Shrinkage and breakage are among the biggest challenges in the food service industry. Broken bottles, spilled drinks or unused food lead to enormous losses every year. According to DEHOGA, the average shrinkage in the food service industry is 3% of the cost of goods - a significant cost factor. How can restaurateurs minimize shrinkage, control breakages better and stay on the safe side legally?

What are shrinkage and breakage?

• Shrinkage: Losses due to unrecorded disposals, such as theft, incorrect portioning or expired products.
• Breakage: Damage caused by improper handling, such as broken bottles or broken glasses.

Shrinkage and breakage not only have an impact on the balance sheet, but also on legal certainty during tax audits.

Common causes of shrinkage and breakage

1. Lack of warehouse organization: Unclear warehouses lead to chaos and losses.
2. Incorrect portioning: Employees serve too generously or prepare food inefficiently.
3. Inadequate documentation: Without digital solutions, shrinkage and breakage often go unnoticed.

Tips for better control

1. Introduce breakage notes: Any damage should be documented in order to recognize patterns and develop measures.
2. Training for employees: sensitize your team to the careful handling of goods.
3. FIFO principle: Use the "First In, First Out" method to avoid expired products.
4. Regular stock checks: Weekly checks help to detect shrinkage in good time.

How digital tools can minimize shrinkage

Precise documentation: With BarBrain, shrinkage and breakage can be recorded directly so that no losses go unnoticed.

• Real-time overview: Digital systems show the current stock level at all times and make tracking easier.
• Analysis of weak points: Tools such as BarBrain identify which items are particularly frequently affected by shrinkage.
• Shrinkage and breakage during audits
• Incorrect bookkeeping can lead to additional payments and penalties. The tax office expects clear documentation of losses.
• Error avoidance: Precise recording minimizes the risk of additional estimates.

Conclusion

Shrinkage and breakage can never be completely avoided, but they can be significantly reduced with clear processes and digital tools such as BarBrain. At the same time, your business remains legally secure - a double benefit for every restaurateur.