Tender

Milk, Dairy, Bread & Baked Goods (2026 - 2030)

  • THE UNIVERSITY CATERERS ORGANISATION LIMITED

UK4: Tender notice - Procurement Act 2023 - view information about notice types

Notice identifier: 2026/S 000-010208

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-051d10 (view related notices)

Published 4 February 2026, 6:05pm



Scope

Reference

CAT11078-TU

Description

The purpose of this planned procurement is to establish a (closed) framework for the supply and distribution of Milk, Dairy, Bread (fresh and frozen) and a selection of baked goods (fresh and frozen) to members and clients of TUCO (Universities, Colleges 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 £3.5m

The total spend through the (closed) framework (over the maximum 4 years) is estimated at £20m

The scope of products to be covered in the framework are as follows but not limited to:

Milk - all variants including dairy alternatives.

Dairy - including creams, butter and spreads. Cheese, yoghurts and eggs. Dairy alternatives where available.

Bread (fresh & frozen) - all variants of loaves and rolls including gluten free and free from.

Baked goods (fresh & frozen) - cakes, pastries, confectionery and traybakes. Low sugar/free from alternatives where available.

It is envisaged that suppliers will be able to cover the full scope of products for each lot. The framework includes the option of a one-stop shop for the supply of fresh milk & bread to Local Authorities.

Commercial tool

Establishes a framework

Total value (estimated)

  • £20,000,000 excluding VAT
  • £24,000,000 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 1 May 2026 to 30 April 2028
  • Possible extension to 1 May 2030
  • 4 years, 1 day

Description of possible extension:

The initial duration of the Framework is 2 years, with the option to extend annually (+1 + 1 years) until 30/04/2030

Main procurement category

Goods

Contract locations

  • UK - United Kingdom

Lot constraints

Description of how multiple lots may be awarded:

Supplier can be awarded to any combination of the 7 lots

Not the same for all lots

CPV classifications are shown in Lot sections, because they are not the same for all lots.


Lot LOT-0001. Milk & Dairy products for HE/FE members

Description

This Lot covers the supply of fresh milk and dairy to HE/FE members of TUCO and includes all variants of milks, creams, butter and spreads. Cheese, yoghurts and eggs including dairy alternatives.

Lot value (estimated)

  • £20,000,000 excluding VAT
  • £24,000,000 including VAT

Framework lot values may be shared with other lots

CPV classifications

  • 15511000 - Milk
  • 15510000 - Milk and cream
  • 15511100 - Pasteurised milk
  • 15511300 - Skimmed milk
  • 15511400 - Semi-skimmed milk
  • 15511500 - Full-cream milk
  • 15551000 - Yoghurt and other fermented milk products

Same for all lots

Contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.


Lot LOT-0002. Milk & Dairy products for LA's/wider public sector

Description

This Lot covers the supply of fresh milk and dairy to Local Authorities and other members of TUCO and includes all variants of milks, creams, butter/spreads, cheese, yoghurts and eggs which must be school food standards compliant. Some dairy alternatives.

Lot value (estimated)

  • £20,000,000 excluding VAT
  • £24,000,000 including VAT

Framework lot values may be shared with other lots

CPV classifications

  • 15511000 - Milk
  • 15510000 - Milk and cream
  • 15511100 - Pasteurised milk
  • 15511300 - Skimmed milk
  • 15511400 - Semi-skimmed milk
  • 15511500 - Full-cream milk
  • 15551000 - Yoghurt and other fermented milk products

Same for all lots

Contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.


Lot LOT-0003. Fresh Bread & Baked Goods for HE/FE members

Description

This Lot covers the supply of fresh bread and baked goods to HE/FE members of TUCO and includes all variants of loaves, rolls, teacakes, pastries, confectionery, pastries and traybakes. Gluten free and free from alternatives.

Lot value (estimated)

  • £20,000,000 excluding VAT
  • £24,000,000 including VAT

Framework lot values may be shared with other lots

CPV classifications

  • 15811100 - Bread
  • 15810000 - Bread products, fresh pastry goods and cakes
  • 15811500 - Prepared bread products
  • 15812100 - Pastry goods
  • 15821000 - Toasted bread products and pastry goods
  • 15812000 - Pastry goods and cakes
  • 15811000 - Bread products

Same for all lots

Contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.


