Tender

Supply & Distribution of Various Foods

CUMBERLAND COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 4 releases in its history.

Tender

01 May 2026 at 10:46

PlanningUpdate

19 Mar 2026 at 13:26

Planning

19 Mar 2026 at 10:56

Planning

23 May 2025 at 07:45

Summary of the contracting process

Cumberland Council is currently in the tender stage of a procurement process titled "Supply & Distribution of Various Foods." The contract encompasses the supply and distribution of food products to various Cumberland Care Sites, Council Sites, and selected schools within the Cumberland Council area, identified under industry category "Food, beverages, tobacco and related products." This tender, with an estimated value of £4.5 million, is segmented into four distinct lots covering fresh meat and fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen foods, and diverse groceries provisions. Each lot will be awarded separately to suppliers through an open procedure, with the tender period closing on 26th May 2026. The procurement, regulated under legal basis UKPGA 2023/54, allows for the participation of four suppliers through a framework agreement, which does not permit reopening of competition.

This tender presents significant opportunities for business growth, particularly for SMEs capable of supplying the categories outlined. With a focus on quality, price, and social value, businesses offering products within these categories are well-suited to compete, as each lot will be fully supplied by a single supplier. The contract offers a four-year duration, starting from August 2026, providing an extended horizon for sustainable business engagement and revenue. Companies that are adaptable and can navigate the straightforward procurement process may leverage this opportunity to expand their footprint within the Cumberland region, fulfilling the needs of local care facilities and educational institutions. Additionally, Cumberland Council's supportive stance on diversity and accepting SMEs as suitable candidates further underscores the inclusive nature of this business opportunity.

Find more tenders on our Open Data Platform.
How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Supply & Distribution of Various Foods

Notice Description

Cumberland Council have a requirement for the supply and distribution of a range of various foods within the footprint of Cumberland Council, these foods will be suitable for Cumberland Care Sites, Cumberland Council Sites and Cumberland Council maintained non-chequebook schools which do not use third party School Meals providers. Cumberland Care sites currently consist of 8 Care Homes and 9 Day Centres. There are currently 75 maintained schools within they footprint of Cumberland Council. Only those schools which do not use a third-party school meals provider will be eligible to access the Framework, this currently applies to 31 schools but is subject to change. The number of schools who will access the Framework is not guaranteed as not all schools will choose to opt in. Schools that are eligible to use the framework will sign an access agreement allowing them to receive framework pricing and benefits however they will be wholly responsible for all framework transactions and will contract directly with the successful supplier(s). This contract will be tendered in 4 lots with each lot being awarded to one supplier. * Lot 1 - Fresh Meat & Fish * Lot 2 - Fresh Fruit & Vegetables * Lot 3 - Frozen Foods * Lot 4 - Groceries & Provisions, including Fresh Milk, Fresh Bread & Morning Goods, Fresh Sandwich Fillings, Salads, Cooked Meats and Soft Drinks. Suppliers will be able to tender for one, more than one, or all Lots. The lots will be evaluated individually, and each lot will be awarded to one supplier who will supply and distribute the full range of goods within the lot to all eligible sites within the footprint of Cumberland Council.

Lot Information

Fresh Meat & Fish

Includes beef, lamb, pork, poultry, fish, sausages, mince, and portioned products.

Fresh Fruit & Vegetables

Includes whole, washed, and prepared produce. Class 1 fresh fruit and vegetables should be supplied.

Frozen Foods

Includes frozen meat & poultry, fish, pies, vegetables, fruit, plant-based items, bakery goods and desserts.

Groceries & Provisions

Groceries & Provisions, including Fresh Milk, Fresh Bread & Morning Goods, Fresh Sandwich Fillings, Salads, Cooked Meats and Soft Drinks Includes ambient goods, oils, cereals, flour, tinned items, dairy products.

