Every decision in public sector catering influences more than the menu. It shapes supply chains, supports businesses, and impacts the environment. Through the Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) Buying Better Food and Drink Framework, delivered by Entegra, organisations can source quality food and drink at the right price while creating positive outcomes for suppliers, communities, and the planet.

Streamlined sourcing with built-in efficiency

Procurement can be complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. This framework gives public sector teams a single, straightforward route to a pre-vetted network of suppliers to purchase all their onsite food and drink requirements from. A simple ordering process, competitive pricing, operational support and compliance with the Government Buying Standard for Food and Catering Services are built in as standard.

It also includes central billing functionality, ensuring suppliers are paid promptly. This removes administrative bottlenecks, builds stronger supplier relationships and supports healthier cash flow across the supply chain.

“This framework takes away the complexity of sourcing. Everything is already in place, so public sector teams can get what they need without lengthy tender processes — saving time, reducing admin, and making it easy to buy with confidence.

Championing social value through SME inclusion

Public sector buyers using the framework can nominate an SME supplier of their choice for inclusion. If that supplier meets the required standards, they can be added to the framework. This creates new opportunities for smaller enterprises to access public sector contracts, breaking down barriers that have traditionally limited their participation.

By doing this, organisations can increase social value in the communities they serve while broadening and strengthening their supply base.

Sustainability with better insights

Sustainability is embedded into the framework’s criteria, from responsible sourcing to reduced packaging and lower-carbon transport. Where available, buyers can also access farm-level data through the system, giving them the insight to make more informed purchasing decisions and support more sustainable farming practices.

Delivering value today and for the future

The Buying Better Food and Drink Framework is more than a compliant route to purchase. It is a tool for creating positive impact, whether that’s improving supplier payment times, opening opportunities for SMEs, or helping buyers choose products that are better for the planet.

For public sector buyers, it’s a way to ensure every purchase delivers value for money and society. Plus, the CCS Facilities Management Team is on hand where necessary to assist in the completion of your call off contracts. They can further support your procurement journey and help you get the best value when buying food through a compliant procurement route, in line with the Government Buying Standard for food and catering services.

Click here to request a call-back from Mike or Clare, who will guide you through how the framework works and the benefits it will bring your organisation.