424420 - Packaged Frozen Food Merchant Wholesalers
When it comes to the distribution of frozen food products, NAICS code 424420 plays a critical role in the supply chain network. Understanding this code is essential for businesses involved in wholesale frozen food distribution, government contractors, and those seeking to navigate the merchant wholesaler industry. This blog post dives deep into Packaged Frozen Food Merchant Wholesalers, their business scope, sector classification, examples, and important details to know.
What is NAICS Code 424420?
NAICS code 424420 represents the industry of Packaged Frozen Food Merchant Wholesalers. This sector primarily includes establishments engaged in the merchant wholesale distribution of packaged frozen foods. These products range from frozen fruits, vegetables, meats, and prepared meals, sourced from manufacturers and sold to retailers, food service providers, and other commercial businesses.
Sector: Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods
NAICS code 424420 falls under the broader sector of Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods. This sector covers wholesaler businesses that distribute nondurable products, which are goods that are consumed or used up quickly. Packaged frozen foods are a key part of this sector due to their perishable yet preserved nature.
Typical Business Activities & Examples
Businesses operating under NAICS code 424420 typically engage in:
- Purchasing packaged frozen foods from manufacturers
- Storing and warehousing frozen foods under controlled conditions
- Selling to food retailers, supermarkets, restaurants, and caterers
- Managing logistics and distribution of frozen goods
Examples of typical business types include:
- Frozen vegetable distributors
- Frozen seafood wholesalers
- Frozen prepared meal suppliers
Size Standards for Eligibility
According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), the size standard for NAICS code 424420 is a maximum of 200 employees to be classified as a small business. This determines eligibility for certain government contracts and programs designed to support small business growth in this sector.
Detailed Code Breakdown
| Product Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Bakery products, frozen, merchant wholesalers | Frozen bakery items distributed wholesale |
| Dinners, frozen, merchant wholesalers | Frozen ready-to-eat meal wholesaling |
| Doughs, frozen, merchant wholesalers | Wholesale frozen dough products |
| Fish, packaged frozen, merchant wholesalers | Packaged frozen fish distributed wholesale |
| Foods, prepared, packaged frozen | Wholesale packaged frozen prepared foods |
| Frozen foods, packaged (except dairy products) | All other frozen packaged foods excluding dairy |
| Fruits, frozen, merchant wholesalers | Packaged frozen fruits sold wholesale |
| Juices, frozen, merchant wholesalers | Frozen packaged juices wholesale distribution |
| Meat product substitutes, frozen, merchant wholesalers | Wholesale frozen meat alternatives |
| Meat substitutes, frozen, merchant wholesalers | Packaged frozen meat substitute distribution |
| Meatless patties, frozen, merchant wholesalers | Frozen vegetarian patties distributed wholesale |
| Meats, packaged frozen, merchant wholesalers | Packaged frozen meats wholesaler |
| Pies (fruit, meat, poultry), frozen, merchant wholesalers | Frozen pies sold wholesale |
| Pizzas, frozen, merchant wholesalers | Packaged frozen pizzas wholesaled |
| Poultry, packaged frozen, merchant wholesalers | Frozen packaged poultry distributed wholesale |
| Prepared foods, frozen (except dairy products), merchant wholesalers | Wholesale prepared frozen foods excluding dairy products |
| Pretzels, frozen, merchant wholesalers | Frozen pretzel wholesaling |
| Seafoods, packaged frozen, merchant wholesalers | Packaged frozen seafood wholesale |
| Soups, frozen, merchant wholesalers | Frozen soups distributed wholesale |
| Vegetable patties, frozen, merchant wholesalers | Frozen vegetable patties wholesaling |
| Vegetables, frozen, merchant wholesalers | Packaged frozen vegetables wholesale |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What kinds of frozen foods are included under NAICS 424420?
A1: It includes a wide range of frozen packaged foods such as fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, bakery products, prepared meals, meat substitutes, and juices.
Q2: Who are the customers of businesses in this industry?
A2: Customers include grocery retailers, restaurants, institutional food service providers, caterers, and other businesses needing frozen food products.
Q3: What is the employee size limit for small businesses under this code?
A3: The SBA size standard for small businesses in this industry is 200 employees or fewer.
Q4: Does this code include dairy products?
A4: No, packaged frozen dairy products are excluded from NAICS 424420.
Q5: Are frozen meal suppliers part of this NAICS code?
A5: Yes, suppliers distributing frozen prepared meals fall under this code.
Conclusion
NAICS code 424420—Packaged Frozen Food Merchant Wholesalers—encompasses a vital component of the frozen food supply chain. From frozen vegetables to prepared meals, this category serves an essential role in facilitating wholesale distribution to retailers and foodservice companies. Whether you are a business owner, government contractor, or supplier, understanding this NAICS code can help navigate regulatory, contracting, and market dynamics effectively.
Keywords: NAICS code 424420, Packaged Frozen Food Merchant Wholesalers, frozen food wholesalers, frozen vegetable distributors, frozen seafood wholesalers, frozen prepared meal suppliers, merchant wholesalers nondurable goods, frozen food size standards
