Planning

Fresh Fruit & Vegetables and Associated Products

THE UNIVERSITY CATERERS ORGANISATION LIMITED

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Planning

20 Apr 2026 at 12:04

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
PlanningUpdate

22 May 2025 at 11:37

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Planning

22 May 2025 at 11:04

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The upcoming procurement process is initiated by The University Caterers Organisation Limited (TUCO) for a closed framework agreement focused on the supply and distribution of Fresh Fruit & Vegetables and Associated Products. Scheduled for the United Kingdom, this tender pertains to the goods category, specifically targeting food and dairy items. The process is currently in the planning stage, with critical engagement milestones due by 2nd May 2026, and the likelihood of frameworks being established for a maximum term of four years, starting on 3rd October 2026. The procurement is being orchestrated under public authority and sub-central government classification, with provisions for equal information sharing among potential suppliers to ensure a transparent and fair tendering environment.

This tender presents significant business growth opportunities for SMEs specialising in fresh produce, dairy products, and bakery goods. With an estimated annual spend of £11.25 million and a potential total of £45 million over four years, suppliers in these domains can expand their reach by participating in this large-scale framework. Businesses that can provide consistent quality and efficient distribution across the UK will be well-positioned to benefit. The open communication and engagement phase offers suppliers an avenue to understand TUCO's requirements and tailor their submissions accordingly, fostering an inclusive competitive environment that could lead to fruitful partnerships and steady revenue streams.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Fresh Fruit & Vegetables and Associated Products

Notice Description

This procurement is planned to establish a closed framework for the supply and distribution of Fresh Fruit & Vegetables and Associated Products, to members of TUCO. 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 PS11.25m The total spend through the closed framework (over the maximum 4 years) is estimated at PS45m

Planning Information

The purpose of this notice is to provide interested parties with an overview of The University Caterer’s Organisation and insight into the forthcoming tender opportunity for Fresh Fruit and Vegetables. This notice is not an invitation to tender, but an invitation to prospective suppliers to contact the authority should they wish to receive a copy presentation providing an overview of TUCO Ltd and the Fruit & Vegetable tender. In preparation for the tender process, we have carried out market research using a feedback questionnaire with our members (customers) and incumbent suppliers, the key findings of which are detailed within the presentation which we are happy to share. The presentation also gives guidance on the procurement process and details about our tendering portal and how to register. We wish to ensure that all parties wishing to tender have access to the same information enabling them to consider the opportunity. In fairness to all parties, we will ensure that each supplier request for information regarding this procurement will be subject to the same response, sharing our pre-prepared overview presentation. Please contact the authority by email to kim.ashley@tuco.ac.uk and cc info@tuco.ac.uk to request an overview presentation regarding the opportunity.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-051d33
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/035608-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement 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

15300000 - Fruit, vegetables and related products

15510000 - Milk and cream

15550000 - Assorted dairy products

15811100 - Bread

15813000 - Morning goods

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
20 Apr 20264 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
14 May 20263 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
2 Oct 2026 - 2 Oct 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

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
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

Download

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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