311422 - Specialty Canning

The food manufacturing industry is vast and varied, and among its many crucial segments lies NAICS code 311422, known as Specialty Canning. This industry classification highlights a unique niche focused on preserving and packaging specialty foods in cans for consumers nationwide. Whether you're a business owner, supplier, or government contractor, understanding this code is essential for navigating market opportunities and regulatory compliance within the specialty food canning sector.

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What is NAICS Code 311422?

NAICS 311422 represents establishments primarily engaged in specialty canning—the process of preserving and packaging specialty foods such as seafood, fruits, vegetables, and other distinctive food products in cans. Businesses within this category focus on maintaining the quality and extending the shelf life of these foods while providing convenient, ready-to-use products for the market.

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Sector Overview: Food Manufacturing

NAICS 311422 falls under the broader Food Manufacturing sector. This sector encompasses industries involved in processing raw ingredients, packaging, and preparing food products for retail or wholesale distribution.

Typical Business Activities Include:

• Canning of baby foods, including meats
• Specialty seafood canning
• Specialty fruit and vegetable canning
• Production of various nationality specialty canned foods (e.g., Italian, Mexican, Chinese)
• Manufacturing canned soups, broths, and gravies (except seafood)
• Preparation of pasta-based products in cans

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Size Standards for NAICS 311422 Eligibility

For businesses classified under NAICS 311422, the Small Business Administration (SBA) size standard is typically set at 1,400 employees. This means companies with 1,400 or fewer employees generally qualify as small businesses for government contracting opportunities, grants, and other support programs.

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Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 311422

Companies operating in this industry often include:

• Seafood Canning Companies: Specializing in canned tuna, salmon, and other seafood delicacies.
• Specialty Fruit and Vegetable Canneries: Focusing on canned peaches, berries, green beans, and specialty produce.
• Canned Specialty Food Product Manufacturers: Producing baked beans, chowders, ethnic specialty foods, and baby foods.

These businesses contribute significantly to the food supply chain, providing shelf-stable specialty products to consumers and businesses alike.

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NAICS 311422 Code Details Table

Product Type	Description
Baby foods (including meats) canning	Canning prepared baby and junior food products
Baked beans canning	Processing and packaging baked beans
Beans, baked, canning	Same as above; baked bean products
Bouillon canning	Canning meat or vegetable broths
Broth (except seafood) canning	Production of canned broths excluding seafood
Canning soups (except seafood)	Manufacturing soups canned without seafood
Chili con carne canning	Canning chili dishes with meat
Chinese foods canning	Specialty canned Chinese cuisine
Dry beans canning	Processing canned dry beans
Gravy canning	Preparing canned gravies
Infant and junior food canning	Baby and toddler food in canned form
Italian foods canning	Canning specialty Italian products
Meat canning, baby food, manufacturing	Baby foods with meat for canned packaging
Mexican foods canning	Producing canned Mexican cuisine
Nationality specialty foods canning, bottling, and jarring	Specialty ethnic foods preservation
Pasta based products canning	Canned pasta and related dishes
Pork and beans canning	Canning pork mixed with beans
Soups (except seafood) canning	Non-seafood canned soups
Spaghetti canning	Canned spaghetti products

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of food products fall under NAICS 311422?

NAICS 311422 includes specialty canned foods such as baby foods, baked beans, broths, soups, ethnic cuisine, pasta-based products, and specialty fruits, vegetables, and seafood.

Is seafood canning included in this code?

Yes, specialty seafood canning companies are part of this industry classification.

What is the SBA size standard for NAICS 311422?

The size standard is set at 1,400 employees, meaning businesses with up to 1,400 employees may qualify as small businesses for government contracting.

How can businesses benefit from knowing their NAICS code?

Knowing your NAICS code helps identify appropriate government contracting opportunities, ensures proper industry classification for compliance, and supports targeted marketing strategies.

Are specialty ethnic foods included under this classification?

Yes, many nationality specialty foods like Italian, Mexican, and Chinese canned products fall within NAICS 311422.

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Conclusion

NAICS code 311422 – Specialty Canning represents an important industry segment within food manufacturing, focusing on the packaging and preservation of specialty canned foods. Whether you operate a seafood cannery, produce specialty ethnic foods, or manufacture baby foods, this classification helps you establish your business identity, access government programs, and connect with new markets.

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By understanding the scope, sector, and size standards of NAICS 311422, businesses can better position themselves for growth and compliance in the specialty canning market. For more insights and tailored information, keep exploring specific industry resources and SBA guidelines.