Overstock Trader, a trusted leader in inventory liquidation and excess inventory solutions, announced the expansion into the excess food and beverage category, helping manufacturers and distributors move short-dated, overproduced, and discontinued goods through its national network of discount grocers, wholesalers, and distributors.

As discounters continue to develop and expand their food category programs, Overstock Trader has evolved alongside them, leveraging its national network to meet the growing demand from leading brands and manufacturers seeking efficient, brand-safe placement for short-dated and excess food inventory.

“Many discount retailers now have full refrigeration and freezer sections,” Emily said. “Discount retail is doubling and even tripling down on food. It’s one of the biggest and fastest growing categories in the value channel and we’re expanding to meet that growth.” According to the USDA, nearly 30% of the food produced in the US goes uneaten, costing the economy over $400 billion a year. Overstock Trader’s programs offer food manufacturers a structured, brand-safe alternative to write-offs or disposal.

Overstock Trader’s move into the food category was a natural progression, supported by its extensive national footprint in the surplus inventory industry. With a proven track record in consumer goods such as apparel, home, and personal care, the company now partners with major discounters, including Grocery Outlet, Big Lots, Ocean State Job Lot, and Dollar Tree, to help food brands recover value and reduce waste.

“Short-dated doesn’t mean unsellable,” said Emily Sanchez, Account Manager at Overstock Trader. “With the right partners, food manufacturers can recover meaningful value, reduce waste, and reach new consumers who might never have discovered their products otherwise.”

Food Manufacturers Are Embracing Discount Retail

For decades, apparel and home goods brands have used off-price and secondary channels to clear excess inventory without diluting brand value. Now food manufacturers are following suit, recognizing that discount retail can be both a liquidation outlet and new market channel.

“Food brands are realizing what other categories have known for years,” Emily added. “Discount retail isn’t just about clearance; it’s about brand discovery. It keeps food out of landfills and introduces new customers to established products at a time when consumers are actively seeking value.”

A National Network of Trusted Buyers

Overstock Trader’s national excess inventory buyer network spans discount grocers, food wholesalers, exporters, and regional distributors. The company manages every step, from buyer placement and compliance to freight and logistics, ensuring food products are placed quickly, responsibly, and in accordance with each manufacturer’s MAP/MSRP and territory guidelines.

“At Overstock Trader, integrity is key," Emily said. "We treat every brand with care. Our relationships are built on trust, confidentiality and consistency. Manufacturers rely on us to move product but also to protect their brand and make sure every placement meets their standards.”

Reducing Waste and Expanding Access

By focusing on short-dated, repackaged and discontinued SKUs Overstock Trader helps food manufacturers meet their sustainability goals while increasing access to affordable food. Our partnerships with major discount retailers and food resellers means products get to the consumer not the landfill.

“It’s good for the planet and good for business," Emily said. "Consumers get great pricing, manufacturers get value back and every truckload out of the landfill is a win for everyone.”

Overstock Trader Comprehensive Solutions for Food and Beverage Inventory

Overstock Trader provides tailored recovery programs for:

• Short-dated and approaching-expiration inventory (30–180 days of shelf life)
• Overproduction and packaging transitions
• Formula changes and discontinued SKUs
• Display packs, seasonal assortments, and promotional bundles

The company’s relationship-based, confidential approach, already trusted by national brands in consumer goods, extends that same standard to food and beverage manufacturers.

A Smarter Approach to Excess Inventory

As discount grocery and value retail continue to gain share, Overstock Trader bridges the gap between food waste reduction, secondary markets, and brand protection.

“Manufacturers don’t want to destroy products,” Emily said. “They want responsible channels that preserve value and integrity. That’s exactly what we provide. Our food division was built to help manufacturers move quickly, recover more, and do it the right way.”

To learn more about Overstock Trader’s food and beverage recovery programs, visit their website overstocktrader.com or contact [email protected].