Arizona’s craft beer scene is raising a glass to a bold new partnership. Huss Brewing Co. and PHX Beer Co., two of the state’s most celebrated breweries, have announced their merger under the newly formed Zonafide Beverages LLC.
The move positions the combined company as Arizona’s second-largest craft brewer, with a projected annual production of nearly 30,000 barrels.
For Huss co-founder Leah Huss, the partnership represents both growth and shared vision: “For years, we’ve admired PHX Beer Co. as a respected leader in the Arizona craft beer scene,” she said. “With shared values, a deep passion for quality, and a commitment to our communities, the timing is finally right to come together.”
While both breweries will retain their independent names and brands, they plan to consolidate brewing operations in Tempe, guided by Jeff Huss, who will serve as brewmaster. The merger not only strengthens Arizona’s presence in the national craft beer market but also signals a commitment to innovation.
According to Steve Robbins, president and CEO of Zonafide Beverages, “This merger is more than a partnership; it’s an evolution. We’re laying the foundation for a sustainable future rooted in community, driven by innovation, and inspired by the spirit of craft.”
The leadership team, comprising longtime Valley residents and business owners, plans to expand Zonafide beyond beer into multiple beverage categories while preserving craft traditions.
Distributors are also celebrating the news. Crescent Crown Distributing, which works closely with both breweries, views the merger as a win for Arizona’s beverage industry.
“These 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,” Ian Yonushonis, EVP and General Manager, said.
Founded in 2013, Huss Brewing Co. quickly became a household name in the Valley thanks to its award-winning Huss Family of Beers and Leah Huss’s early role in shaping Arizona’s craft beer movement through Papago Brewing. PHX Beer Co., officially established in 2019, rapidly made its mark with medal-winning brews, hop-forward IPAs, and its strong ties to Arizona’s community and culture.
