Catering Innovation and Concept Solution (CICS)

 To utilise this DPS you MUST first become a member of TUCO. Please see the "How to Use" section of this page for more information. 

This TUCO dynamic purchasing system (DPS) is for the supply and distribution of a range of food and drinks concepts, innovation and any related licences, technology and equipment (to support the supply of food and drink). The 11 Lots offer a range of catering innovation and concept solutions from a choice of innovative suppliers:

• Lot 1 - European Food - Pizzas and ingredients, pastas, meatballs, vegetables and sauces. Meats/skewers served in flatbreads, wraps and pittas with sides and sauces. Marinated and breaded meat and fish. 
• Lot 2 - Asian Food - Chinese meat and rice/noodle dishes, broths, steamed buns, battered meat and fish and sides. Authentic breakfast porridge. Indian meat and rice dishes, snacks and sides. Japanese curries, skewers and rice. Korean meat, sauces, kimchi and broths. Thai curries, rice/noodles and sides. 
• Lot 3 - North & South American Food - American BBQ and pulled meats and sauces, burgers, hot dogs, desserts and drinks. Jamaican meats, stews, patties, sauces, sides and drinks. Mexican nachos, chillies, burritos, sauces and sides. Regional dishes and BBQ’ by state.
• Lot 4 - ROW Food - Middle Eastern, African, Australian etc.
• Lot 5 - Sweet treats - Waffles, ice cream / gelato, frozen yoghurt concepts, freak shakes
• Lot 6 - Bakery, Bread & Coffee shop - Coffee house dining and snacking – pastries, Bread, cheese, sandwich fillers, soups, confectionery (cakes, pastries, cookies) crisps, quiche, deli meats, salad, breakfast, yoghurts and potted desserts and canapes. Bakery workshops.
• Lot 7 - Drinks (non-alcoholic) - Slushies, post mix solutions, milkshakes 
• Lot 8 - Drinks (alcoholic) - Premium alcohol solutions. Low alcohol. Dispense systems; apps
• Lot 9 - Premium concepts - Delivered perceived customer value and experience, brand and marketing support, site refurbs etc. 
• Lot 10 - Rented space / licenced or “master licensee” model - As above by way of scope but via either equity owned or licensed route to market. Licensees are supported by brand infrastructure and guidelines. Right stores in the right places.
• Lot 11 - Technology/equipment - Reduced touch points. Wifi enabled order fulfilment heated/chilled food cabinets. Self-serve technology. HACCP systems. 

To use this agreement join TUCO and contact hannah.myton@tuco.ac.uk with reference numbers: TUCO: CAT11053-TU and Hunter: 19742

• Legally compliant DPS agreement developed in accordance with the EU public procurement regulations
• Eliminates the need for clients and members to individually undertake their own selection process
• Availability of ITT templates to use to carry out 2nd stage of the DPS process
• Opportunities for savings through economies of scale
• Opportunity for new SMEs to join DPS at any time to increase competition within the agreement




1. Using this framework supports our Giving Back initiative. Our charity's focus is on SEND, wellbeing and absenteeism

To utilise a TUCO DPS, you must first register on their website.

Associate membership is free to all educational establishments with an in house catering provision, for more information on the benefits of TUCO membership, please see the About TUCO page. Once you have access to their site, you will be able to view guidance documentation. If you require any assistance, please contact the Contracting Manager as listed below.

Call off through a DPS is via mini-competition only. Please see the User Guide for more information.

Important Procurement Act 2023 requirement

It is very important for CPC members to register on the new Find a Tender Service to create your organisation’s unique procurement identifier, known as an API Key. You then need to add the API Key to your profile on our MultiQuote eSender portal to run compliant mini competitions for our frameworks. It is a requirement under Procurement Act 2023 that relevant notices are published to the Find a Tender Service and MultiQuote can only publish your notices if you have added your API Key. See our Find a tender service registration web page for a step-by-step guide on how to register.