Planning Information

Cumberland Council have a requirement for the supply and distribution of a range of various Foods suitable for use by Cumberland Care Sites, Cumberland Council Sites and Cumberland Council maintained non-chequebook schools which do not use third party School Meals providers. Distribution will be required to sites throughout the footprint of Cumberland Council. This contract will be tendered in 4 lots. Suppliers will be able to tender for one, more than one, or all Lots. The lots will be evaluated individually and each lot will be awarded to one supplier who will supply and distribute throughout the footprint of Cumberland Council. The contract will be for a period of 4 years. The Council will be carrying out an online session on Thursday 16th April 2026 at 10am to 11.00 to further outline the opportunity. This will be available for all prospective suppliers. Please confirm email addresses via the 'messaging area' on The Chest (www.the-chest.org.uk) if you would like to secure a space, a maximum of 2 from each organisation. These must be received before Friday 10th April 2026 at 4.00pm

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-051fdf
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/040419-2026
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

15000000 - Food, beverages, tobacco and related products

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£4,500,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£1,068,984 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
1 May 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
26 May 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
1 Dec 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Jul 2026 - 31 Jul 2030 4-5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
CUMBERLAND COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
CARLISLE
Postcode
CA1 1RD
Post Town
Carlisle
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD1 Cumbria
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD13 Cumberland
Delivery Location
TLD1 Cumbria

Local Authority
Cumberland
Electoral Ward
Castle
Westminster Constituency
Carlisle

