Will the Minister provide an update on Recommendation 11 of the Welsh Dairy Review, to ensure that Welsh dairy products are included in tenders to supply Welsh schools, hospitals and the wider public sector?
Towards Sustainable Growth sets out proposals for public sector purchasing and commits to developing opportunities for the food industry and in particular SME and micro food businesses.
The National Procurement Service (NPS) is engaged with the key stakeholders across the Welsh public sector through its Food Category Forum and is committed to providing opportunities for smaller, local suppliers to be able to compete for tenders, in line with the Wales Procurement Policy Statement. Strategies include establishing geographical lots relevant to the product category, and through the NPS facilitating tiered supplier events which will bring together and encourage the supply chain to work together to supply to the Welsh Public Sector.
NPS intends to establish three multi-lot frameworks for the supply and distribution of Fresh Foods and Beverages (including Fresh Milk and Dairy Products), Packaged Food and Beverages and Food and Drink Related Products (i. e. vending, water coolers, equipment etc. ) The NPS has published 3 Prior Information Notices (PINS) which are live on Sell2Wales, intended as an early notice to the market and an invitation to begin pre-procurement market engagement. NPS intends to hold four supplier engagement events in locations throughout Wales to support this engagement process early in the New Year.