Scope
Reference
CAT11083-TU
Description
The purpose of this planned procurement is to establish a (closed) framework for the supply and distribution of fresh butchered meat and poultry (and associated products) to members and clients of TUCO Ltd (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 £8 million. The total spend through the (closed) framework (over the maximum 4 years) is estimated at £32 million.
The scope of products to be covered in the framework are as follows but not limited to:
• Fresh Butchered Meat Pork, Lamb, Beef, Ox, Veal: Joints, cuts, fillets, carcasses & whole animals for catering courses
• Game: Venison, Rabbit, Pheasant etc.
• Sundries: e.g. Butchers String & nets
• Processed meats: Haggis, Sausages, Black Pudding, Bacon, Gammon, Burgers, pre-prepared kebabs, Chorizo etc.
• Pre-prepared items: Prepped, filled and coated meats (e.g. Chicken Kiev), Cooked Meats, Specialty pies, pâtés
• Poultry: Chicken, Turkey, Duck; Poussin
• Specialty Eggs: Duck and Quail
• Religious options including: Halal and Kosher
• Special Diets: Gluten free sausages etc.
• Welfare options including but not limited to: Red Tractor, RSPCA Assured, Better Chicken Commitment, Organic, Higher Welfare, Welsh PGI etc
Butchery Service where required:
A small number of university members have their own farms / rear their own animals require a butchery service arrangement where bidders have the capacity and capability to administer the successful delivery of animals from member institution farms via an abattoir, or members’ choice (or abattoir) and cut to members’ specifications per animal. The level of service required would be detailed within any further competitions. This is a would like to have but not a strict requirement of the framework and all bidding suppliers will be asked whether they can provide this level of butchery service but will not be penalised if this is a service they cannot provide.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £32,000,000 excluding VAT
- £38,400,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 11 May 2026 to 10 May 2028
- Possible extension to 10 May 2030
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
The initial duration of the Framework is 2 years, with option to extend annually until 10/05/2030. TUCO reserve the right to extend lots by varying durations.
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 15100000 - Animal products, meat and meat products
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
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 which are available on https://in-tendhost.co.uk/tuco/aspx/Home
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 R - Framework Permissible Users for details of contracting authorities that may use the Framework
Contracting authority location restrictions
- UK - United Kingdom
Submission
Enquiry deadline
17 March 2026, 11:59pm
Tender submission deadline
23 March 2026, 10:00am
Submission address and any special instructions
Complete set of tender document are available through the web address: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/tuco/aspx/Home
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
27 April 2026
Recurring procurement
Publication date of next tender notice (estimated): 15 January 2030
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Butchered Meat and Poultry and Associated Products | Quality | 55% |
| Fresh Butchered Meat and Poultry and Associated Products | Price | 45% |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Documents
Associated tender documents
Appendix R - 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
Region: UKD33 - Manchester
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government