The four-year deal follows a competitive tendering process organised by the government department. It follows a similar four-year contract previously awarded to Premier Foods.
Strangeways Prison
The contract – which takes effect immediately – will see prisoners from Parkhurst Prison on the Isle of Wight to Strangeways in Manchester enjoying what Premier described as “a range of bread products for the preparation of meals”.
Andy Riddle, director of sales for impulse, wholesale and foodservice at Premier Foods commented: "We are delighted to have re-gained this contract.
“This is a significant win for Premier Foods and underlines our commitment to building stronger customer relations with the public sector and demonstrates our understanding of their business needs. Hovis is currently the only brand that uses 100% British wheat in the production of our bread and it is gratifying to hear that this commitment to local farmers played a role in the renewal of the contract.”
Riddle added: "This contract is a testament to the team's ability to respond to the customer's changing requirements and we are proud to have this contract for a further four years."
Open competition
A Prison Service spokesman told FoodManufacture.co.uk: "Following an open competition, Premier Foods has been awarded a four-year contract to supply bread to all prisons in England and Wales.
"The contract is similar in value to the previous four-year contact and continues to ensure we get good value for money.”
The spokesman added that the average cost of prison food was £2.20 per prisoner per day.
Earlier this month Premier bosses joined management from Bakkavör and Greencore to meet Prime Minister David Cameron at Downing Street to champion a scheme that would provide free training to jobless youngsters. To read more, click here.
Also this month, city analyst Investec Securities said Premier faced “death or glory” by 2014.
Investec’s Martin Deboo said Premier: “Still [faced] death or glory by 2014. After a post-refinancing bump in March, the shares are heading back to their pre-refinancing trough of 34p. But much has changed since then.”
To read the full story, click here.