Less Waste,
More Value.
How small food businesses can make a difference; for their business, their customers, and their communities.
Lasting impact.
For many Cambodian grocery businesses in the U.S., bringing products from Cambodia to customers takes a lot of work. From sourcing sauces, seasonings, snacks, and dry foods to arranging shipping and managing stock, business owners put a lot of effort into making these products available to their communities.
But demand can be difficult to predict. A product that sells quickly in one state may take longer to sell in another. Restaurants may also have meals left at closing time, while grocery stores and bakeries may have products that are not selling as quickly as expected.
Reducing food waste does not always require big changes. Sometimes, it starts with better stock management, a well-planned promotion, or finding another way to get surplus food to people who need it.
Why does food waste happen?
Food waste can happen when businesses prepare or order more than customers need, misjudge demand, or struggle to sell products before their quality declines.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, around 1.05 billion tonnes of food were wasted worldwide in 2022 across households, food services, and retail, including inedible parts. Food waste is a challenge for businesses and consumers alike.
Read the UNEP report ↗Small actions businesses can take
Manage stock and product quality
Keep track of what sells, what remains, and what needs attention. Regular stock checks, proper storage, and rotating older stock appropriately can help maintain quality and avoid overordering. Reviewing past sales also helps owners make better purchasing decisions.
Offer clearance sales and promotions
When suitable products are selling slowly, a limited-time discount can help attract customers before stock becomes harder to sell. Restaurants and food stalls can also offer end-of-day discounts on prepared food that has been handled and stored safely.
For grocery businesses, promotions can introduce customers to new sauces, seasonings, snacks, or other products they may not have tried at the regular price.
Donate suitable surplus food
When edible food remains unsold, businesses can consider working with local food banks or community organisations to redistribute suitable surplus. With proper food safety and handling, this can help more people access food while reducing the amount discarded.
A note on safety: Discounts and donations should only apply to products that remain safe and suitable. Follow product storage instructions and relevant food safety requirements.
Promotions can create value on both sides.
A promotion is not just about lowering prices. For businesses, clearance deals can help move slow-selling stock, recover part of the money tied up in inventory, and make room for products customers need more often.
For customers, promotions offer a chance to save money, try something new, or stock up on products they regularly use. Someone who usually hesitates to buy a particular sauce or seasoning may decide to try it at a more affordable price.
For businesses
Move suitable stock, recover value, and manage inventory more effectively.
For customers
Save money, discover products, and get more value from their budget.
The goal is to help suitable products reach people who want them without encouraging unnecessary purchases or compromising food safety.
Consumers can help, too
Businesses can plan stock carefully, maintain product quality, offer thoughtful promotions, and donate suitable surplus food. Consumers can check what they already have, buy what they need, and use products before they spoil.
A discounted product is a good deal when it serves a real need. Buying more than we can use may simply move the problem from the store to our homes. When businesses manage stock carefully and consumers shop thoughtfully, both sides can make better use of the food available.
Less waste, more value.
At Food KH, we believe making Cambodian products more accessible also means finding ways to offer customers better value. Our online platform helps customers in the U.S. discover Cambodian sauces, seasonings, snacks, dry foods, and other products, including items that may not be easy to find locally.
Through selected promotions and clearance deals, customers can save while we manage inventory more effectively. It is one practical way to support responsible business practices and the people we serve.
Explore Cambodian products →
