Columbia Distributing has been a rapidly changing organization over the years since its inception in 1935 . What began as traditional beer distribution has turned into total beverage distribution . Now , the company plays in four categories : beer , non-alcoholic beverages , wine , and spirits .

“ The opportunity for us with all of those categories has allowed us to dynamically change from the beginning ,” says Columbia Distributing CEO and President Chris Steffanci . “ Through our five-year strategic plan , it has allowed us to grow and double our business — ultimately helping us align , change , and grow as consumer dynamics change .”

Steffanci has been with Columbia Distributing for 12 years . Having been in the beverage alcohol industry since college , he has about 25 years of experience in total on the supplier ’ s side , which gives him great leverage to help keep the company up and running — and most importantly , successful .

“ In beverage distribution , we are reliant on our suppliers for support . We have two things as a distributor : great brands and great people . So the fact that I have a lot of experience on the supplier ’ s side has given me a wealth of understanding and knowledge , which also helps me under-stand how suppliers and distributors interact with each other . Ultimately , it has helped me build strong relationships with some of our key suppliers ,” Steffanci says .

Having great relationships with its suppliers is part of what makes Columbia Distributing a strong beverage distributor . Brian Renney , VP of Wine & Spirits at Columbia Distributing , says in order to grow the company ’ s portfolio , the first priority is the relationship with the supplier and actually performing up to par with what Columbia Distributing says they will do .

“ It ' s a small world , and word gets around . If a supplier is not happy , everyone will know ,” Renney advises . “ When you reach out to a supplier and make a connection , the first thing they ’ re going to ask is how you ’ re doing with your current businesses .”

FILLING IN THE WHITE SPACE

Columbia Distributing ’ s Wine & Spirits business continues to grow year-over-year and is proudly anchored by the most distinguished names in the industry : Sazerac Company , Treasury Wine Estates ( TWE ), and Trinchero Family Estates ( TFE ). As three of the world ’ s largest wine companies , they each bring to the Pacific Northwest portfolios of award-winning , iconic brands .

When choosing to bring on a new partner , Renney says the number one criterion for him is the cultural fit . “ We ’ ve done business with some suppliers and , looking back , they were not a good cultural fit . They were political in nature and lacked both transparency www . beveragewholesaler . com Winter 2023 • Beverage Wholesaler 9

Beverage Wholesaler Winter 2023 | Page 9

Columbia Distributing has been a rapidly changing organization over the years since its inception in 1935 . What began as traditional beer distribution has turned into total beverage distribution . Now , the company plays in four categories : beer , non-alcoholic beverages , wine , and spirits .