2 Columbia breweries form parent company to ‘strengthen’ craft beer industry

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Two Columbia breweries have joined to create a parent company that looks to strengthen the craft beer industry in South Carolina.

Peak Drift Brewing Co. and Columbia Craft Brewing Co., both based in Columbia, have joined forces under the establishment of a new parent company for regional breweries, Craft Brew Inc., according to a news release.

The company is expected to strengthen the craft beer industry in the Midlands and throughout South Carolina, the release stated.

Craft Brew Inc. was formed through joint efforts from both brewery management teams and was established to be a holding company of multiple brands, the release stated. It will serve as a one-stop shop for craft breweries and beverage companies that want to scale up their production, directly print their cans in-house and utilize resources within a family of brands where economies of scale are created.

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“Peak Drift is forming strategic partnerships for long-term success,” Jordan Styles, owner and chief executive officer, Peak Drift, said in the release. “We are committed to industry collaboration and the creation of Craft Brew Inc. will help cultivate the security of craft beer in South Carolina.”

Craft Brew Inc. will begin with two brands under its name and has plans to add more breweries into this alliance in the future, according to the release. The focus is to keep each brand identity but to grow the Craft Brew Inc. name corporately. Currently, Craft Brew Inc. distributes products statewide in South Carolina and exports to the United Kingdom.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of the Craft Brew Inc. family and we look forward to growing our footprint and creating amazing products for craft beer enthusiasts everywhere,” Richard Strauss, former managing member, Columbia Craft, said in the release. “This partnership will further develop the region and industry by continuing to position South Carolina as a leader in producing award-winning craft beer.

Peak Drift’s partnership with Columbia Craft started in 2023, when Peak Drift began partner brewing select Columbia Craft beer at its 25,000-square-foot production facility, according to the release.

As Craft Brew Inc. continues to expand its family of brands, the individual brand identities of the breweries and management teams will remain in place. Columbia Craft will continue to operate its taproom located at 520 Greene St. in Columbia.