Supply of Ambient Meal solutions for First-Class offering

Description

The requirement is for the supply of a range of ambient ready meal /snack products in accordance with requirements and standards which will be set out in the tender documentation. This will include the provision of packaging (which must list all mandatory food information), the packaging will be required for serving first-class customers on-board our train services, requirements are to be detailed in the tender documentation. If the contract is extended the product offering will be reviewed to reflect market trends and customer needs. Lot 1: XC Trains Limited (XC) will be conducting a competitive tender under the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016 for the supply of Ambient Ready Meal/Snack solutions for our First-Class offering on-board CrossCountry trains. The Supplier shall be responsible for the supply of a range of ambient ready meal/snack products to XC, including the supply of any bespoke meal requirements. This will be done in accordance with requirements and standards which will be set out in the tender documentation. XC are looking for a supplier of both ambient main meal and starter/or tapas snack solutions. • An ambient snack in the style of a starter/tapas - the snack should not require refrigeration or heating before serving, with a minimum shelf life of 2 months or higher (once delivered to XC locations). Storage at ambient temperature in a self-contained packaging is required per each snack. • An ambient meal in the style of a main course option. This type of meal will need to be microwaveable in the on-board commercial microwave, allowing for convenient delivery to our on-board customers. It should require minimal preparation (no decanting of products) and storage at ambient temperature in a self-contained packaging for each meal that can also be used to serve/present to First-Class customers. The shelf life should be a minimum of 2 months ambiently stored (once received at XC locations). • A vegetarian option which is also suitable for vegan dietary requirements will be required for both meal solutions. This must also be ambiently stored in a self-contained packaging for each snack/meal with a minimum shelf life of 2 months or higher (once received at XC locations). It should require minimal preparation (no decanting of products). • The Supplier shall also be responsible for the provision of all food packaging (with the capability to provide customised packaging) for both meal solutions. We will require the supplier to provide sustainable catering consumables for both meal solutions e.g. sustainable cutlery, printed napkins, recyclable items. All food, food packaging (with all the mandatory food information) and food contact materials must comply with all relevant UK food laws. Throughout the lifecycle of the agreement there may be a requirement to review the product specifications to allow the opportunity to include emerging market trends and customer needs in an updated meal range offering. Specific meal solutions for seasonal menu changes will be required (Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter). The Customer will have delivery requirements to a minimum of 5 UK-based railway station locations, as follows: Birmingham New Street, Bristol Temple Meads, Edinburgh Waverley, Plymouth, Reading, Bristol. These locations will receive, store and handle food items.