Described as the biggest contract win in recent years for the company, the contract to supply food to the prison catering service is four years long and worth ‘millions’ of pounds.
Following a 12-month competitive tender process, the MoJ awarded it to incumbent supplier 3663.
For its part, the supplier has committed to reducing food costs, offering added value to the client by reducing carbon emissions, providing career opportunities for ex-offenders, supporting British growers and suppliers and working with both prisoners and prison staff to develop well balanced menus.
Additionally, 3663 has said it will improve security by reducing the number of inbound deliveries and in turn, the gate-openings required.
The company has supplied the MoJ since 2007 under different contract arrangements for the provision of fresh, chilled, frozen and grocery requirements which had previously been awarded separately.
This is the first time the tender process has been consolidated under a single supply contract.
The initial four-year contract includes the supply of fresh, frozen, chilled and ambient food; following this initial period the contract has a potential extension for a further four years.
Tony Ball, director of sales at 3663, said: “This is the largest government contract 3663 has been awarded in recent years.
“It is testimony to how closely we understand and work with our customers. We’re proud that we’re not only delivering quality food at a good price but that our business improvements and innovations are responding to our customers needs.
“Having built a solid groundwork with the Ministry of Justice since 2007, this contract could take us to 2020.”
3663 recently launched online ordering and is looking at other ways of improving and streamlining supply for the MoJ such as providing standardised menus across the prison network.