312 - Beverage and Tobacco Product Manufacturing
When it comes to understanding the backbone of America's beverage and tobacco industries, NAICS code 312 stands front and center. This code plays a vital role in classifying establishments involved in producing a wide range of beverages and tobacco products, from your favorite soft drinks to premium cigars. Whether you're a business owner, contractor, or researcher, knowing the nuances of NAICS 312 is essential for industry analysis, government contracting, and compliance.
What is NAICS Code 312?
NAICS Code 312 refers to the Beverage and Tobacco Product Manufacturing industry group. This classification encompasses establishments primarily engaged in the manufacturing of various beverages and tobacco products. The scope includes everything from soft drinks and bottled water to beer, wine, distilled spirits, and tobacco products like cigarettes and cigars.
Sector: Manufacturing
NAICS 312 falls under the broader Manufacturing sector, which is a vital segment of the economy responsible for transforming raw materials into finished goods.
Detailed Description: Beverage and Tobacco Product Manufacturing
This industry group is essential for supplying daily household and commercial needs related to beverages and tobacco. Let's break down the primary activities:
- Soft Drink Manufacturing: Producing carbonated and non-carbonated beverages, including flavored drinks and bottled water.
- Breweries: Manufacturing beer and malt beverages.
- Distilleries and Wineries: Producing distilled alcoholic beverages such as whiskey, vodka, and wine.
- Tobacco Product Manufacturing: Creating cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, and other related products.
NAICS Code 312 Size Standards for Eligibility
For federal contracting and certain government programs, eligibility often depends on the size standards set by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Here’s how size standards typically apply to NAICS 312 businesses:
| Industry Segment | Size Standard (Number of Employees) |
|---|---|
| Soft Drink Manufacturing | 750 employees |
| Breweries | 750 employees |
| Distilleries & Wineries | 750 employees |
| Cigarette Manufacturing | 750 employees |
| Other Tobacco Product Manufacturing | 500 employees |
Note: It's important to verify the latest SBA size standards since they can be updated periodically.
Examples of Businesses Under NAICS Code 312
Understanding real-world examples can help clarify the scope of this classification:
- Soft Drink Manufacturers: Companies producing sodas, energy drinks, bottled water, and flavored waters.
- Breweries: Including craft breweries, microbreweries, and large-scale beer producers.
- Distilleries and Wineries: Producers of vodka, whiskey, rum, brandy, and wine.
- Tobacco Product Manufacturers: Factories producing cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and pipe tobacco.
NAICS Code 312 - Code Details Table
| NAICS Code | Industry Title | Sector | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 312 | Beverage and Tobacco Product Mfg. | Manufacturing | Establishments engaged in manufacturing beverages and tobacco products |
| Subcodes | Description |
|---|---|
| 31211 | Beverage Manufacturing |
| 312111 | Soft Drink Manufacturing |
| 312112 | Bottled Water Manufacturing |
| 31212 | Breweries |
| 31213 | Wineries |
| 31214 | Distilleries |
| 3122 | Tobacco Manufacturing |
| 31221 | Tobacco Product Manufacturing |
| 312211 | Cigarette Manufacturing |
| 312212 | Cigarette Tobacco Manufacturing |
| 312213 | Chewing Tobacco and Snuff Manufacturing |
FAQ about NAICS Code 312
What types of products are included in NAICS 312?
This code covers beverages such as soft drinks, bottled water, beer, wine, and distilled spirits, as well as tobacco products like cigarettes and cigars.
Which sector does NAICS 312 fall under?
NAICS 312 is part of the Manufacturing sector.
What are some typical businesses classified under NAICS 312?
Businesses include soft drink manufacturers, breweries, distilleries, wineries, and tobacco product manufacturers.
How are size standards determined for NAICS 312 businesses?
Size standards are usually based on the number of employees, varying per industry sub-sector, generally ranging from 500 to 750 employees.
Can small businesses qualify under NAICS 312 for government contracts?
Yes, businesses that meet the SBA size standards for their specific sub-sector are eligible for small business federal contracting opportunities.
Conclusion
NAICS Code 312 is a crucial classification group that helps define and organize the beverage and tobacco manufacturing industries. From producing your everyday soft drink to crafting artisanal wines and tobacco products, businesses in this sector play significant roles in the manufacturing landscape. Whether you're seeking government contracts or industry insights, understanding NAICS 312 — its definition, sector, and size standards — is foundational for success.
Optimize your business strategies today by leveraging the clarity and opportunities provided through NAICS code classifications—starting with NAICS 312.
