311512 - Creamery Butter Manufacturing
When exploring the vast landscape of food manufacturing, NAICS code 311512 stands out as a critical classification for businesses involved in Creamery Butter Manufacturing. This industry plays an essential role in dairy production by transforming fresh or cultured cream into creamery butter and related products. Whether you’re a business owner, government contractor, or industry enthusiast, understanding NAICS 311512 is key to navigating market opportunities and regulatory standards.
What is NAICS Code 311512?
NAICS code 311512 specifically covers establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing creamery butter from fresh or cultured cream. This includes producing:
- Pure creamery butter
- Butter blends
- Butter spreads
The scope also extends to manufacturing related products such as anhydrous butterfat and whey butter, essential ingredients in various food products.
Sector Overview: Food Manufacturing
NAICS 311512 falls under the broader Food Manufacturing sector, which encompasses businesses involved in producing food products for consumption or further processing. Creamery butter manufacturing is a specialized niche within dairy product manufacturing focused on converting raw cream into tangible butter goods.
Typical Business Activities Include:
- Operating butter production facilities
- Specializing in dairy products with an emphasis on butter
- Running creamery operations geared toward butter and butter blend manufacture
- Producing whey-based butter and anhydrous butterfat
These activities require skilled processing, quality control, and compliance with food safety regulations, making this industry a vital part of the dairy supply chain.
Size Standards for NAICS 311512 Eligibility
For small business considerations under this code, the SBA’s size standard allows up to 750 employees. This threshold helps define qualifying businesses for government contracts, grants, and other federal assistance programs.
Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 311512
- Butter production plants specializing in large-scale creamery butter manufacturing
- Dairy manufacturers producing a portfolio of butter products including blends and spreads
- Creamery operations dedicated solely to butter and whey butter processing
These establishments contribute significantly to the availability of butter products in grocery stores, food service, and industrial food ingredients.
Detailed NAICS 311512 Code Breakdown
| Code Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| 311512 | Creamery Butter Manufacturing |
| Butter manufacturing | Primary production of creamery butter |
| Anhydrous butterfat manufacturing | Processing of butterfat with no water content |
| Butter, creamery and whey manufacturing | Production of butter derived from cream and whey |
| Whey butter manufacturing | Manufacturing butter from whey |
What products are covered under NAICS 311512?
This NAICS code covers creamery butter as well as related products such as anhydrous butterfat, whey butter, and butter blends or spreads.
Which businesses qualify under NAICS 311512?
Businesses primarily engaged in manufacturing creamery butter from fresh or cultured cream, including butter production facilities and dairy product manufacturers specializing in butter, qualify under this code.
How many employees can a business have to be considered "small" under this code?
The SBA’s size standard for NAICS 311512 sets the maximum at 750 employees to qualify as a small business.
Is whey butter manufacturing included?
Yes. Whey butter manufacturing is explicitly part of the industry description under NAICS 311512.
Which sector does creamery butter manufacturing belong to?
It belongs to the Food Manufacturing sector, which covers establishments producing food products for consumption or further food processing.
Conclusion
NAICS code 311512 covers a critical segment of the food manufacturing industry focused on producing creamery butter and related butter products. With a sizable employee limit for small business status and a clearly defined scope, this code is crucial for companies involved in dairy and butter production. Whether you're a business owner looking to classify your operations or a contractor navigating federal opportunities, understanding NAICS 311512 empowers you to align with industry standards and unlock market potential.
Keywords: NAICS code 311512, Creamery Butter Manufacturing, butter production facilities, dairy product manufacturers, food manufacturing sector, butter blends, whey butter manufacturing, anhydrous butterfat, FDA food safety
