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Direct Meal Service

NHS National Services Scotland

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

07 Oct 2025 at 10:27

Award Notice
Tender

23 Jun 2025 at 15:50

Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process is managed by NHS National Services Scotland, aimed at securing a framework agreement for the "Direct Meal Service." This contract, classified under the prepared meals category, is essential for providing a variety of meal types including frozen, chilled, and ambient options, delivered to all NHS Scotland Health Boards and Special Boards. The procurement method employed is open, with an emphasis on both service quality and cost, highlighting an 80% focus on price and a 20% focus on quality in the award criteria. The tender, initiated in June 2025, is currently in the award stage with contracts already signed by mid-September 2025. The framework, with a significant estimated annual value between £3.8 million and £4 million, spans four years, presenting a stable and extensive opportunity for suppliers, headquartered mainly in Edinburgh, UK.

This tender presents a significant opportunity for businesses, particularly those in the food service industry, to supply NHS Scotland with a wide range of prepared meals, encompassing breakfast, desserts, meats, poultry, fish, vegetarian, and allergen-sensitive options. The framework encourages participation from multiple suppliers per lot, benefitting both large enterprises like apetito Limited and SMEs such as Dalehills Ltd, fostering competitive pricing and innovation. Given the long-term nature (four years) and substantial monetary value of the contract, securing a place on this framework can lead to sustainable business growth and increased market presence for suppliers equipped to meet the quality and safety standards mandated by the NHS, including BRC Global Standards or equivalent certifications.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Direct Meal Service

Notice Description

Renewal of a national framework contract Under reference NP7042025 to cover a full range of Frozen prepared meals, to cover a full range of Chilled prepared Meals and to cover a full range of Ambient prepared meals Product Range (Indicative Only and not limited to: 1) Meat (lamb Pork and Beef); 2) Fish; 3)Pasta; 4) Accompaniments; 5) Desserts; 6) Special Dietary Meals 7)Starters 8) Texture modified etc.

Lot Information

Breakfast Products

A range of frozen, chilled and ambient prepared meals to be used for Patients across NHS Scotland. Award is Multi Supplier per category lot Framework. Up to 3 suppliers per lot unranked Lotting details will be confirmed in ITT. The framework agreement may be used by all mainland and island NHS Scotland Health Boards and Special Boards (including the Common Services Agency) and by all entities constituted pursuant to the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (i.e. all NHS Scotland Health Boards, special health boards and the authority or other NHS organisations established pursuant to the NHS (Scotland) Act 1978) and any integrated joint boards established pursuant to the new Public Bodies (Joint Working) Scotland Act 2014. All Scottish Hospices. Additional information: Total value shown is for duration of the framework and based on 12 months supplier spend data. The framework period shall be 4 years.

Desserts & Puddings Products

A range of frozen, chilled and ambient prepared meals to be used for Patients across NHS Scotland. Award is Multi Supplier per category lot Framework. Up to 3 suppliers per lot unranked. Lotting details will be confirmed in ITT. The framework agreement may be used by all mainland and island NHS Scotland Health Boards and Special Boards (including the Common Services Agency) and by all entities constituted pursuant to the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (i.e. all NHS Scotland Health Boards, special health boards and the authority or other NHS organisations established pursuant to the NHS (Scotland) Act 1978) and any integrated joint boards established pursuant to the new Public Bodies (Joint Working) Scotland Act 2014. All Scottish Hospices. Additional information: Total value shown is for duration of the framework and based on 12 months supplier spend data. The framework period shall be 4 years.

Fish Products

A range of frozen, chilled and ambient prepared meals to be used for Patients across NHS Scotland. Award is Multi Supplier per category lot Framework. Up to 3 suppliers per lot unranked Lotting details will be confirmed in ITT. The framework agreement may be used by all mainland and island NHS Scotland Health Boards and Special Boards (including the Common Services Agency) and by all entities constituted pursuant to the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (i.e. all NHS Scotland Health Boards, special health boards and the authority or other NHS organisations established pursuant to the NHS (Scotland) Act 1978) and any integrated joint boards established pursuant to the new Public Bodies (Joint Working) Scotland Act 2014. All Scottish Hospices. Additional information: Total value shown is for duration of the framework and based on 12 months supplier spend data. The framework period shall be 4 years

