Tender

Fresh Butchered Meat and Poultry and Associated Products (2026 - 2030)

THE UNIVERSITY CATERERS ORGANISATION LIMITED

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Tender

18 Feb 2026 at 15:34

Planning

21 May 2025 at 11:59

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process initiated by The University Caterers Organisation Limited (TUCO) involves establishing a closed framework for the supply and distribution of fresh butchered meat and poultry and associated products, with an estimated total spend of £32 million over a maximum period of four years from 2026 to 2030. Categorised under 'Animal products, meat and meat products', this tender plays a critical role in servicing universities, colleges, and other public sector members, located across the United Kingdom. The procurement follows an open procedure under the Procurement Act 2023, with key dates including a tender period ending on 23rd March 2026 and an award period concluding on 27th April 2026.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in fresh meat supply and distribution to expand their market within the education and broader public sector in the UK. Companies providing halal, kosher, gluten-free, or organic meat products, as well as those capable of offering tailored butchery services, stand to benefit. Additionally, businesses that are adept at adhering to welfare certifications like Red Tractor, RSPCA Assured, and Better Chicken Commitment would be well-suited to compete. The procurement allows businesses to strengthen relationships with multiple purchasing consortia such as NEUPC, APUC, and CPC, thereby enhancing their growth potential and scaling operations in collaboration with various educational institutions and public bodies.

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Notice Title

Fresh Butchered Meat and Poultry and Associated Products (2026 - 2030)

Notice Description

The purpose of this planned procurement is to establish a (closed) framework for the supply and distribution of fresh butchered meat and poultry (and associated products) to members and clients of TUCO Ltd (Universities, Colleges and the wider Public Sector). This procurement follows an Open Procedure under Procurement Act 2023. The duration of this (closed) framework is planned to be a maximum of 4 years. The annual spend through the (closed) Framework is estimated at PS8 million. The total spend through the (closed) framework (over the maximum 4 years) is estimated at PS32 million. The scope of products to be covered in the framework are as follows but not limited to: * Fresh Butchered Meat Pork, Lamb, Beef, Ox, Veal: Joints, cuts, fillets, carcasses & whole animals for catering courses * Game: Venison, Rabbit, Pheasant etc. * Sundries: e.g. Butchers String & nets * Processed meats: Haggis, Sausages, Black Pudding, Bacon, Gammon, Burgers, pre-prepared kebabs, Chorizo etc. * Pre-prepared items: Prepped, filled and coated meats (e.g. Chicken Kiev), Cooked Meats, Specialty pies, pates * Poultry: Chicken, Turkey, Duck; Poussin * Specialty Eggs: Duck and Quail * Religious options including: Halal and Kosher * Special Diets: Gluten free sausages etc. * Welfare options including but not limited to: Red Tractor, RSPCA Assured, Better Chicken Commitment, Organic, Higher Welfare, Welsh PGI etc Butchery Service where required: A small number of university members have their own farms / rear their own animals require a butchery service arrangement where bidders have the capacity and capability to administer the successful delivery of animals from member institution farms via an abattoir, or members' choice (or abattoir) and cut to members' specifications per animal. The level of service required would be detailed within any further competitions. This is a would like to have but not a strict requirement of the framework and all bidding suppliers will be asked whether they can provide this level of butchery service but will not be penalised if this is a service they cannot provide.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: The initial duration of the Framework is 2 years, with option to extend annually until 10/05/2030. TUCO reserve the right to extend lots by varying durations.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-051a8e
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/014891-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

15 - Food, beverages, tobacco and related products


CPV Codes

15100000 - Animal products, meat and meat products

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£32,000,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
£32,000,000 £10M-£100M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
18 Feb 20264 days ago
Submission Deadline
23 Mar 20264 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
18 Aug 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
10 May 2026 - 10 May 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
2030-01-15

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
THE UNIVERSITY CATERERS ORGANISATION LIMITED
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
info@tuco.ac.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
MANCHESTER
Postcode
M2 5GP
Post Town
Manchester
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD3 Greater Manchester
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD33 Manchester
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Manchester
Electoral Ward
Deansgate
Westminster Constituency
Manchester Central

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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