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GFC27 Supply & Distribution of Grocery, Frozen, Chilled & Catering Supplies

The University Caterers Organisation Limited · Education

In brief

The University Caterers Organisation Limited has announced plans to buy food and drink work. This is an early notice: there is nothing to bid on yet, but it tells you a tender may follow.

The notice does not state a value.

The contract runs for 2 years, up to 4 years with extensions, starting 1 May 2027.

The buyer says it is suitable for small and medium-sized businesses.

Built from the notice's own fields. Always check the official notice before you bid.

Can I win this?

Competition

Usually high: a median of 10.5 bids per contract for this buyer (from 30 awards in the last 12 months).

Framework

Winning puts you on a list of suppliers the buyer can call on; it does not guarantee work.

What the notice says

The purpose of this planned procurement is to establish a (closed) framework for the supply and distribution of Grocery, Frozen, Chilled foods and Catering supplies to members and clients of TUCO (Universities, Colleges, Local Authorities and the wider Public Sector). The duration of this (closed) framework is planned to be a maximum of 4 years. The annual spend through the (closed) Framework is estimated at £80m The total spend through the (closed) framework (over the maximum 4 years) is estimated at £320m The scope of products to be covered in the framework are as follows but not limited to: canned and dried fruit and vegetables, baking products, rice, pasta, sauces, beverages, cheese, milk, bacon, cured meats, sandwich fillings and all other grocery, ambient and chilled foods. meat, poultry, fish, chips, vegetables, bread, patisserie, vienoisserie, cheese, milk, bacon, cured meats, sandwich fillings and any other frozen and chilled foods. meat, poultry, fish, cheese, bacon, yoghurts, sandwich fillings and any other chilled foods. specialist vegan and vegetarian food products suitable for use in foodservice. Relevant catering supplies It is envisaged that suppliers will be able to cover the full scope of products for each lot. The framework is likely to include the option of a one-stop shop.

How to bid

  1. Read the full notice on Find a Tender, including any tender documents it links to.
  2. Register your organisation on the Central Digital Platform (through Find a Tender) if you have not already. Suppliers need to be registered to take part in procurements under the Procurement Act 2023.
  3. Follow the submission instructions in the notice; it does not name an e-tendering portal.

Timeline

  1. Preliminary market engagement notice · UK2, notice 094041-2026

About the buyer

  1. Ice Cream Concession, Towneley Park

    Burnley Borough CouncilNorth WestFood and drink supplies, Catering

    Open9 days leftSuitable for SMEsSmall contract

    £320kestimated
  2. Supply of Food Service- (Multiple Lots)

    Anchor Hanover GroupNorth East, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East, South WestFood and drink supplies

    Open13 days left3 lotsSuitable for SMEs

    £88.4mestimated
  3. NEPO407 - Food Supply

    The Association of North East Councils LimitedNorth East, North WestFood and drink supplies

    Open23 days left11 lotsSuitable for SMEsFramework

    £200mframework ceiling

From notice 094041-2026 on Find a Tender, first published 6 October 2026. We last checked for changes on 6 October 2026.