311511 - Fluid Milk Manufacturing

When it comes to the food manufacturing sector, NAICS code 311511 plays a vital role in the dairy industry. This code specifically covers businesses that specialize in Fluid Milk Manufacturing, an essential part of delivering wholesome and nutritious milk products to consumers and commercial users nationwide. Whether you're a business owner, supplier, or government contractor, understanding NAICS 311511 can help you navigate market opportunities effectively.

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What is NAICS Code 311511?

NAICS 311511 – Fluid Milk Manufacturing involves the processing, pasteurization, homogenization, and packaging of fluid milk products. These products include:

• Whole milk
• Skim milk
• Flavored milk
• Milk substitutes (like almond and soy milk)

This industry ensures consumer safety and product quality through critical milk processing steps before the products reach grocery stores or commercial kitchens.

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Sector and Typical Business Activities under NAICS 311511

NAICS 311511 falls within the broader Food Manufacturing sector. Businesses operating under this code often include:

• Dairy processing plants
• Milk bottling companies
• Flavored milk producers
• Manufacturers of milk substitutes such as soy, almond, oat, and rice milk

These companies process raw milk and milk alternatives through pasteurization, homogenization, and packaging processes, transforming them into market-ready fluid products.

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Size Standards and Eligibility

To qualify under NAICS code 311511 for government contracting and other purposes, the industry size standard is typically set at:

• 1,150 employees

This size standard helps define small business eligibility when bidding on government contracts or qualifying for specific programs.

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Examples of Businesses under NAICS 311511

• Dairy Valley Processing LLC – A regional dairy processing plant specializing in whole and skim milk bottling.
• Flavormeister Milk Co. – Producer of chocolate milk and other flavored milk drinks.
• Nature's Almond Fluid Products – Manufacturer of almond milk and other plant-based milk alternatives.

These examples illustrate the diverse manufacturing activities within the Fluid Milk Manufacturing industry.

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NAICS Code 311511 – Full Code Details

Activity Description	Included under NAICS 311511?
Acidophilus milk manufacturing	Yes
Almond milk manufacturing	Yes
Beverages, milk based (except dietary), manufacturing	Yes
Buttermilk manufacturing	Yes
Cheese, cottage, manufacturing	No (different NAICS code)
Chocolate drink (milk based) manufacturing	Yes
Chocolate milk manufacturing	Yes
Cottage cheese manufacturing	No
Cream manufacturing	Yes
Dips, sour cream based, manufacturing	No (usually dairy products but different code)
Drink, chocolate milk, manufacturing	Yes
Eggnog, fresh, nonalcoholic, manufacturing	Yes
Eggnog, nonalcoholic (except canned), manufacturing	Yes
Flavored milk drinks manufacturing	Yes
Fluid milk substitutes processing	Yes
Homogenizing milk	Yes
Milk based drinks (except dietary) manufacturing	Yes
Milk drink, chocolate, manufacturing	Yes
Milk pasteurizing	Yes
Milk processing (e.g., bottling, homogenizing, pasteurizing, vitaminizing) manufacturing	Yes
Milk substitutes manufacturing	Yes
Milk, acidophilus, manufacturing	Yes
Milk, fluid (except canned), manufacturing	Yes
Nondairy creamers, liquid, manufacturing	Yes
Nondairy yogurt (except frozen) manufacturing	No (different NAICS)
Oat milk manufacturing	Yes
Pasteurizing milk	Yes
Rice milk manufacturing	Yes
Sour cream manufacturing	No (different NAICS)
Sour cream substitutes manufacturing	No
Soy milk manufacturing	Yes
Whipped topping (except dry mix, frozen) manufacturing	No
Whipping cream manufacturing	No
Yogurt (except frozen) manufacturing	No

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What products are included under NAICS 311511?

NAICS 311511 includes fluid milk products such as whole milk, skim milk, chocolate milk, flavored milk drinks, milk substitutes (almond, soy, oat, rice), buttermilk, and pasteurized milk beverages.

Does this NAICS code cover cheese and yogurt manufacturing?

No, cheese (including cottage cheese) and yogurt manufacturing fall under different NAICS codes.

What is the employee size standard for this industry?

The size standard for Fluid Milk Manufacturing is 1,150 employees for small business designation.

Are plant-based milk products included in this classification?

Yes, manufacturing of plant-based fluid milk substitutes like almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, and rice milk are covered under NAICS 311511.

Can fluid milk processing companies bid on government contracts using this NAICS code?

Yes, businesses categorized under NAICS 311511 can bid on contracts seeking suppliers or manufacturers of fluid milk products.

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Conclusion

NAICS code 311511 defines an essential subset of the food manufacturing industry focused on fluid milk processing. From traditional dairy products to innovative milk substitutes, companies under this classification play a critical role in delivering nutritious beverages to the market. Understanding the scope, sector classification, size standards, and typical business activities helps companies position themselves strategically for growth and government contracting opportunities.

Whether you operate a dairy bottling plant or specialize in plant-based milk production, NAICS 311511 represents a dynamic and critical industry segment in the food manufacturing landscape.