This public procurement record has 4 releases in its history.

Award

15 Jul 2026 at 14:54

Award

09 Jun 2026 at 16:37

Tender

04 Feb 2026 at 18:05

Planning

22 May 2025 at 11:21

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process initiated by The University Caterers Organisation Limited (TUCO), located in Manchester, focuses on establishing a closed framework for the supply and distribution of milk, dairy products, bread (fresh and frozen), and baked goods. The framework aims to serve universities, colleges, and the wider public sector across the UK. Initially planned in May 2025, the procurement has been completed with multiple contracts already awarded. The procurement method used was an open procedure, as evident from tender notices and subsequent contract awards from February to July 2026. The contractual agreements are active from 22 June 2026, with a potential extension until 2030, underlining a long-term commitment to enhance supply chain efficiencies for its institutional clients.

This framework offers substantial business growth opportunities for suppliers in the food and beverages sector, particularly in providing milk and dairy alternatives, as well as assorted baked goods. The inclusive selection criteria and emphasis on quality and price make this an attractive venture for both large enterprises and SMEs poised to serve education and public sectors. Businesses with capabilities to supply a diverse range of products, including gluten-free and dairy-free alternatives, will find these contracts beneficial for diversifying their clientele and increasing market reach. The framework covers a broad geographical area throughout the UK, fostering opportunities for both local and national suppliers to expand their footprint through substantial engagement with the public sector.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Milk, Dairy, Bread & Baked Goods

Notice Description

The purpose of this planned procurement is to establish a (closed) framework for the supply and distribution of Milk, Dairy, Bread (fresh and frozen) and a selection of baked goods to members and clients of TUCO (Universities, Colleges and the wider Public Sector). 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 PS3.5m The total spend through the (closed) framework (over the maximum 4 years) is estimated at PS20m The scope of products to be covered in the framework are as follows but not limited to: Milk - all variants including dairy alternatives. Dairy - including creams, butter and spreads. Cheese, yoghurts and eggs. Dairy alternatives where available. Bread (fresh & frozen) - all variants of loaves and rolls including gluten free and free from. Baked goods (fresh & frozen) - cakes, pastries, confectionery and traybakes. Low sugar/free from alternatives where available. It is envisaged that suppliers will be able to cover the full scope of products for each lot. The framework includes the option of a one-stop shop for the supply of fresh milk & bread to Local Authorities.

Lot Information

Milk & Dairy products for HE/FE members

Renewal: The initial duration of the Framework is 2 years, with the option to extend annually (+1 + 1 years) until 30/04/2030

Milk & Dairy products for LA's/wider public sector

Renewal: The initial duration of the Framework is 2 years, with the option to extend annually (+1 + 1 years) until 30/04/2030

Fresh Bread & Baked Goods for HE/FE members

Renewal: The initial duration of the Framework is 2 years, with the option to extend annually (+1 + 1 years) until 30/04/2030

Fresh Bread & Baked Goods for LA's/wider public sector

Renewal: The initial duration of the Framework is 2 years, with the option to extend annually (+1 + 1 years) until 30/04/2030

Frozen Bread & Baked Goods for HE/FE members

Renewal: The initial duration of the Framework is 2 years, with the option to extend annually (+1 + 1 years) until 30/04/2030

Frozen Bread & Baked Goods for LA's/wider public sector

Renewal: The initial duration of the Framework is 2 years, with the option to extend annually (+1 + 1 years) until 30/04/2030

One stop shop option for LA's/wider public sector

Renewal: The initial duration of the Framework is 2 years, with the option to extend annually (+1 + 1 years) until 30/04/2030

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-051d10
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/066845-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Planning, Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Large, SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

15 - Food, beverages, tobacco and related products


CPV Codes

15510000 - Milk and cream

15511000 - Milk

15511100 - Pasteurised milk

15511300 - Skimmed milk

15511400 - Semi-skimmed milk

15511500 - Full-cream milk

15512000 - Cream

15551000 - Yoghurt and other fermented milk products

15810000 - Bread products, fresh pastry goods and cakes

15811000 - Bread products

15811100 - Bread

15811500 - Prepared bread products

15812000 - Pastry goods and cakes

15812100 - Pastry goods

15821000 - Toasted bread products and pastry goods

15821100 - Toasted bread products

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£20,000,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
£20,000,000 £10M-£100M
Awards Value
£20,000,000 £10M-£100M
Contracts Value
£20,000,000 £10M-£100M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
15 Jul 20262 months ago
Submission Deadline
6 Mar 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
2 Sep 2025Expired
Award Date
8 Jun 20264 months ago
Contract Period
22 Jun 2026 - 21 Jun 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
2030-02-04

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
THE UNIVERSITY CATERERS ORGANISATION LIMITED
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
MANCHESTER
Postcode
M2 5GP
Postcode Area
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

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
22
Supplier Names

ARTHUR DAVID (FOOD WITH SERVICE) LIMITED

Brakes

Cotteswold Dairy Ltd

CROWNDALE FOOD SERVICES LIMITED

Dunsters Farm Ltd

Fresh Direct (UK) Limited

Harlech Foodservice Ltd

Johal Dairies Limited

KENT FROZEN FOODS LIMITED

Multihope Ltd

R.D. JOHNS LIMITED

School Milk Services Limited

Tamar Fresh Ltd

Thomas Ridley & Son Ltd

Turner Price

WEST COUNTRY MILK CONSORTIUM LIMITED

West Horsley Dairy

DairyLink UK Ltd.

HENLLAN BREAD (UK) LIMITED

Morris Quality Bakers

Delice De France

H N Nuttall

Further Information

Notice Documents

Notice URLs

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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