Why time is the only variable that matters
For short-dated FMCG, every week of remaining shelf life translates directly into achievable price. A line with 12 weeks left typically clears at multiples of the same line with 4 weeks left.
Where short-dated stock actually sells
Discount retail, foodservice secondary channels, food charity partners, and export to markets with longer code acceptance. A professional buyer maps your lot to the highest-value channel inside its remaining life.
The mistake to avoid
Waiting. The most expensive thing you can do with short-dated FMCG is wait until you're sure it won't sell through your normal channels. By that point most resale routes will already have closed.