Five Central Oregon beverage companies have united. They formed the new Oregon Beverage Collective (OBC). This is a major step for regional drinks. Crux Fermentation Project is part of the group. So are Silver Moon Brewing, Cascade Lakes Brewing Co., GoodLife Brewing, and Tumalo Cider Co.
A Union for Sustainability
The craft beer industry faces significant challenges. Many Oregon breweries closed in 2024. The Oregon Beverage Alliance called it the hardest year yet for brewers. Rising costs and supply chain issues strain businesses. Industry consolidation also creates pressure. This merger aims to create a stronger future. It seeks to preserve beloved local brands. The OBC will invest in the community. It builds a sustainable path forward.
Key Players in the Collective
Andy Rhine leads Cascade Lakes Brewing. He will serve as President of OBC. Steve Augustyn of Silver Moon Brewing is the CEO. The collective includes established Central Oregon names. Crux Fermentation Project is a well-known Bend brewery. It is known for pushing beverage boundaries. Cascade Lakes Brewing is one of Oregon’s oldest breweries. GoodLife Brewing started in Bend in 2011. Silver Moon Brewing has a long history in the region. Tumalo Cider Company focuses on artisan cider.
Strategic Goals for Growth
The partnership offers many advantages. Companies can leverage economies of scale. They can collaborate on shared resources. This will help expand distribution more effectively. GoodLife, Silver Moon, and Tumalo Cider will remain privately owned. However, Cascade Lakes and Crux are merging production capabilities. Andy Rhine noted this move addresses industry shifts. He specifically cited Columbia Distributing’s acquisition of Point Blank Distributing. “Together we feel we can offer more,” said Rhine. “We can take advantage of economies of scale.”
Expanding the Portfolio
The collective diversifies offerings beyond beer. Tumalo Cider Co. brings a new dimension. It specializes in small-batch, artisan cider. This partnership allows Tumalo Cider to continue operations. “With our production facility in Redmond, we’ve felt the pressure of rising costs firsthand,” Rhine stated. This allows them to “stay true to our mission.” Billy Muzio of Goodlife Brewing added, “By sharing resources, we gain purchasing power, efficiency, and scalability.” This makes growth more possible for all members.
A Bold Step for Oregon
This new Oregon Beverage Collective is a strategic move. It combines five respected regional brands. The goal is greater resilience. It also aims for continued community investment. The OBC represents a proactive response to market changes. This collaboration could set a new standard. It shows how Oregon businesses can adapt. This news is important for the state’s craft beverage scene.
