--- title: "Direct Meal Service" ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-0551f7" canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-0551f7" markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0551f7.md" json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0551f7.json" source: "Find A Tender Service" current_stage: "Award" buyer: "NHS NATIONAL SERVICES SCOTLAND" published: "2025-10-07" --- # Direct Meal Service Buyer: NHS NATIONAL SERVICES SCOTLAND Current stage: Award OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-0551f7 [View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-0551f7) [Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0551f7.json) ## Summary 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. ## Notice 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. ## Key Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication source | Find A Tender Service | | Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/062747-2025 | | 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 | | All stages | Tender, Award | ## Dates | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication date | 7 Oct 2025 | | Submission deadline | 31 Jul 2025 | | Future notice date | Not specified | | Award date | 15 Sep 2025 | | Contract period | Not specified | | Recurrence | Not specified | ## Values | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender value | £15,377,069 | | Lots value | £15,377,068 | | Awards value | Not specified | | Contracts value | £15,856,899 | ## Status | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender status | Complete | | Lots status | Cancelled | | Awards status | Active | | Contracts status | Active | ## Buyer | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Main buyer | NHS NATIONAL SERVICES SCOTLAND | | Locality | EDINBURGH | | Post town | Edinburgh | | Postcode | EH12 9EB | | Country | Scotland | | ITL 1 | TLM Scotland | | ITL 2 | TLM1 East Central Scotland | | ITL 3 | TLM13 City of Edinburgh | | Local authority | City of Edinburgh | | Electoral ward | Drum Brae/Gyle | | Westminster constituency | Edinburgh South West | | Delivery location | TLM Scotland | ## Supplier | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Number of suppliers | 3 | | Supplier names | APETITO; BFS GROUP LTD T/A BIDFOOD; DALEHILLS | ## CPV Codes ### Divisions - 15 - Food, beverages, tobacco and related products ### Codes - 15894200 - Prepared meals ## Release History - 7 Oct 2025 at 09:27 - Award - Award Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/062747-2025 - 23 Jun 2025 at 14:50 - Tender - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/034475-2025 ## Notice URLs - http://www.nhsscotlandprocurement.scot.nhs.uk/ - http://www.publictenderscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk - https://api.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/v1/Notice?id=ocds-r6ebe6-0000801430 - https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA11883 ## Provenance This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-0551f7. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0551f7.json.