Beverage Pallet Quantities: Cases, Cans and Euro Pallet Planning

A practical guide for distributors, wholesalers, retailers and procurement teams purchasing beverages for European and UK markets.

There is no universal number of beverage cases per pallet

Pallet quantities change with container size, case arrangement, shrink-wrapping, pallet footprint, stack height, handling limits and supplier configuration. A 250 ml can tray and a 500 ml can case should not be assumed to use the same pallet build.

What is an EPAL Euro pallet?

The standard EPAL Euro pallet measures 1,200 × 800 × 144 mm and has a published safe working load of 1,500 kg. Those figures describe the pallet, not an automatic maximum permissible load for every transport vehicle, warehouse rack or customer site.

Calculate a pallet quantity correctly

Multiply cases per layer by the approved number of layers to estimate cases per pallet. Multiply that result by cans or bottles per case to obtain selling units. For example, if a specific confirmed build contains 12 cases per layer and five layers, that is 60 cases; a 24-can case yields 1,440 cans. This is a calculation example, not a stock promise.

Mixed pallets and transport planning

Mixed-flavour pallets require particular care: carton dimensions may differ, heavier products should be supported, unstable stacks may need redesign and buyers need a case-by-case breakdown. Confirm loaded dimensions and gross weight, not only the pallet count.

• Confirm pallet type, number of layers and outer-pack dimensions.
• Ask for net and gross weights including the pallet.
• Confirm stretch-wrap, corner protection and stacking restrictions.
• Provide delivery equipment details, such as dock or forklift availability.

How to write a pallet specification

A useful enquiry states brand, variant, product size, unit count per case, cases requested, destination postcode, receiving access and shelf-life conditions. Ask the supplier to return a written pallet configuration.

Why pallet arithmetic should be checked twice

Units per pallet can appear inconsistent online because suppliers quote different case packs, Euro pallets versus industrial pallets, or different approved stack heights. Separate selling units, shipping cases, cases per layer and loaded pallets in your purchase order. Also clarify whether the count includes any promotional displays or mixed-case assortments. The loading pattern should be approved by the shipper and receiving warehouse, not inferred from a photo.

A simple purchase-order example

Suppose a buyer needs 2,400 cans and the quoted shipping case contains 24 cans. That requires 100 cases. If the supplier confirms 50 cases on one pallet, the consignment is two pallets; if the build differs, the pallet count changes. Ask whether gross pallet height meets the delivery location’s rack, vehicle and dock limitations. Include the approved pallet type and the final shipment dimensions in dispatch documents.

Prepare your wholesale enquiry

Identify your receiving country, exact brand and variant, case quantities, intended resale market, preferred delivery terms and remaining shelf-life requirement. Request written confirmation of the actual stock specification before placing an order.

Useful next steps: bulk beverage supply · logistics and delivery · products · request a wholesale quotation.

Reference and further reading

EPAL Euro pallet: official dimensions and safe working load.

Editorial note: Product availability, recipes, packaging, labelling, freight terms and applicable rules depend on the exact SKU and destination. This guide is informational and is not a binding offer or legal advice.