Bud, Moneyball Ross, and Data Mike connect the Fed’s rate cut to what happens at the shelf: consumer inflation vs. producer costs, why long-term rates can rise after a cut, and how that trickles into beer pricing, on-premise dynamics, and the fight for the marginal dollar.

Then we get street-level: ride-alongs, Walmart end-caps, “airspace” in coolers, moving underperforming SKUs to the right neighborhood, and designing value plays (99¢ singles, can specials) when the consumer’s squeezed. Volume may be red, but reps are finding green by shifting perspective from cases to gross profit and making small, high-leverage moves.

We wrap with market share strategy (AB’s window), the on-premise draft reset, and the rise of THC/Delta-9—plus a quick Vegas invite for NBWA.

What you’ll learn

📈 Why a Fed rate cut doesn’t always drop long-term rates—and how that hits consumers (and you)

🛒 Producer vs. consumer inflation (commodities easing while grocery stays sticky)

🟢Chasing green GP when volume is red: end-caps, “airspace,” register-ring tactics, mix shifts

🥊 Market share plays in a weak consumer environment (and why some suppliers may delay price increases)

🍻On-premise pivots & single-serve value when wallets are tight

🌿 THC/Delta-9 guardrails (serving sizes, flavors, placement)

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Tapped In Podcast

01:36 Economic Overview: Fed Rate Cuts and Inflation

07:48 Consumer Behavior and Price Increases

13:38 Market Share Dynamics and Strategic Pricing

17:33 On-Site Experiences and Market Trends

20:09 Innovative Retail Strategies for Profitability

23:43 Consumer Mindset Shifts in Beverage Choices

27:43 Maximizing Shelf Space and Product Placement

31:37 Adapting to Consumer Trends and Pricing Strategies

35:38 The Future of Beverage Sales and Market Adaptation

See Tapped In Podcast In Person

See us at NBWA (Las Vegas): Booth 1614 (Milano ballroom).8:00 AM session: Who’s Wagging Who? Fix Broken Incentives & Take Back Control.Show up with a beer… there might be a prize. 😉

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About Tapped In Sales:  

Tapped In Sales is a podcast dedicated to beer distributors and beverage industry professionals who are looking to elevate their sales strategies and drive profitability. Hosted by industry experts Bud Dunn and Mike Hall, we dive deep into real-world stories, actionable insights, and the latest trends to help sales teams and managers unlock their full potential. Each episode blends data, strategy, and motivation, making complex topics easy to understand and implement.

This podcast is powered by VXP Tech – the leading Sales Strategy Management system designed for beer distributors. VXP simplifies the complexities of goal setting, variable compensation, and sales team performance, helping you master your market and grow profits, case by case.

Stay tuned for expert advice, fresh perspectives, and tools to sharpen your sales approach!

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