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It says a single online portal will make it easier for public sector customers and small businesses by offering a simplified route to markets - opening up access to a range of food and drink suppliers for the public sector.

Under the scheme, the Crown Commercial Service agreement will support food producers, including SMEs, in accessing public sector food contracts. All suppliers available through the portal will have to adhere to the updated Government Buying Standards for Food, which the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) are set to update in due course.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office, Minister Alex Burghart said: “Delivering better value for the taxpayer and driving up food and drink standards are key priorities for Government. This new system will deliver better quality food to our schoolchildren and care home residents, while creating a level playing field to help small businesses win more contracts from the public sector.”

The Government’s ambition is to further embed Government Buying Standards (GBS) to food and catering served through all public sector organisations. Public sector procurement teams will also have the option to add their preferred SME suppliers to the agreement.

The initial contract value is estimated to attract £100 million worth of spend over the four-year contract period, which is a small proportion of the annual £2.1 billion public sector food spend.

Simon Tse, chief executive of Crown Commercial Service, added: “We’re delighted to be working alongside Defra to introduce better quality, seasonal and nutritious food into schools, hospitals and prisons.

“As we continue to level up and grow the economy, this food solution will support public sector bodies in purchasing good quality food and help local and small businesses compete for public sector contracts for the first time, opening up economic opportunities across the country.”