Meat Products

A range of frozen, chilled and ambient prepared meals to be used for Patients across NHS Scotland. Award is Multi Supplier per category lot Framework. Up to 3 suppliers per lot unranked Lotting details will be confirmed in ITT. The framework agreement may be used by all mainland and island NHS Scotland Health Boards and Special Boards (including the Common Services Agency) and by all entities constituted pursuant to the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (i.e. all NHS Scotland Health Boards, special health boards and the authority or other NHS organisations established pursuant to the NHS (Scotland) Act 1978) and any integrated joint boards established pursuant to the new Public Bodies (Joint Working) Scotland Act 2014. All Scottish Hospices. Additional information: Total value shown is for duration of the framework and based on 12 months supplier spend data. The framework period shall be 4 years

Poultry Products

A range of frozen, chilled and ambient prepared meals to be used for Patients across NHS Scotland. Award is Multi Supplier per category lot Framework. Up to 3 suppliers per lot unranked Lotting details will be confirmed in ITT. The framework agreement may be used by all mainland and island NHS Scotland Health Boards and Special Boards (including the Common Services Agency) and by all entities constituted pursuant to the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (i.e. all NHS Scotland Health Boards, special health boards and the authority or other NHS organisations established pursuant to the NHS (Scotland) Act 1978) and any integrated joint boards established pursuant to the new Public Bodies (Joint Working) Scotland Act 2014. All Scottish Hospices. Additional information: Total value shown is for duration of the framework and based on 12 months supplier spend data. The framework period shall be 4 years.

Range of Therapeutic Products (IDDSI Level 3)

A range of frozen, chilled & ambient prepared meals to be used for Patients across NHS Scotland. Award is Multi Supplier per category lot Framework. Up to 3 suppliers per lot unranked Lotting details will be confirmed in ITT. The framework agreement may be used by all mainland and island NHS Scotland Health Boards and Special Boards (including the Common Services Agency) and by all entities constituted pursuant to the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (i.e. all NHS Scotland Health Boards, special health boards and the authority or other NHS organisations established pursuant to the NHS (Scotland) Act 1978) and any integrated joint boards established pursuant to the new Public Bodies (Joint Working) Scotland Act 2014. All Scottish Hospices. Additional information: Total value shown is for duration of the framework and based on 12 months supplier spend data. It is anticipated that the requirement on this range of meals will grow over the period of the framework The framework period shall be 4 years.

Soup Products

A range of frozen, chilled and ambient prepared meals to be used for Patients across NHS Scotland. Award is Multi Supplier per category lot Framework. Up to 3 suppliers per lot unranked Lotting details will be confirmed in ITT. The framework agreement may be used by all mainland and island NHS Scotland Health Boards and Special Boards (including the Common Services Agency) and by all entities constituted pursuant to the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (i.e. all NHS Scotland Health Boards, special health boards and the authority or other NHS organisations established pursuant to the NHS (Scotland) Act 1978) and any integrated joint boards established pursuant to the new Public Bodies (Joint Working) Scotland Act 2014. All Scottish Hospices. Additional information: Total value shown is for duration of the framework and based on 12 months supplier spend data. The framework period shall be 4 years.

Vegetables, Potato & Rice Products

A range of frozen, chilled and ambient prepared meals to be used for Patients across NHS Scotland. Award is Multi Supplier per category lot Framework. Up to 3 suppliers per lot unranked Lotting details will be confirmed in ITT. The framework agreement may be used by all mainland and island NHS Scotland Health Boards and Special Boards (including the Common Services Agency) and by all entities constituted pursuant to the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (i.e. all NHS Scotland Health Boards, special health boards and the authority or other NHS organisations established pursuant to the NHS (Scotland) Act 1978) and any integrated joint boards established pursuant to the new Public Bodies (Joint Working) Scotland Act 2014. All Scottish Hospices. Additional information: Total value shown is for duration of the framework and based on 12 months supplier spend data. The framework period shall be 4 years.

Range of Therapeutic Products (IDDSI Level 4)

A range of frozen, chilled and ambient prepared meals to be used for Patients across NHS Scotland. Award is Multi Supplier per category lot Framework. Up to 3 suppliers per lot unranked Lotting details will be confirmed in ITT. The framework agreement may be used by all mainland and island NHS Scotland Health Boards and Special Boards (including the Common Services Agency) and by all entities constituted pursuant to the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (i.e. all NHS Scotland Health Boards, special health boards and the authority or other NHS organisations established pursuant to the NHS (Scotland) Act 1978) and any integrated joint boards established pursuant to the new Public Bodies (Joint Working) Scotland Act 2014. All Scottish Hospices. Additional information: Total value shown is for duration of the framework and based on 12 months supplier spend data. It is anticipated that the requirement on this range of meals will grow over the period of the framework. The framework period shall be 4 years.