Lot LOT-0004. Fresh Bread & Baked Goods for LA's/wider public sector

Description

This Lot covers the supply of fresh bread and baked goods to Local Authorities and other members of TUCO and includes all variants of loaves, rolls, teacakes, pastries, confectionery, pastries and traybakes which must be school food standards compliant. Gluten free and free from alternatives.

Lot value (estimated)

  • £20,000,000 excluding VAT
  • £24,000,000 including VAT

Framework lot values may be shared with other lots

CPV classifications

  • 15811100 - Bread
  • 15811000 - Bread products
  • 15810000 - Bread products, fresh pastry goods and cakes
  • 15811500 - Prepared bread products
  • 15821000 - Toasted bread products and pastry goods
  • 15812000 - Pastry goods and cakes
  • 15812100 - Pastry goods

Same for all lots

Contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.


Lot LOT-0005. Frozen Bread & Baked Goods for HE/FE members

Description

This Lot covers the supply of frozen bread and baked goods to HE/FE members of TUCO and includes all variants of loaves, rolls, teacakes, pastries, confectionery, pastries and traybakes. Gluten free and free from alternatives.

Lot value (estimated)

  • £20,000,000 excluding VAT
  • £24,000,000 including VAT

Framework lot values may be shared with other lots

CPV classifications

  • 15811100 - Bread
  • 15811000 - Bread products
  • 15810000 - Bread products, fresh pastry goods and cakes
  • 15811500 - Prepared bread products
  • 15821000 - Toasted bread products and pastry goods
  • 15812000 - Pastry goods and cakes
  • 15812100 - Pastry goods

Same for all lots

Contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.


Lot LOT-0006. Frozen Bread & Baked Goods for LA's/wider public sector

Description

This Lot covers the supply of frozen bread and baked goods to Local Authorities and other members of TUCO and includes all variants of loaves, rolls, teacakes, pastries, confectionery, pastries and traybakes which must be school food standards compliant. Gluten free and free from alternatives.

Lot value (estimated)

  • £20,000,000 excluding VAT
  • £24,000,000 including VAT

Framework lot values may be shared with other lots

CPV classifications

  • 15811100 - Bread
  • 15811000 - Bread products
  • 15810000 - Bread products, fresh pastry goods and cakes
  • 15811500 - Prepared bread products
  • 15821000 - Toasted bread products and pastry goods
  • 15812100 - Pastry goods
  • 15812000 - Pastry goods and cakes

Same for all lots

Contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.


Lot LOT-0007. One stop shop option for LA's/wider public sector

Description

This Lot covers the supply of fresh milk and bread to Local Authorities and other members of TUCO and includes all variants of milks, creams, butter/spreads, cheese, yoghurts and eggs and dairy alternatives; loaves, rolls, teacakes, pastries, confectionery, pastries and traybakes which must be school food standards compliant. Gluten free and free from alternatives.

Lot value (estimated)

  • £20,000,000 excluding VAT
  • £24,000,000 including VAT

Framework lot values may be shared with other lots

CPV classifications

  • 15511000 - Milk
  • 15510000 - Milk and cream
  • 15511100 - Pasteurised milk
  • 15511300 - Skimmed milk
  • 15511400 - Semi-skimmed milk
  • 15511500 - Full-cream milk
  • 15551000 - Yoghurt and other fermented milk products
  • 15811100 - Bread
  • 15811000 - Bread products
  • 15810000 - Bread products, fresh pastry goods and cakes
  • 15811500 - Prepared bread products
  • 15821000 - Toasted bread products and pastry goods
  • 15812000 - Pastry goods and cakes
  • 15812100 - Pastry goods

Same for all lots

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%

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 Q - 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 LOT-0001. Milk & Dairy products for HE/FE members

