Planning

Food Supply Contract (The Hive)

GUILDFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

10 Jun 2026 at 15:06

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process is being managed by Guildford Borough Council, located in Guildford, United Kingdom. They are in the planning stage for a project titled "Food Supply Contract (The Hive)", which falls under the industry category of "Food, beverages, tobacco and related products". The initiative aims to provide comprehensive food supply services to support community-based services such as meal provisions, food pantries, and community fridge initiatives. This tender is intended for the UKJ2 region with a planned contract value of £840,000 gross. Businesses interested are invited to express their interest by 26 June 2026, with an anticipated future notice date of 6 July 2026 for further communications. The contract period is planned from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2028, with the possibility of renewal extending to 29 September 2030.

This tender offers significant opportunities for businesses in the food supply industry to expand their market presence, particularly those with capabilities in providing a mix of ambient, chilled, fresh, and frozen products under a single contract arrangement. Companies with expertise in supporting community services and addressing potential risks in delivery models can find this opportunity attractive. The contract's commercial and operational factors, such as delivery profile and service requirements, represent a valuable chance for businesses that can offer comprehensive, reliable food supply services and address contractual challenges effectively. Consequently, this procurement is well-suited for businesses looking to grow within the sub-central governmental sector, particularly those with a strong track record in similar service models.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Food Supply Contract (The Hive)

Notice Description

The Hive is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced supplier to provide a comprehensive food supply service. The provider will support a range of community-based services, including meal provision, food pantries, and community fridge initiatives.

Planning Information

The Council is inviting interested organisations to express their interest in the proposed contract opportunity by email to the address provided within this notice. This Expression of Interest exercise is being undertaken to assist the Council in understanding the level of market interest, supplier capacity and the overall size and capability of the market. The information gathered will help inform the Council's procurement strategy and determine the most appropriate route to market for the future procurement process. The Council Authority requests that interested suppliers submit responses to the questions outlined below: 1) Scope and Delivery Model Please confirm whether your organisation has the capacity and capability to deliver a comprehensive food supply service covering ambient, chilled/fresh, and frozen products under a single contract arrangement. If this is not feasible, please outline your recommended delivery model, including any alternative lotting or contractual structures you believe would better support effective service delivery and market participation. 2) Service Model and Risk Assessment Drawing on your experience of delivering similar contracts, please identify any elements of the proposed service model, delivery requirements, or contract scope that may present challenges, risks, or barriers to participation. Where possible, please suggest mitigations or alternative approaches the Authority may wish to consider. 3) Commercial Attractiveness and Market Appetite Please outline what contract size, delivery profile, and service requirements would represent an attractive opportunity for your organisation. In addition, please identify the key commercial, operational, or contractual factors that would influence your decision to participate in a future procurement exercise of this nature.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06b22c
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/054882-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
Not specified
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
£700,000 £500K-£1M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
10 Jun 2026Yesterday
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
6 Jul 20264 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
30 Sep 2026 - 30 Sep 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
GUILDFORD BOROUGH 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
GUILDFORD
Postcode
GU2 4BB
Post Town
Guildford
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ2 Surrey, East and West Sussex
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ25 West Surrey
Delivery Location
TLJ2 Surrey, East and West Sussex
Local Authority
Guildford
Electoral Ward
St Nicolas
Westminster Constituency
Guildford

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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