us to make Arizona’s best craft beers even more accessible while preserving the unique identities and missions of both breweries.”
“At Crescent Crown nothing is more important than our people and our brands, says Ian Yonushonis, EVP and General Manager of Crescent Crown Distributing. That is why we are so excited for the recent merger of two of our great partners in Huss Brewing and PHX Beer Co. These two companies have been excellent partners of ours for years and to see them come together in what will be a stronger and more efficient organization is exciting to say the least. We are proud to sell these excellent products and look forward to many years of great beer and beverages ahead. This merger signifies a new chapter of growth and success, and we are eager to see the positive impact it will have on our industry and our valued customers.”
“This merger is more than a partnership, it’s an evolution,” says Steve Robbins, president/CEO of Zonafide Beverages.” “When expertise meets passion, growth becomes purpose. We’re not just expanding, we’re laying the foundation for a thriving, sustainable future rooted in community, driven by innovation, and inspired by the spirit of craft. Our ownership group is made up of long-time Valley residents and business owners who are proud to continue offering exceptional products for the community we call home.”
Founded in 2013, Huss Brewing Co. is the realization of a shared passion for craft beer by husband-and-wife team Jeff and Leah Huss, who bring a combined 35 years of expertise in the brewing industry. Jeff, a former Head Brewer for BJ’s Brewing in Chandler, AZ, honed his craft at the prestigious Siebel Institute in Chicago and Doemens Academy in Munich, Germany. Leah, a co-founder of Papago Brewing in Scottsdale, played a pivotal role in pioneering Arizona’s craft beer community. In 2013, the couple founded Huss Brewing Co. in South Tempe, driven by their dream to create a family-owned and operated brewery dedicated to producing exceptional, locally crafted beer. Huss Brewing Co. quickly became a household name, with its Huss Family of Beers (comprised of beers produced under the Huss Brewing Co. and Papago Brewing Co. brands) winning multiple national awards, including recognition at the US Open Beer Championship and the Great American Beer Festival.
Officially established in 2019, PHX Beer Co. rapidly became a premier craft brewery known for its medal winning innovative brews and commitment to quality. From hop-forward IPAs and crisp lagers to seasonal specialties and small-batch brews, PHX Beer Co. blends creativity with craftsmanship in every pint. PHX Beer Co. proudly partners with local businesses to support the Valley’s vibrant culture while maintaining environmentally conscious brewing practices.
