The Spanish government’s presidency has awarded a contract worth 60,429.74 Euros for the purchase of soft drinks, coffee, chips, and nuts for official visits to the Palacio de La Moncloa. These significant expenditures raise questions about the government’s priorities, especially given the current economic climate.
Quality and Delivery Conditions: What Moncloa Expects
The contract, which came into effect on July 12 and has a one-year term, requires products of “highest quality.” Deliveries must be made weekly, “as needed,” and within less than 72 hours of the order reaching Moncloa. Although the costs are considerable, the product list does not include exotic delicacies. The “most elite” product is tea cakes, priced at over 15 Euros without VAT.
Standard products served at President Pedro Sánchez’s meetings, including weekly cabinet meetings, include:
- Hazelnuts
- Cashews
- Chips
- Bags of “picos” (breadsticks)
- Almonds
Variety on Offer: From Coffee to Gluten-Free Biscuits
The contract also covers a wide range of products typically served with morning coffee or tea. This includes various types of biscuits, even gluten-free options for those with celiac disease, and muffins. Coffee options are equally diverse, ranging from capsules to ground coffee, instant decaffeinated, and coffee beans.
Furthermore, all types of non-alcoholic beverages for Moncloa guests are included, such as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beers. While the contracted company is not required to have specific resources, it is expected to possess “the personal and material means necessary for the proper provision of the service.”
Sustainability Efforts: A “Most Environmentally Conscious Government”?
The government, which calls itself the “most environmentally conscious government in history,” has also considered plastic avoidance in this contract. Moncloa has specifically requested medium-sized disposable paper cups and coffee stirrers.
The contracted company is also obliged to maintain the quality of its products throughout the contract period and communicate any changes “as soon as possible” to await approval from the “Operational Resources Unit.” A designated contact person from the supplier is also contractually required to handle inquiries.
