Decision details

A Key Decision is required in relation to the Fresh Meat and Poultry and Frozen Products contract in order to extend the contract, from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027.

A Key Decision for the initial term and extension periods of this contract was taken on 15 November 2021. The contract was put in place for North Yorkshire Education Services in order for them to deliver their traded service to educational establishments.

The final extension period is due to come to an end on 31 March 2026, however, Local Government Reorganisation has brought additional requirements around the provision of food / ingredients into the Council including large venues, leisure centres and cafes and the extension(s) will allow time for the most appropriate contracting arrangements and routes to market to be undertaken in order to achieve the best value for money.

A Key Decision is being taken as the anticipated cost of the 12 month extension is in the region of £3.9m.

To extend the contract for the Supply of Fresh Meat and Poultry and Frozen Products from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027.

The Council’s existing contract is due to expire 31st of March 2026. 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.

None.