311 - Food Manufacturing

The food industry is a cornerstone of the global economy, fueling millions and supporting countless businesses. Among its many segments, NAICS Code 311 - Food Manufacturing stands out as a vital sector in the United States manufacturing landscape. Whether you're a business owner, government contractor, or industry enthusiast, understanding this NAICS code helps clarify the scope and opportunities within the food manufacturing industry.

What is NAICS Code 311?

NAICS Code 311 encompasses establishments engaged in transforming livestock, agricultural products, and raw food materials into products for intermediate or final consumption. This diverse sector covers everything from dairy processing and baked goods production to meat processing and packaging.

Sector: Manufacturing

NAICS 311 falls under the broader Manufacturing sector, which includes various industries responsible for producing goods from raw materials.

Key Business Activities Under NAICS 311 - Food Manufacturing

Businesses classified under NAICS code 311 typically engage in:

• Dairy Product Manufacturing
  Production and processing of milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, and other dairy goods.

• Baked Goods Manufacturing
  Creation of bread, cakes, cookies, pastries, and other bakery products.

• Meat Processing and Packaging
  Slaughtering, curing, packaging, and preparation of meat, poultry, and seafood.

Other activities may include:

• Snack food manufacturing
• Sugar and confectionery production
• Fruit and vegetable preserving and specialty food manufacturing

Size Standards for NAICS Code 311

To qualify under the Small Business Administration (SBA) size standards for NAICS 311, businesses must meet specific employee-based criteria, often based on the number of employees over the past 12 months. Size standards help determine eligibility for government contracts and set-aside programs.

• Size Standard: Typically ranges from 750 to 1,500 employees, depending on the specific sub-industry.

For precise size standards by sub-sector, consult the SBA Size Standards Tool.

Examples of Businesses Under NAICS Code 311

• Local dairy farms with processing facilities producing milk or cheese.
• Commercial bakeries producing packaged bread or specialty baked goods.
• Meatpacking plants and processing facilities preparing and packaging beef, pork, or poultry.
• Snack food manufacturers creating chips, pretzels, and other snacks.

NAICS Code 311 Details Table

Aspect	Description
NAICS Code	311
Title	Food Manufacturing
Sector	Manufacturing
Description	Establishments transforming livestock and agricultural products into food products for consumption. Includes dairy, baked goods, meat products, and allied food production.
Typical Activities	Dairy product manufacturing, baked goods manufacturing, meat processing and packaging
Size Standard	Varies by sub-industry; generally 750-1,500 employees
Related Codes	3113 - Sugar and Confectionery Product Manufacturing, 3118 - Bakeries and Tortilla Manufacturing, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What types of products fall under NAICS 311?

NAICS 311 includes a wide range of food products such as dairy items (milk, cheese), baked goods (bread, cakes), meat and poultry products, snack foods, candy, and specialty preserved foods.

How is NAICS 311 used in government contracting?

NAICS 311 is used to classify businesses for federal procurement opportunities, determining eligibility for small business programs and contract awards related to food manufacturing.

What is the difference between NAICS 311 and NAICS 312 (Beverage Manufacturing)?

NAICS 311 covers food products, while NAICS 312 relates to beverage production such as soft drinks, breweries, and distilleries.

How do I find my size standard for NAICS 311?

You can determine your size standard through the SBA’s online tool based on your specific food manufacturing sub-industry and employee count.

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Optimizing your understanding of NAICS Code 311 - Food Manufacturing empowers you to better navigate business opportunities in the manufacturing sector—whether you’re launching a start-up, applying for government contracts, or researching industry trends.

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Keywords: NAICS Code 311, Food Manufacturing, Food Industry, Dairy Product Manufacturing, Baked Goods Manufacturing, Meat Processing, Manufacturing Sector, Small Business Size Standards, Government Contracting, Food Production Businesses