Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) – Inventory Type Guide

Overview

Fast‑moving consumer goods (FMCG) are everyday products with a high turnover and relatively short shelf life, think packaged foods, soft drinks, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and impulse snacks. Because they move quickly through the supply chain, any disruption (seasonal demand dips, production overruns, promotional back‑ups) can leave businesses holding short‑dated or over‑stocked inventory that ties up cash and warehouse space.

Common Surplus Scenarios

  • Short‑dated or best‑before products approaching their date code.
  • Packaging change‑overs or marketing refreshes that make previous designs obsolete.
  • Seasonal or limited‑edition lines left unsold after the event.
  • Over‑production or delisted SKUs from manufacturers and co‑packers.
  • Retail returns or shelf‑ready cases damaged in transit but product‑safe.

Why Rapid Liquidation Matters

  1. Preserve retail value – prices erode as code dates approach.
  2. Free up space & cash locked in unsold goods.
  3. Reduce disposal costs and comply with waste‑reduction targets.
  4. Protect brand integrity by controlling where surplus stock re‑enters the market.

Best Method: Sell Directly to Refresh Surplus

We purchase qualifying stock outright, handle collection across the UK & EU, and pay you before the goods leave site.

How It Works

  1. Submit details via our quick Seller Form – product list, quantities, dates, location.
  2. Rapid valuation – we send a competitive offer within 24 hours.
  3. Collection & payment – we organise haulage, complete paperwork, and release funds immediately.

Key Benefits

  • Guaranteed exit route for the entire load, no piecemeal deals.
  • Hassle‑free logistics, temperature‑controlled and bonded transport where required.
  • Full compliance with UK/EU food safety and traceability rules.
  • Discreet redistribution that avoids channel conflict with your core customers.

Ready to move your surplus fast? Start a valuation now


Alternative Redistribution Channels

OptionTypical FitProsCons
Charitable donation (food banks, community kitchens)Short‑dated, ambient or chilled goods in good conditionTax relief, CSR impactMust meet strict use‑by rules; requires logistics coordination
Secondary discount retailers & cash‑and‑carry wholesalersAmbient & household lines, mixed palletsQuick route, larger volumeLower returns; price erosion can affect brand perception
Online flash‑sale platformsPremium, novelty or health productsWider reach, consumer insightSmaller volumes; handling & listing fees
Animal feed / recyclingOut‑of‑spec or damaged packagingZero landfill, sustainability credentialsNo financial recovery; additional processing required

When donation or secondary sales aren’t viable, our FMCG stock clearance service recovers maximum value while ensuring safe, sustainable redistribution.


Compliance & Quality Checklist

  • Best‑before vs use‑by – only foods past best‑before can legally be sold or donated; use‑by must still be in date on departure.
  • Full traceability – retain batch codes and production records.
  • Condition assessment – seal integrity, product temperature history (where applicable), and evidence of correct storage.
  • Relabelling – apply supplementary labels if European languages or allergens need clarification.

Our Sales team can guide you through any relabelling or re‑wrapping requirements before collection.


Frequently Asked Questions

Which FMCG categories do you buy? Everything from ambient groceries to chilled drinks, household cleaning, health & beauty, and pet food.

Is there a minimum load size? We can take anything from single mixed pallets to full truckloads – ask our team.

How quickly can you collect? Often within 48 hours of acceptance across mainland UK and key EU hubs.

Can I remain anonymous? Yes. We offer discreet channel redistribution and full NDAs where required.


Next Steps

  1. Check your inventory list – ensure it’s saleable and within date.
  2. Upload details via the Seller Form.
  3. Receive payment and reclaim your space – typically within 3-5 days end‑to‑end.

Have questions? Contact our Sales Team on +44 07984 016034 or email [email protected].


Together, we turn surplus into opportunity, reduce food waste, and keep valuable FMCG goods in circulation.