In this episode, Bud and Mike recap their recent trip to the 87th NBWA Annual Convention. Fresh off the red-eye and still buzzing from the energy of the event, they dive into key takeaways for beer distributors navigating the evolving landscape of on-premise sales in a post-COVID world.
The duo breaks down the insights shared by industry heavyweights on a panel featuring Robbie Maletis (Maletis Beverage), Jim Koch (Sam Adams), Alexander Bergson (Manhattan Beer Distributors LLC), and moderator Lester Jones (NBWA). Topics include the resurgence of draft beer, the importance of curating tap selections, and the need to rethink traditional on-premise strategies. They explore why fewer, better-chosen draft handles can drive both profitability and consumer satisfaction.
Bud and Mike also share candid reflections on their personal experiences from the event, including the challenges of cross-country red-eye travel, lively encounters in San Diego, and even a rickshaw negotiation gone wrong!
Key Takeaways:
Draft beer is making a comeback, but smart curation is essential for long-term success.
The importance of balancing on-premise investments with off-premise strategy.
Why less can be more: reducing tap handles and simplifying choices can help boost sales.
Industry trends and how distributors can adapt to maximize both profitability and brand exposure.
Chapters:
00:00 Welcome and Happy Birthday Mike
03:20 Reflections on the MBWA Convention
06:30 Economic Trends in the On-Premise Beer Market
09:17 The Importance of On-Premise Accounts
12:15 Events and Engagement Strategies
15:21 Profitability and Delivery Minimums
18:12 The Complexity of Draft Beer Choices
21:33 Curating Beer Selections for Better Sales
24:12 Optimizing On-Premise Accounts
27:20 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions
Tune in to hear all this and more, as Bud and Mike share stories, laughs, and actionable insights for your sales team!
