In short
- Stock to sales speed and fridge space: fast sellers at eye level, slow sellers lower.
- Rotate stock first in, first out, and keep chilled drinks cold.
- Mix formats: cans, bottles, still and sparkling water, and a low or no sugar option.
Start with your customers
Think about who buys: office workers grabbing a quick drink, families, students or delivery drivers. This tells you which formats and flavours to stock. Check sales for a few weeks to see what sells out.
| Format | Good for | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Cans (330 ml) | Resale, quick grabs | Stack well and chill quickly |
| Bottles (500 ml) | Takeaway and shops | Resealable and travel well |
| Still and sparkling water | Everyone | Stock both |
| Multipacks | Resale, offices | Compare the price per unit |
Layout: what goes where
A tidy fridge sells more and is quicker to restock.
- Put best sellers at eye level
- Group by type: cola, orange, iced tea, water
- Keep a clear price or label at the shelf edge
- Put new or promoted items at the front
Temperature and rotation
Cold drinks sell best well chilled, and many businesses aim for around 5°C or below. Keep the fridge door shut as much as possible. Rotate stock so older packs sell first, and check dates when you restock.
Quantities and ordering
A rule of thumb is to restock to the level you expect to sell before your next delivery, plus a small buffer for busy days. Order by the case where you can: fewer deliveries and often a lower cost per unit, so compare in your quote.
Sugar levy and range
The UK soft drinks industry levy affects the price of drinks with higher sugar content, so a range that includes some low or no sugar options can help customers and pricing. Ask us what is available. From 1 October 2027 a deposit return scheme for single-use drinks containers (PET plastic bottles and cans) is scheduled to start in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, with Wales planning its own, so check what it means for pricing and returns.
