Jul 5, 2023
Saskatchewan Craft Breweries Announce Merger
Nokomis Craft Ales Inc. and Pile O’ Bones Brewing Company Ltd. announce that they have merged operations effective June 30, 2023. The two breweries will continue to operate both brands independently.
The deal positions the companies for greater efficiencies by combining their distribution, administrative, accounting and sales teams and gives the companies increased purchasing power to better withstand the rising costs of ingredients, including grain, hops and aluminum packaging which have risen precipitously in in the last number of years. The deal also allows the companies to more cost-effectively get its products to its customers.
“We have been friends since our homebrewing days, long before either of us went pro. We have always been impressed by Jeff’s brewing talent and the amount of work it took to build his business as a one man operation and we’re excited to work together in a more formal sort of way.” said Josh Morrison, President of Pile O’ Bones Brewing.
“We see big things ahead for both of our businesses. This was really a 2+2=5 sort of deal for both of us, and I’m excited to bring Nokomis products to more people across Saskatchewan and beyond”- said Jeff Allport, President of Nokomis Craft Ales.
Allport will remain the President and CEO of Nokomis Craft Ales, located mid-way between Regina and Saskatoon on highway #20, and will continue to oversee Nokomis’ day-to-day operations in the small farming community. The increased collaboration will open opportunities for Nokomis to continue to grow and brings its products to more people.
Pile O’ Bones will continue to be led by Morrison, Brent Babyak, Nathan Kary, and Glenn Valgardson. The brewery, already Saskatchewan’s largest craft brewery by volume, recently completed a $1.5M expansion in order to meet demand, particularly for its #1 selling White IPA.
About Pile O’ Bones Brewing Company Ltd: Founded by Morrison, Valgardson, Babyak and Kary in 2016, the Regina Brewery is located at 1808 Cameron St, steps from Mosaic Stadium. The full-service taproom offers 32 taps of craft breweries across Saskatchewan and features a menu provided by OxPecker, a sister restaurant to Swift Current’s Nightjar Diner. POB is verified by SaskMétis Economic Development Corporation as a Métis owned business.
About Nokomis Craft Ales Ltd: Founded by Allport in 2014 as Saskatchewan’s first production craft brewery, Nokomis was initially a one-person operation in a garage sized facility, and has since grown into a dedicated and talented team, following a number of piecemeal building expansions and equipment upgrades. Nokomis products are available across the Province and on tap at a number of bars and restaurants.
Inquiries:
Josh Morrison, President Pile O’ Bones Brewing Company Ltd. - 306-347-8481
Jeff Allport, President Nokomis Craft Ales Inc. - 306-715-2677