A Tender is a formal process where Co-op invites several suppliers to submit proposals to supply certain products.This is often done when we are planning to update or change our product range (Range Event).
• It’s mainly used for our own-brand products but can be used for branded products.
•The goal is to find the best supplier in terms of quality, price, and fit with the Co-op’s values.
Choosing a supplier through a tender is a team effort. It involves input from different departments to make sure all aspects are considered:
• Product Development – Ensures the product meets customer needs
• Food Policy – Checks that the product aligns with ethical and sustainability standards.
• Technical – Looks at product safety and quality.
• Commercial– Focuses on pricing and contracts.
• Supply Chain– Ensures the supplier can deliver reliably.
There is also a Tenders Manager that helps coordinate the process and supports both the internal teams and the suppliers.
To ensure clarity for Suppliers and maintain fairness and transparency, all Tender events must be conducted through the online portal. This ensures that:
• All Suppliers receive information at the same time
• All actions are tracked and recorded through the portal
Our Tender process is designed to be efficient, fair, and transparent for our supplier partners. One of the most important aspects is ensuring that our businesses are a good fit for each other.
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