Lot LOT-0002. Milk & Dairy products for LA's/wider public sector

Lot LOT-0003. Fresh Bread & Baked Goods for HE/FE members

Lot LOT-0004. Fresh Bread & Baked Goods for LA's/wider public sector

Lot LOT-0005. Frozen Bread & Baked Goods for HE/FE members

Lot LOT-0006. Frozen Bread & Baked Goods for LA's/wider public sector

Lot LOT-0007. One stop shop option for LA's/wider public sector

Refer to the tender documents which are available on https://in-tendhost.co.uk/tuco/aspx/Home

Technical ability conditions of participation

Lot LOT-0001. Milk & Dairy products for HE/FE members

Lot LOT-0002. Milk & Dairy products for LA's/wider public sector

Lot LOT-0003. Fresh Bread & Baked Goods for HE/FE members

Lot LOT-0004. Fresh Bread & Baked Goods for LA's/wider public sector

Lot LOT-0005. Frozen Bread & Baked Goods for HE/FE members

Lot LOT-0006. Frozen Bread & Baked Goods for LA's/wider public sector

Lot LOT-0007. One stop shop option for LA's/wider public sector

Refer to the tender documents which are available on https://in-tendhost.co.uk/tuco/aspx/Home

Particular suitability

Lot LOT-0001. Milk & Dairy products for HE/FE members

Lot LOT-0002. Milk & Dairy products for LA's/wider public sector

Lot LOT-0003. Fresh Bread & Baked Goods for HE/FE members

Lot LOT-0004. Fresh Bread & Baked Goods for LA's/wider public sector

Lot LOT-0005. Frozen Bread & Baked Goods for HE/FE members

Lot LOT-0006. Frozen Bread & Baked Goods for LA's/wider public sector

Lot LOT-0007. One stop shop option for LA's/wider public sector

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)


Submission

Enquiry deadline

27 February 2026, 3:00pm

Tender submission deadline

6 March 2026, 3:00pm

Submission address and any special instructions

Tenders may be submitted electronically

Yes

Languages that may be used for submission

English

Award decision date (estimated)

7 April 2026

Recurring procurement

Publication date of next tender notice (estimated): 4 February 2030


Award criteria

Lot LOT-0001. Milk & Dairy products for HE/FE members

This table contains award criteria for this lot
Name Type Weighting
Milk & Dairy products for HE/FE members Price 50%
Milk & Dairy products for HE/FE members Quality 50%

Lot LOT-0002. Milk & Dairy products for LA's/wider public sector

This table contains award criteria for this lot
Name Type Weighting
Milk & Dairy products for LA's/wider public sector Price 50%
Milk & Dairy products for LA's/wider public sector Quality 50%

Lot LOT-0003. Fresh Bread & Baked Goods for HE/FE members

This table contains award criteria for this lot
Name Type Weighting
Fresh Bread & Baked Goods for HE/FE members Price 50%
Fresh Bread & Baked Goods for HE/FE members Quality 50%

Lot LOT-0004. Fresh Bread & Baked Goods for LA's/wider public sector

This table contains award criteria for this lot
Name Type Weighting
Fresh Bread & Baked Goods for LA's/wider public sector Price 50%
Fresh Bread & Baked Goods for LA's/wider public sector Quality 50%

Lot LOT-0005. Frozen Bread & Baked Goods for HE/FE members

This table contains award criteria for this lot
Name Type Weighting
Frozen Bread & Baked Goods for HE/FE members Price 60%
Frozen Bread & Baked Goods for HE/FE members Quality 40%

Lot LOT-0006. Frozen Bread & Baked Goods for LA's/wider public sector

This table contains award criteria for this lot
Name Type Weighting
Frozen Bread & Baked Goods for LA's/wider public sector Price 60%
Frozen Bread & Baked Goods for LA's/wider public sector Quality 40%

Lot LOT-0007. One stop shop option for LA's/wider public sector

This table contains award criteria for this lot
Name Type Weighting
One stop shop option for LA's/wider public sector Price 50%
One stop shop option for LA's/wider public sector Quality 50%

Other information

Conflicts assessment prepared/revised

Yes


Procedure

Procedure type

Open procedure


Documents

Associated tender documents

Appendix Q -TUCO Framework Permissible Users.docx

Complete set of tender documents 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

Region: UKD33 - Manchester

Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government