31212 - Breweries

The brewing industry is booming, and if you're involved in the production of beer or related beverages, understanding your business classification is key. NAICS code 31212 - Breweries plays a critical role in classifying establishments involved in beer production. Whether you're a craft brewer, microbrewery, or large-scale beer production facility, this NAICS code defines your industry category for government contracting, statistics, and compliance purposes.

What is NAICS Code 31212?

NAICS code 31212 falls under the Manufacturing sector and specifically covers establishments primarily engaged in brewing beer, ale, malt liquors, and nonalcoholic beer. This category encompasses breweries producing various beer products for wholesale or retail distribution.

Key Features of NAICS Code 31212

• Industry Title: Breweries
• Primary Activities: Brewing beer, ale, malt liquors, and nonalcoholic beer
• Products: A wide range of beer products including craft beers, lagers, ales, stouts, malt liquors, and nonalcoholic variants
• Distribution: Wholesale and retail

Sector: Manufacturing

Breweries fall under the broader Manufacturing sector (NAICS 31-33), which includes the transformation of raw materials into finished products. In this context, breweries transform grains, hops, yeast, and water into finished beer products ready for distribution.

Typical Business Types under NAICS Code 31212

Businesses classified under this code vary widely in scale and type. Common examples include:

• Craft Breweries: Small-scale, independent breweries focused on unique or specialty beer styles
• Microbreweries: Generally produce limited quantities, often under 15,000 barrels annually
• Large-scale Beer Production Facilities: Mass production breweries supplying regional, national, or international markets

Size Standards for NAICS Code 31212

To qualify as a small business under government contracting size standards for Breweries (NAICS 31212), an establishment generally must have:

• Average annual receipts of $41.5 million or less (varies slightly by contract type and year)

This size standard helps determine eligibility for small business set-asides and preferences in federal contracting.

NAICS Code 31212 Details Table

Attribute	Details
NAICS Code	31212
Industry Title	Breweries
Sector	Manufacturing (31-33)
Primary Activities	Brewing beer, ale, malt liquors, and nonalcoholic beer
Business Examples	Craft breweries, microbreweries, large beer production facilities
Size Standard	$41.5 million (average annual receipts)
Distribution Channels	Wholesale and Retail

Why Understanding NAICS Code 31212 Matters

Knowing your NAICS code is essential for multiple reasons:

• Government Contracting: Helps you find and qualify for contracts set aside for breweries or small businesses
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensures you are aware of regulations specific to your industry
• Market Analysis: Enables benchmarking and industry comparisons
• Business Development: Facilitates connections with suppliers, distributors, and industry partners

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does NAICS code 31212 specifically cover?

It covers establishments primarily engaged in brewing beer, ale, malt liquors, and nonalcoholic beer for wholesale or retail distribution.

Is a small brewery considered under this NAICS code?

Yes, both craft breweries and microbreweries fall under NAICS 31212.

What is the size standard for small businesses under this NAICS code?

Usually, breweries with average annual receipts up to $41.5 million qualify as small businesses.

Are nonalcoholic beer producers included in this classification?

Yes, nonalcoholic beer production is part of NAICS code 31212’s scope.

Can a brewery also fall under another NAICS code?

If the brewery engages in other activities (like packaging or distribution), those may fall under additional NAICS codes, but brewing itself is classified under 31212.

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Harnessing the insights of NAICS code 31212 - Breweries can help your brewing business grow strategically, access government opportunities, and ensure compliance. Whether you're crafting unique small-batch brews or operating a large production facility, understanding this industry classification is a crucial part of your business toolkit.