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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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