Range of Therapeutic Products (IDDSI Level 5)

A range of frozen, chilled & ambient prepared meals to be used for Patients across NHS Scotland. Award is Multi Supplier per category lot Framework. Up to 3 suppliers per lot unranked Lotting details will be confirmed in ITT. The framework agreement may be used by all mainland and island NHS Scotland Health Boards and Special Boards (including the Common Services Agency) and by all entities constituted pursuant to the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (i.e. all NHS Scotland Health Boards, special health boards and the authority or other NHS organisations established pursuant to the NHS (Scotland) Act 1978) and any integrated joint boards established pursuant to the new Public Bodies (Joint Working) Scotland Act 2014. All Scottish Hospices. Additional information: Total value shown is for duration of the framework and based on 12 months supplier spend data. It is anticipated that the requirement on this range of meals will grow over the period of the framework. The framework period shall be 4 years.

Range of Therapeutic Products (IDDSI Level 6)

A range of frozen, chilled & ambient prepared meals to be used for Patients across NHS Scotland. Award is Multi Supplier per category lot Framework. Up to 3 suppliers per lot unranked Lotting details will be confirmed in ITT. The framework agreement may be used by all mainland and island NHS Scotland Health Boards and Special Boards (including the Common Services Agency) and by all entities constituted pursuant to the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (i.e. all NHS Scotland Health Boards, special health boards and the authority or other NHS organisations established pursuant to the NHS (Scotland) Act 1978) and any integrated joint boards established pursuant to the new Public Bodies (Joint Working) Scotland Act 2014. All Scottish Hospices. Additional information: Total value shown is for duration of the framework and based on 12 months supplier spend data. It is anticipated that the requirement on this range of meals will grow over the period of the framework. The framework period shall be 4 years.

Vegetarian & Vegan Products

A range of frozen, chilled & ambient prepared meals to be used for Patients across NHS Scotland. Award is Multi Supplier per category lot Framework. Up to 3 suppliers per lot unranked Lotting details will be confirmed in ITT. The framework agreement may be used by all mainland and island NHS Scotland Health Boards and Special Boards (including the Common Services Agency) and by all entities constituted pursuant to the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (i.e. all NHS Scotland Health Boards, special health boards and the authority or other NHS organisations established pursuant to the NHS (Scotland) Act 1978) and any integrated joint boards established pursuant to the new Public Bodies (Joint Working) Scotland Act 2014. All Scottish Hospices. Additional information: Total value shown is for duration of the framework and based on 12 months supplier spend data. The framework period shall be 4 years.

Allergen Aware

A range of frozen, chilled & ambient prepared meals to be used for Patients across NHS Scotland. Award is Multi Supplier per category lot Framework. Up to 3 suppliers per lot unranked Lotting details will be confirmed in ITT. The framework agreement may be used by all mainland and island NHS Scotland Health Boards and Special Boards (including the Common Services Agency) and by all entities constituted pursuant to the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (i.e. all NHS Scotland Health Boards, special health boards and the authority or other NHS organisations established pursuant to the NHS (Scotland) Act 1978) and any integrated joint boards established pursuant to the new Public Bodies (Joint Working) Scotland Act 2014. All Scottish Hospices. Additional information: Total value shown is for duration of the framework and based on 12 months supplier spend data. The framework period shall be 4 years.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0551f7
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/062747-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

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

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

15 - Food, beverages, tobacco and related products

CPV Codes

15894200 - Prepared meals

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£15,377,069 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
£15,377,068 £10M-£100M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£15,856,899 £10M-£100M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
7 Oct 202510 months ago
Submission Deadline
31 Jul 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
16 Sep 202511 months ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NHS National Services Scotland
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
EDINBURGH
Postcode
EH12 9EB
Postcode Area
Edinburgh
Country
Scotland
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM1 East Central Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM13 City of Edinburgh
Delivery Location
TLM Scotland
Local Authority
City of Edinburgh
Electoral Ward
Drum Brae/Gyle
Westminster Constituency
Edinburgh South West

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
3
Supplier Names

BFS Group Ltd T/A Bidfood

Dalehills Ltd

apetito Limited

Further Information

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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