311313 - Beet Sugar Manufacturing

If you're involved in the food manufacturing industry or exploring opportunities in agricultural processing, understanding NAICS code 311313 is essential. This code specifically designates businesses engaged in Beet Sugar Manufacturing, an important sector responsible for turning sugar beets into various sugar products utilized across the food and beverage industries. In this post, we'll dive deep into what NAICS 311313 covers, typical business activities, sector affiliation, and eligibility standards, helping you navigate this niche with confidence.

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What is NAICS Code 311313?

NAICS code 311313 refers to Beet Sugar Manufacturing — the process of extracting, refining, and packaging sugar and related products derived from sugar beets for commercial distribution. This industry encompasses all aspects from raw beet processing to producing granulated sugar, syrups, and molasses made specifically from sugar beets.

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Sector: Food Manufacturing

NAICS 311313 falls under the broader Food Manufacturing sector, which includes establishments primarily engaged in processing raw agricultural products into edible food items. Beet Sugar Manufacturing is a specialized subset focusing on sweeteners derived from sugar beets.

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Typical Business Activities under NAICS 311313

Businesses categorized under this code are involved in:

• Extraction of sugar from sugar beets
• Refining raw beet sugar into consumer-ready products
• Packaging beet sugar products for wholesale and retail distribution
• Producing related by-products such as molasses and dried beet pulp

Examples of typical establishments:

• Sugar Beet Processing Plants: Facilities that wash, slice, and extract sugar juice from beets.
• Beet Sugar Refining Facilities: Plants refining raw sugar to produce white or brown sugar products.
• Sugar Packaging Companies: Businesses that package and prepare beet sugar products for shipment to markets.

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Size Standards for NAICS 311313

The Small Business Administration (SBA) size standard for NAICS 311313 is:

• 1,150 employees or fewer to qualify as a small business.

This size standard defines eligibility for small business programs, government contracting, and other SBA assistance.

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Detailed Code Descriptions for NAICS 311313

Code Detail	Description
Beet pulp, dried, manufacturing	Production of dried pulp by-products from sugar beets.
Beet sugar refining	Refining raw beet sugar into various sugar forms.
Brown beet sugar refining	Processing brown sugar specifically derived from beet sugar.
Brown sugar made from beet sugar	Manufacture of brown sugar products from beet sugar.
Confectioner's beet sugar manufacturing	Producing fine beet sugar used in confectionery.
Granulated beet sugar manufacturing	Making granulated sugar products from beet sugar.
Liquid beet syrup manufacturing	Production of syrup extracted from sugar beets.
Liquid sugar made from beet sugar	Liquid sugar products derived from beet sugar.
Molasses made from sugar beets	Manufacturing molasses as a by-product of beet sugar extraction.
Raw beet sugar manufacturing	Processing raw sugar directly from sugar beets.
Sugar, confectionery, made from sugar beets	Confectionery sugars derived from beet sugar.
Sugar, granulated, made from sugar beets	Granulated sugar products derived from beet sugar.
Sugar, invert, made from sugar beets	Invert sugar products manufactured from beet sugar.
Sugar, liquid, made from sugar beets	Liquid sugar variants produced from beet sugar.
Syrup made from sugar beets	Syrups produced from sugar beet extraction processes.

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Examples of Businesses under NAICS 311313

• American Crystal Sugar Company – One of the largest beet sugar processors in the U.S.
• Michigan Sugar Company – Operates multiple beet sugar production plants in the Midwest.
• Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative – Focuses on refining and packaging beet sugar products.

These companies exemplify the core activities covered by NAICS 311313, including beet sugar extraction, refining, and packaging.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What products are included in Beet Sugar Manufacturing?
A1: Products include granulated beet sugar, brown sugar, confectioner's sugar, molasses, dried beet pulp, liquid syrups, and invert sugars derived from sugar beets.

Q2: Does NAICS 311313 cover cane sugar production?
A2: No. Cane sugar manufacturing is classified under a different NAICS code. NAICS 311313 covers only sugar derived from sugar beets.

Q3: What is the employee size standard for small businesses under this code?
A3: Businesses with 1,150 or fewer employees qualify as small under NAICS 311313.

Q4: Are packaging companies included in this NAICS code?
A4: Yes. Packaging beet sugar products for commercial distribution is part of the industry described by NAICS 311313.

Q5: Which sector does beet sugar manufacturing belong to?
A5: It belongs to the Food Manufacturing sector.

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Conclusion: Why NAICS 311313 Matters

Understanding NAICS code 311313 is important for businesses, government agencies, and contractors involved in the food manufacturing and agricultural processing industries. From sourcing raw sugar beets to delivering refined sugar products, this code captures the essence of beet sugar manufacturing and its economic significance. Whether you're seeking business classification, eligibility for programs, or market insights, having in-depth knowledge of NAICS 311313 puts you on solid ground.

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Keywords: NAICS 311313, Beet Sugar Manufacturing, sugar beet processing, beet sugar refining, food manufacturing NAICS codes, sugar industry, sugar packaging, small business size standards