CORE Food Framework Cymru (Collaborative Open Resource & Engagement) Tender

Caerphilly County Borough Council

About this tender

Caerphilly County Borough Council, acting on behalf of the Welsh Collaborative Food Group, intends to establish a multi-supplier open framework agreement for the provision of food, beverages and associated products to public sector bodies throughout Wales. The framework will serve local authorities, schools, education establishments, social care settings and other eligible public sector bodies. It will be structured using geographical areas and product categories to support national, regional and local suppliers including SMEs. The framework will cover ambient goods, chilled products, frozen foods, fruit and vegetables, meat products, dairy products, bakery goods, beverages, snacks, vending products and non-food catering related items. Suppliers must demonstrate compliance with food safety legislation and maintain standards for food hygiene, traceability, allergen management, sustainability, ethical sourcing and supply chain resilience. The framework will operate as an open framework under the Procurement Act 2023, allowing suppliers to apply for admission during subsequent opening rounds. Contract duration: 01 April 2028 to 31 March 2032, with potential extension to 31 March 2036.

Bidder eligibility

Bidders must be food suppliers capable of meeting food safety legislation requirements and demonstrating compliance with food hygiene, traceability, allergen management, sustainability and ethical sourcing standards. The framework is designed to accommodate national, regional and local suppliers, including SMEs and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE). Suppliers must be able to serve public sector bodies across Wales.

Lots

• Lot 1: Food, Beverages and Associated Products Framework

  $625M

  Multi-supplier open framework agreement for provision of food, beverages and associated products including ambient goods, chilled products, frozen foods, fruit and vegetables, meat products, dairy products, bakery goods, beverages, snacks, vending products and non-food catering related items to public sector bodies throughout Wales

Key requirements

• ✓Food safety legislation compliance and food hygiene standards
• ✓Traceability, allergen management, sustainability and ethical sourcing
• ✓Supply chain resilience and capacity to serve multiple public sector bodies
• ✓Ability to supply across ambient, chilled, frozen, fresh and beverage categories
• ✓Support for Welsh and SME suppliers within a competitive marketplace

Procurement contact

The notice names a procurement contact for clarification questions.

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Food systems funding covers sustainable production, supply-chain resilience, food loss, nutrition and smallholder livelihoods. It is offered by agriculture and development agencies, multilateral programmes and foundations, often with a focus on low- and middle-income countries. Applicants are generally asked to show local partnerships and how benefits reach farmers or consumers.