Scope
Reference
CAT11082-TU
Description
The purpose of this planned procurement is to establish a (closed) framework for the supply and distribution of Sandwiches and Associated Products to members and clients of TUCO (Universities, Colleges and the wider Public Sector).
This procurement follows an Open Procedure under Procurement Act 2023.
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 £20 million
The total spend through the (closed) framework (over the maximum 4 years) is estimated at £80 million.
The scope of products to be covered in the framework are as follows but not limited to:
• Sandwich wedges
• Rolls
• Wraps
• Toasties
• Paninis
• Baguettes
• Sausage rolls
• Pies
• Bakery products, e.g. muffins, cakes
• Salads
• Sushi
• Fruit pots
• Yogurt pots
• Fruit or snack (as part of the meal deal offer)
• Soft drinks (as part of the meal deal offer)
• Cater pack which could consist of one or more the above products
• Hospitality platter which could consist of one or more the above products
• Lunch bag or grab and go bag/box which could consist of one or more the above products, e.g. one sandwich, one fruit pot, one snack and a bottle of water
• Breakfast products, e.g., cereal pot, overnight oats
It is envisaged that suppliers will be able to cover the full scope of products for each lot.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £80,000,000 excluding VAT
- £96,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2028
- Possible extension to 1 July 2030
- 4 years, 1 day
Description of possible extension:
The initial duration of the Framework is 2 years, with option to extend annually till 30/06/2030. TUCO reserve the right to extend lots by varying durations
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 15810000 - Bread products, fresh pastry goods and cakes
- 15811000 - Bread products
- 15811500 - Prepared bread products
- 15811510 - Sandwiches
- 15811511 - Prepared sandwiches
- 15812000 - Pastry goods and cakes
- 15812200 - Cakes
- 15821000 - Toasted bread products and pastry goods
- 15821100 - Toasted bread products
- 15894200 - Prepared meals
- 15982000 - Soft drinks
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Lot constraints
Description of how multiple lots may be awarded:
Supplier can be awarded to any combination of the 3 lots
Lot 1. Sandwiches and associated products for Local Authorities
Description
This Lot covers Sandwiches and associated products supplied for primary schools, secondary schools and special schools and other venues such as leisure centres.
Products are designed for pupil meals, staff canteens and on-site retail (e.g., cafes).
Lot value (estimated)
- £80,000,000 excluding VAT
- £96,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. Sandwiches and associated products for healthcare
Description
This Lot covers Sandwiches and associated products supplied for hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Products are designed for patient feeding, staff canteens, and on-site retail (e.g., hospital cafes). Products must cater to diverse dietary needs, including medical diets.
Lot value (estimated)
- £80,000,000 excluding VAT
- £96,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3. Sandwiches and associated products for FE,HE and other members
Description
This Lot covers Sandwiches and associated products supplied for FE, HE and other members, it covers but not limited to students or staff canteens, on-site retail shops, restaurants in colleges, universities, hospitalities and so on.
Lot value (estimated)
- £80,000,000 excluding VAT
- £96,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Framework
Maximum number of suppliers
Unlimited
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
1.35%
Further information about fees
Full details are available in the tender documents
Framework operation description
Refer to the tender documents which are available on https://in-tendhost.co.uk/tuco/aspx/Home
Award method when using the framework
Either with or without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
Members of the following purchasing organisations:
1. The University Caterers Organisation Limited (TUCO): https://account.tuco.ac.uk/delrvdkzgqmjfhudksgs
2. North Eastern Universities Purchasing Consortium (NEUPC)
3. Advanced Procurement for Universities and Colleges (APUC)
4. Higher Education Purchasing Consortium Wales (HEPCW)
5. London Universities Purchasing Consortium (LUPC)
6. North Western Universities Purchasing Consortium (NWUPC)
7. Southern Universities Procurement Consortium (SUPC)
8. Crescent Purchasing Consortium (CPC)
9. Local authorities
10.Central Government departments and their agencies
11. Police, fire and rescue, maritime and coastguard agency emergency services
12.NHS bodies, the HSC (Northern Ireland) and ambulance services
13. Schools, Educational establishments and Higher Education in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
For full details refer to Appendix S - Framework Permissible Users for details of contracting authorities that may use the Framework
Contracting authority location restrictions
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
Lot 1. Sandwiches and associated products for Local Authorities
Lot 2. Sandwiches and associated products for healthcare
Lot 3. Sandwiches and associated products for FE,HE and other members
Refer to the tender documents which are available on https://in-tendhost.co.uk/tuco/aspx/Home
Technical ability conditions of participation
Lot 1. Sandwiches and associated products for Local Authorities
Lot 2. Sandwiches and associated products for healthcare
Lot 3. Sandwiches and associated products for FE,HE and other members
Refer to the tender documents which are available on https://in-tendhost.co.uk/tuco/aspx/Home
Particular suitability
Lot 1. Sandwiches and associated products for Local Authorities
Lot 2. Sandwiches and associated products for healthcare
Lot 3. Sandwiches and associated products for FE,HE and other members
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
11 March 2026, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
18 March 2026, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
29 May 2026
Recurring procurement
Publication date of next tender notice (estimated): 4 February 2030
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Sandwiches and associated products | Quality | 50% |
| Sandwiches and associated products | Price | 50% |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Documents
Associated tender documents
Appendix S - Framework Permissible Users TUCO.docx
Complete set of tender document are available through the web address: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/tuco/aspx/Home
Contracting authority
THE UNIVERSITY CATERERS ORGANISATION LIMITED
- Companies House: 06124779
Mitchell Charlesworth
Manchester
M2 5GP
United Kingdom
Email: info@tuco.ac.uk
Website: https://www.tuco.ac.uk/
Region: UKD33 - Manchester
Organisation type: Public undertaking (commercial organisation subject to public authority oversight)