Supply of Fresh Meat and Poultry, and Frozen Products

 

REPORT TO; Corporate Director Strategic Resources; Gary Fielding

 

DECISION DATE: 4 December 2025

 

SUPPORTING ANNEX; None

 

PROPOSED RECOMMENDATION

 

It is recommended that the Council extends the contract for the Supply of Fresh Meat and Poultry and Frozen Products from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027

 

BACKGROUND TO SUPPORT THE RECOMMENDATION

 

The initial term of the contract was from 22 February 2022 to 31 March 2024, with an option to extend for 24 months to 31 March 2026. 

 

Since the contract was awarded, Local Government Reorganisation has brought additional requirements around the provision of food / ingredients into the Council including large venues, leisure centres and cafes. 

 

A Request for Information was issued to the market between May and June 2025, to establish market capability and understand the most appropriate approach to future requirements and contracting arrangements.   18 responses were received and 10 of those were from Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs).  Off the back of that, a procurement strategy has been developed and procurement processes are to commence imminently. 

 

This is a significant piece of work, requiring a large amount of resource across multiple service areas so procurement processes are being prioritised.  The extensions to this contract will ensure the Council is able to meet its commitments through the Traded Service and ensure the nutritional requirements of school children / students meet the required standards.

 

 

LEGAL AND GOVERNANCE COMPLIANCE

 

The contract extension will be undertaken by the Council’s Procurement and Contract Management Service.  A Gateway report has been approved in accordance with the Council’s Procurement and Contract Procedure Rules.

 

This is a Key Decision.  It was entered on the forward plan on the 4th November.

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

It is recommended that the Council extends the contract for the first year initially but has the option to take the second year if the procurement process hasn’t been completed by 31 March 2027.