A North Ayrshire business is set to take part in a recently-launched frozen food contract that will help councils source a range of produce to serve up in communities.

The contract is expected to be worth £25m a year and North Ayrshire supplier Reid’s Food Service now has the opportunity to secure a share of this business, along with other suppliers.

Eleven UK suppliers, including Dalry-based, Reid’s, have been awarded a place on the framework that will provide poultry, Scottish Beef, other meats, seafood, bakery products, chips and potatoes, and fruit and vegetables.

The Scotland Excel contract has been put in place to help councils buy foods that will be served in schools, nurseries, community and leisure centres and care homes, and the Dalry business now has the opportunity to supply and distribute food to the local area.

North Ayrshire’s Councillor Todd Ferguson who sits on Scotland Excel’s Executive Sub Committee, said: “I welcome the launch of the new frozen food contract. It will support councils in serving up high quality, nutritious meals in their schools, nurseries and wider communities, while offering price stability and value for money, with a projected annual saving across all Scottish councils of 3.5 per cent.

“This framework is good for business and was specifically designed to unlock opportunities for SMEs. I am delighted that small Scottish suppliers now have the chance to secure a share of the business and I welcome the opportunities it brings for the local business that has been awarded onto the framework.”