31151 - Dairy Product (except Frozen) Manufacturing

The dairy industry plays a vital role in the food manufacturing sector, delivering essential products to consumers nationwide. If you’re involved in producing non-frozen dairy goods, understanding NAICS code 31151 is critical for government contracting, regulatory compliance, and business growth. This blog dives into what NAICS 31151 covers, typical business activities, size standards, and key examples to help you navigate this important sector.

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What is NAICS Code 31151?

NAICS code 31151 refers to the Dairy Product (except Frozen) Manufacturing industry. It includes establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing dairy products, excluding frozen products like ice cream and frozen yogurt. This industry transforms raw milk into a wide variety of end products such as cheese, butter, and fluid milk.

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Sector Overview: Manufacturing

• Sector: Manufacturing
• NAICS 31151 falls under the broader manufacturing sector, which covers the transformation of raw materials into finished goods.
• Companies within this code focus specifically on dairy processing, which involves sophisticated equipment and hygienic standards to ensure product quality and safety.

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Key Business Activities Within NAICS 31151

Businesses classified under NAICS 31151 typically perform the following activities:

• Cheese manufacturing
• Butter manufacturing
• Processing and packaging fluid milk
• Producing dairy-based ingredients (e.g., whey, cream)
• Excluding frozen dairy products (which fall under a different NAICS code)

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Size Standards for NAICS 31151

• The Small Business Administration (SBA) defines size standards for businesses to qualify as small under this code.
• For NAICS 31151, the size standard is typically 1,000 employees or fewer for small business eligibility.
• These standards are crucial for companies seeking to participate in government contracts or access SBA resources and certifications.

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Examples of Typical Businesses in NAICS 31151

• Artisanal cheese makers specializing in unique or regional cheese varieties
• Large-scale butter production facilities supplying retail chains
• Fluid milk processing plants bottling milk for supermarkets
• Dairy ingredient producers supplying food manufacturers and bakeries

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NAICS Code 31151 Details Table

Detail	Description
NAICS Code	31151
Title	Dairy Product (except Frozen) Manufacturing
Sector	Manufacturing
Industry Description	Manufacturing dairy products excluding frozen goods
Key Activities	Cheese, butter, and fluid milk production
Small Business Size Std.	1,000 employees or fewer
Exclusions	Frozen dairy product manufacturing (e.g., ice cream)
Related NAICS Codes	31152 (Frozen Dairy Product Manufacturing)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About NAICS Code 31151

What products are excluded from NAICS 31151?

Frozen dairy products such as ice cream and frozen yogurt are excluded and are classified under NAICS 31152.

Can my small dairy business qualify under this NAICS code?

If your business has 1,000 employees or fewer, it generally qualifies as a small business under SBA standards for NAICS 31151.

Is cheese manufacturing included in NAICS 31151?

Yes, cheese manufacturing is a primary activity covered under this NAICS code.

How does NAICS 31151 help in government contracting?

Having the correct NAICS code is essential for bidding on government contracts specific to dairy product manufacturing and accessing small business assistance programs.

What sector does NAICS 31151 belong to?

It falls within the Manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on dairy product processing.

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Conclusion

NAICS code 31151, Dairy Product (except Frozen) Manufacturing, is a crucial classification for businesses engaged in producing cheese, butter, fluid milk, and related dairy products. Understanding this NAICS code helps companies align with industry standards, qualify for government programs, and accurately represent their business activities. Whether you’re a small artisanal cheese producer or a large-scale milk processor, proper classification under NAICS 31151 drives business opportunity and regulatory compliance.

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Keywords: NAICS code 31151, Dairy Product Manufacturing, Cheese manufacturing, Butter manufacturing, Fluid milk processing, Small business size standards, Manufacturing sector, Government contracting