Live from Las Vegas and the floor of the NBWA 2025 Annual Convention, Bud, Ross, and Mike break down what they saw, heard, and learned — from the rise of Delta-9 and functional drinks to the growing supplier pressure across the industry.

They unpack how the landscape is shifting beyond beer, what “profitless prosperity” really means, and why distributors can still win even when the category is down.

In This Episode:

🍺 The surge of Delta-9, THC, and “functional” beverage brands

⚙️ How suppliers are flooding Q4 with dollars — and what to watch for

📉 The dangers of chasing topline growth without profit

🏆 Why distributors who adapt now will own the next category wave

💡 Lessons from Constellation, Boston Beer, and other NBWA headlines

If you were in Vegas — or wish you were — this one’s your recap and reality check.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties

10:50 Recap of the NBWA Conference in Vegas

19:15 Emerging Trends in the Beverage Industry

30:47 Supplier Dynamics and Market Pressures

36:44 Brand Identity and Consumer Connection

41:57 Celebrity Insights and Industry Disruption

52:44 Closing Thoughts and Listener Engagement

🎧 Subscribe to stay tapped in: https://vxptech.com/podcast

===============

YouTube: Watch on YouTube: Tapped In Sales Spotify Podcast: Listen & Watch on Spotify Podcasts Tapped In Sales

Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Podcast Tapped In Sales

===============

Connect with Us:  

Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest episodes, industry news, and insights from the beer distribution world.

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!

If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend!