--- title: "Direct Meal Service" ocid: "ocds-r6ebe6-0000801430" canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-r6ebe6-0000801430" markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000801430.md" json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000801430.json" source: "Public Contracts Scotland" 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-r6ebe6-0000801430 [View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-r6ebe6-0000801430) [Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000801430.json) ## Summary NHS National Services Scotland recently concluded the procurement process for a national framework contract titled "Direct Meal Service," focusing on providing a comprehensive range of frozen, chilled, and ambient prepared meals. This procurement falls under the health industry category and encompasses multiple locations, delivering to NHS Scotland's Health Boards and Special Boards. The process utilised an open procurement method, allowing for electronic submissions, and a framework agreement was established with suppliers. The tender process began on 23rd June 2025, and the award concluded successfully, with contracts signed on 16th September 2025. The total value of the framework is approximately £15,377,069 over a four-year period. This procurement initiative presents significant business growth opportunities, especially for suppliers specialising in prepared meals. It's particularly ideal for businesses that can supply a diverse array of meal types, including meat, fish, pasta, desserts, and special dietary options, which align with the specific needs of NHS services. Large-scale suppliers such as apetito Limited and BFS Group Ltd, as well as small and medium enterprises like Dalehills Ltd, successfully participated in this process, highlighting the competitive landscape. The framework supports a multi-supplier model, proposing up to three suppliers per lot, which not only broadens market access but also encourages competitive pricing and service innovation. The emphasis on community benefits further enhances the potential for businesses to engage in socially responsible initiatives. ## 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.. 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.. 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.. 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.. 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.. 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.. 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.. 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.. 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.. 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.. 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.. 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.. 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.. 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 | Public Contracts Scotland | | Latest notice | https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=OCT540782 | | Notice type | OJEU - F3 - Contract Award 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 | 16 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 | Complete | | Awards status | Not specified | | 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 00:00 - Award - OJEU - F3 - Contract Award Notice - https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=OCT540782 - 23 Jun 2025 at 00:00 - Tender - OJEU - F2 - Contract Notice - https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUN533106 ## Documents - https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUN533106 Direct Meal Service - 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. - https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=OCT540782 Direct Meal Service - 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. ## Notice URLs - http:// - http://www.nhsscotlandprocurement.scot.nhs.uk/ - http://www.publictenderscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk - https://api.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/v1/Notice?id=ocds-r6ebe6-0000801430 ## 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-r6ebe6-0000801430. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-r6ebe6-0000801430.json.