Compartment Trays: Review Portion Layout and Pack-Out Efficiency Together

A compartment tray divides the meal, but the layout also affects filling and serving. Compare cavity sizes with the portions you actually sell and check whether the tray works at the packing station.

Map each portion to a cavity

Identify the main dish, sides and sauces, with their normal portion sizes. Check usable depth and divider height on the sample. Include foods that change shape or settle during handling. The tray’s overall size does not describe the space available in each compartment.

Review the filling sequence

Try the tray using the normal utensils and staff sequence. Look for restricted access, food crossing dividers and slow placement. If filling equipment is used, include the relevant clearances or line drawing in the product brief.

Check separation after handling

Use the filled tray with its closure where applicable. Assess movement during carrying and stacking, particularly for sauce or liquid contents. Record the food and conditions used so a later layout change can be evaluated against the same duty.

Specify the complete tray

Give the compartment count, outside dimensions, cavity needs, material and closure. Add carton packing, quantities and any custom tooling requirements. A marked-up drawing or photograph of the portion layout is more useful than requesting “a large meal tray.”

Tray formats · Custom structure briefs

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