312140 - Distilleries
The manufacturing of distilled spirits is a fascinating and historic industry, captured perfectly under NAICS code 312140 - Distilleries. Whether you’re a business owner, government contractor, or enthusiast, understanding this industry classification is essential for navigating regulations, eligibility for contracts, and market opportunities. This post delves deep into what NAICS 312140 entails, including its sector, typical activities, business examples, and detailed code components.
What is NAICS Code 312140?
NAICS 312140 specifically covers establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing distilled spirits. This includes widely recognized beverages such as whiskey, vodka, gin, and rum. Aside from these popular spirits, this industry also incorporates other distilled alcoholic beverages produced through specialized distillation processes.
Sector and Typical Business Activities
- Sector: Manufacturing
- Industry Focus: Production of distilled alcoholic beverages (excluding brandy)
- Typical Activities:
- Alcoholic beverages distilling and blending (except brandy)
- Manufacturing of ethyl alcohol, neutral spirits, and grain alcohol intended for beverage use
- Production of mixed alcoholic drinks and specialty items like alcoholic eggnog
Size Standards for NAICS 312140
To qualify under this classification for government contracting and other regulatory purposes, the employee size standard is 1,100 employees. This means that companies with 1,100 or fewer employees generally meet the Small Business Administration (SBA) definition of a "small business" in this industry.
Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 312140
Common types of businesses classified under NAICS 312140 include:
- Whiskey distilleries crafting a range of aged spirits
- Vodka production facilities emphasizing purity and flavor profiles
- Gin distilleries blending botanicals and alcohol for signature tastes
- Rum producers utilizing various distillation and aging techniques
Comprehensive Table: Code Details of NAICS 312140
| Code Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Alcoholic beverages (except brandy) distilling | Manufacture of all distilled spirits aside from brandy |
| Beverages, liquors (except brandies), manufacturing | Production of liquors and distilled beverages excluding brandy |
| Blending distilled beverages (except brandy) | Combining various distilled spirits to create blended products |
| Distilleries | Facilities dedicated to distillation of potable liquors |
| Distilling alcoholic beverages (except brandy) | Processes transforming raw materials into alcoholic drinks (no brandy) |
| Distilling potable liquor (except brandy) | Specific distilling of drinkable spirits other than brandy |
| Eggnog, alcoholic, manufacturing | Production of alcoholic eggnog products |
| Ethyl alcohol, potable, manufacturing | Production of beverage-grade ethyl alcohol |
| Grain alcohol, beverage, manufacturing | Manufacturing of distilled spirits from grain sources |
| Liquors, distilling and blending (except brandy) | Creating liquors through distillation and blending (excluding brandy) |
| Mixed drinks, alcoholic, manufacturing | Producing alcoholic mixed drink products |
| Neutral spirit, beverages (except fruit), manufacturing | Manufacture of neutral spirits excluding fruit flavors |
| Spirits, distilled (except brandy), manufacturing | Broad category covering all distilled spirits besides brandy |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What products are covered under NAICS code 312140?
This NAICS code covers the manufacture of distilled spirits such as whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, neutral spirits, and alcoholic eggnog — essentially any distilled alcoholic beverage except for brandy.
What sector does NAICS 312140 belong to?
NAICS code 312140 is classified in the Manufacturing sector, focusing on the production of distilled alcoholic beverages.
Who defines the size standards for this industry?
The Small Business Administration (SBA) sets the size standards for government contracting. For NAICS 312140, the employee size limit is 1100 employees or fewer to qualify as a small business.
Are brandy distilleries included in NAICS 312140?
No, distilled brandy manufacturers fall under a different NAICS code. NAICS 312140 excludes brandy production, focusing instead on other distilled spirits.
Can a small business in this industry participate in government contracts?
Yes, businesses meeting the SBA size standards (1100 employees or fewer) in this classification may be eligible for small business government contracting opportunities.
Conclusion
Understanding NAICS code 312140 is vital for anyone involved in the distilled spirits industry, from distillers and manufacturers to contractors and investors. This NAICS code highlights the specialized processes of distilling, blending, and producing a variety of alcoholic beverages (excluding brandy), within the manufacturing sector. Whether you run a whiskey distillery or vodka production facility, knowing your industry classification can open doors to compliance benefits, funding, and growth opportunities.
For those looking to explore the vibrant world of distilled spirits or engage in government contracts, NAICS 312140 - Distilleries is the key starting point.
Keywords: NAICS code 312140, Distilleries, distilled spirits manufacturing, whiskey distilleries, vodka production, gin distilleries, manufacturing sector, alcoholic beverages distilling, small business size standards
