One of the most common losses in food shops is stock that expires before it is sold, usually because of wrong arrangement rather than weak demand. The well-known solution is rotating stock by expiry date.
The principle in one sentence
What expires first is sold or used first. Usually this also means first in, first out, but the deciding reference is the date printed on the pack.
Practical steps on the shelf
1. On delivery
- Check the expiry date on a sample from each carton.
- Write the delivery date on the carton.
- Do not accept goods with illegible dates.
2. When filling the shelf
- Pull existing bags forward and put new ones behind.
- If new stock expires sooner, which sometimes happens, put it in front.
3. Weekly review
Pick a fixed day to review shelf dates and flag items close to expiry for priority display.
In the storeroom
- Arrange cartons in rows, earliest date in front.
- Do not stack new on top of old.
- Label each shelf with the item and nearest date.
- Store dry, away from heat, as printed on the pack.
In cafes and restaurants
The same applies to sugar sticks and coffee sticks: open a new carton only when the old one is finished, refill containers from older stock, and avoid mixing batches in one container.
Common mistakes
- Hiding old stock behind new when rushing.
- Relying on memory with many items.
- Buying more than needed; order according to actual use.
Staff training
Explain the principle to staff, show them how to read dates, and post a short note of the steps in the storeroom until it becomes a daily habit.
What to do with expired goods
Remove them from the shelf immediately and do not sell them. Never re-pack them or change their date; changing the date misleads consumers and exposes the seller to accountability; for legal details, refer to the competent official authorities.
FAQ
Does rotation apply to packaged sweets? Yes, to every product with an expiry date.
Where is the date on Tottibone bags? Printed on the back of the pack.
For retailers
Tottibone supplies confectionery to groceries and malls, and sugar and coffee sticks to hospitality. To order quantities that match your use, contact us via the Tottibone website.