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.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-051fdf-2026-05-01T11:46:12+01:00",
    "date": "2026-05-01T11:46:12+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-051fdf",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "planning": {
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "025506-2025",
                "documentType": "plannedProcurementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK1",
                "description": "Pipeline notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/025506-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-05-23T08:45:42+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "025044-2026",
                "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK2",
                "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/025044-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-03-19T10:56:12Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "025176-2026",
                "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK2",
                "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/025176-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-03-19T13:26:17Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ],
        "milestones": [
            {
                "id": "engagement",
                "type": "engagement",
                "description": "Cumberland Council have a requirement for the supply and distribution of a range of various Foods suitable for use by Cumberland Care Sites, Cumberland Council Sites and Cumberland Council maintained non-chequebook schools which do not use third party School Meals providers. Distribution will be required to sites throughout the footprint of Cumberland Council. This contract will be tendered in 4 lots. Suppliers will be able to tender for one, more than one, or all Lots. The lots will be evaluated individually and each lot will be awarded to one supplier who will supply and distribute throughout the footprint of Cumberland Council. The contract will be for a period of 4 years. The Council will be carrying out an online session on Thursday 16th April 2026 at 10am to 11.00 to further outline the opportunity. This will be available for all prospective suppliers. Please confirm email addresses via the 'messaging area' on The Chest (www.the-chest.org.uk) if you would like to secure a space, a maximum of 2 from each organisation. These must be received before Friday 10th April 2026 at 4.00pm",
                "dueDate": "2026-04-16T23:59:59+01:00",
                "status": "scheduled"
            }
        ]
    },
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PJGX-9191-DYLV",
            "name": "Cumberland Council",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PJGX-9191-DYLV"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Cumbria House, 107-117 Botchergate",
                "locality": "Carlisle",
                "postalCode": "CA1 1RD",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKD12"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "procurement.enabling@cumbria.gov.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - sub-central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PJGX-9191-DYLV",
        "name": "Cumberland Council"
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "DN812591",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Supply & Distribution of Various Foods",
        "description": "Cumberland Council have a requirement for the supply and distribution of a range of various foods within the footprint of Cumberland Council, these foods will be suitable for Cumberland Care Sites, Cumberland Council Sites and Cumberland Council maintained non-chequebook schools which do not use third party School Meals providers. Cumberland Care sites currently consist of 8 Care Homes and 9 Day Centres. There are currently 75 maintained schools within they footprint of Cumberland Council. Only those schools which do not use a third-party school meals provider will be eligible to access the Framework, this currently applies to 31 schools but is subject to change. The number of schools who will access the Framework is not guaranteed as not all schools will choose to opt in. Schools that are eligible to use the framework will sign an access agreement allowing them to receive framework pricing and benefits however they will be wholly responsible for all framework transactions and will contract directly with the successful supplier(s). This contract will be tendered in 4 lots with each lot being awarded to one supplier. * Lot 1 - Fresh Meat & Fish * Lot 2 - Fresh Fruit & Vegetables * Lot 3 - Frozen Foods * Lot 4 - Groceries & Provisions, including Fresh Milk, Fresh Bread & Morning Goods, Fresh Sandwich Fillings, Salads, Cooked Meats and Soft Drinks. Suppliers will be able to tender for one, more than one, or all Lots. The lots will be evaluated individually, and each lot will be awarded to one supplier who will supply and distribute the full range of goods within the lot to all eligible sites within the footprint of Cumberland Council.",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "15000000",
                        "description": "Food, beverages, tobacco and related products"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKD1",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKD1",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKD1",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKD1",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "15000000",
                        "description": "Food, beverages, tobacco and related products"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKD1",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "2"
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "15000000",
                        "description": "Food, beverages, tobacco and related products"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKD1",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "3"
            },
            {
                "id": "4",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "15000000",
                        "description": "Food, beverages, tobacco and related products"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKD1",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "4"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 4500000,
            "amount": 4500000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "goods",
        "techniques": {
            "hasFrameworkAgreement": true,
            "frameworkAgreement": {
                "maximumParticipants": 4,
                "method": "withoutReopeningCompetition",
                "type": "closed",
                "description": "Direct Award"
            }
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-08-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2030-07-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "status": "active",
                "title": "Fresh Meat & Fish",
                "description": "Includes beef, lamb, pork, poultry, fish, sausages, mince, and portioned products.",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 162149,
                    "amount": 162149,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 40,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 40,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Social Value",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 20,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                }
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "title": "Fresh Fruit & Vegetables",
                "description": "Includes whole, washed, and prepared produce. Class 1 fresh fruit and vegetables should be supplied.",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 65050,
                    "amount": 65050,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 40,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 40,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Social Value",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 20,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-08-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2030-07-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                }
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "title": "Frozen Foods",
                "description": "Includes frozen meat & poultry, fish, pies, vegetables, fruit, plant-based items, bakery goods and desserts.",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 305173,
                    "amount": 305173,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 40,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 40,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Social Value",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 20,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-08-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2030-07-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                }
            },
            {
                "id": "4",
                "title": "Groceries & Provisions",
                "description": "Groceries & Provisions, including Fresh Milk, Fresh Bread & Morning Goods, Fresh Sandwich Fillings, Salads, Cooked Meats and Soft Drinks Includes ambient goods, oils, cereals, flour, tinned items, dairy products.",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 536612,
                    "amount": 536612,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 40,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 40,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Social Value",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 20,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-08-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2030-07-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                }
            }
        ],
        "communication": {
            "futureNoticeDate": "2025-12-01T23:59:59Z"
        },
        "status": "active",
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "amendments": [
            {
                "id": "025176-2026",
                "description": "The dates in the Engagement section were stated as 2025. The engagement is taking place in 2026."
            }
        ],
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
        "submissionMethodDetails": "The documents are available via The Chest - https://www.the-chest.org.uk/ For support using the chest please contact Proactis, using the supplier support area. For clarifications, please ensure all correspondence is via The Chest using the message area. Suppliers wishing to express an interest and obtain access to the tender documents should go to www.the-chest.org.uk and click on current opportunities from the navigation area on the left of the screen. On the next screen enter the contract Reference (DN812591) in the box labelled 'contains' then click search. Click on the Blue link for the contract title to view the opportunity. To express an interest you will need to login. If you are not already registered on the www.the-chest.org.uk you will need to return to the home page and click on Register. Register FREE link in the navigation area on the left of the screen. Registration is free of charge and your username and password will be emailed to you. Cumberland Council is fully supportive of all aspects of diversity including ethnicity,race, religion, age, disability and sexual orientation. In this respect Cumberland Council welcomes expressions of interest from ethnic minority, disabled and other diverse business communities and the voluntary sector. Economic operators are therefore required to fully comply with all statutory obligations/applicable legislation and there will be a requirement to participate in the Authority's supplier audits on all aspects of diversity. The Contracting Authority expressly reserves the right: (i) not to award any contract as a result of the procurement process commenced by publication of this notice; and (ii) to make whatever changes it may see fit to the content and structure of the tendering competition; and in no circumstances will the Contracting Authority be liable for any costs incurred by the candidates. Any expenditure, work or effort undertaken prior to contract award is accordingly a matter solely for the commercial judgement of potential suppliers. The contracting authority reserve the right to use any electronic portal during the life of the agreement. The value provided in this notice is only an estimate. The contract term is 4 years with no option to extend",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ]
        },
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-05-26T12:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "enquiryPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-05-15T17:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-06-12T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "conflictOfInterest",
                "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
                "description": "Not published"
            },
            {
                "id": "040419-2026",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/040419-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-01T11:46:12+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "language": "en"
}