Phillips Brewing to Purchase Lighthouse Beer Brands

Facing economic headwinds, changing consumer preferences and a highly competitive craft beer category, Lighthouse Brewing Co. (Lighthouse) will be shutting down its brewery and Phillips Brewing & Malting Company (Phillips) is taking over ownership of its popular line-up of local craft beers effective January 25, 2026.

Opening its doors back in 1998, Lighthouse Brewing Co has been making hand-crafted beers that reflect the nautical spirit of Vancouver Island for 27 years. By selling its brands and IP to Phillips here in Victoria, Lighthouse is ensuring its much-loved legacy portfolio of high-quality beers, including Shipwreck IPA, Race Rocks Amber Ale, and Company Lager will continue to have a home and remain locally made in Victoria.

“After 27 years of serving the craft beer community here on Vancouver Island, it was important for us to find a craft brewery who could continue the legacy of the Lighthouse brands,” said Ben Thomas, co-owner and GM. “Phillips is a recognized and respected leader in the B.C. craft beer industry and will be able to continue investing behind Lighthouse and uniquely position the beers amongst their own portfolio of brands going forward.”

The ongoing impacts of the Covid pandemic, rising inflation, supply chain challenges, high provincial taxation rates, new tariffs and continued, rising production costs were no longer manageable. After several years of navigating economic challenges, the recent BCGEU strike this past Fall impacted Lighthouse’s ability to continue operations and was the final straw that has led to shutting down the brewery and sadly saying goodbye to its people.

“Phillips believes in the power of our local Vancouver Island community, and this is yet another example of finding a unique way to ensure the pioneering Lighthouse portfolio of beers continues to live on. We are honored to add Lighthouse’s beers to our broader portfolio and appreciate their trust in us to steer and shape the brand’s continued success along with their time-honored traditions moving forward.” – [Jim Lister, President - Phillips Brewing & Malting Co.]

For fans and retailers of Lighthouse craft beers, it is business as usual, as things will be transitioning over to the Phillips team.  Phillips will immediately begin to do all the brewing, packaging, marketing and selling of the Lighthouse brands moving forward.