42444 - Poultry and Poultry Product Merchant Wholesalers
When it comes to the distribution of poultry products in the United States, NAICS code 42444 plays a pivotal role in defining the industry landscape. Businesses classified under this code are essential cogs in the food supply chain, facilitating the wholesale distribution of poultry and poultry products to retailers, food service providers, and other commercial enterprises. Whether you're a supplier, a business owner, or simply curious about the poultry wholesale sector, understanding NAICS 42444 provides valuable insight into this critical economic segment.
What is NAICS Code 42444?
NAICS Code 42444 stands for Poultry and Poultry Product Merchant Wholesalers. This category includes establishments primarily engaged in the merchant wholesale distribution of a broad range of poultry products. These products may be fresh, frozen, or processed and are sold in bulk to resellers and businesses rather than directly to end consumers.
Industry Description
- Primary Activities: Wholesaling and distributing poultry and related products.
- Product Range: Fresh chicken, turkey, frozen poultry items, processed poultry products, and poultry parts.
- Customers: Retail stores, restaurants, grocery chains, food service companies.
Sector Overview: Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods
NAICS 42444 falls under the Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods sector. Merchants in this sector operate as intermediaries, managing inventories and logistics to connect poultry producers with various commercial buyers.
Typical Business Activities Include:
- Wholesale distribution of fresh and frozen chicken, turkey, and other poultry.
- Supplying processed poultry products such as pre-cooked, marinated, or portioned poultry to restaurants and grocery stores.
- Distributing poultry parts (wings, breasts, thighs) to food service companies.
- Managing inventory and transportation of bulk poultry products for commercial clientele.
Size Standards for NAICS 42444
For small business classification and eligibility in federal contracting or assistance programs, the SBA size standard for NAICS code 42444 typically focuses on annual receipts.
- Size Standard: $38.5 million in average annual receipts.
- Businesses below this threshold are considered small and may benefit from SBA programs and government set-asides.
Examples of Businesses Under NAICS Code 42444
- A wholesale distributor specializing in frozen chicken wings supplying large restaurant chains.
- A regional supplier providing fresh turkey cuts to grocery chain stores.
- A company that sells processed poultry products, like breaded and ready-to-cook chicken parts, to food service distributors.
- An importer and wholesaler of organic poultry products serving health-conscious retailers.
NAICS Code 42444 At A Glance
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| NAICS Code | 42444 |
| Industry Title | Poultry and Poultry Product Merchant Wholesalers |
| Sector | Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods |
| Industry Description | Wholesale distribution of poultry and poultry products, including fresh, frozen, and processed items. |
| Primary Customers | Retailers, restaurants, grocery stores, food service providers |
| Typical Products | Fresh/frozen chicken and turkey, processed poultry products, poultry parts |
| Size Standard | $38.5 million average annual receipts |
| Business Examples | Wholesale frozen chicken distributors, processed poultry suppliers, poultry parts distributors |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What types of poultry products are covered under NAICS 42444?
The code includes fresh, frozen, and processed poultry products such as chicken, turkey, and poultry parts like wings and breasts sold in bulk to businesses.
Who are the typical customers for businesses under NAICS 42444?
Customers are primarily retailers, restaurants, grocery stores, and other food service companies – not individual consumers.
How does NAICS 42444 relate to the food supply chain?
This NAICS code covers the middle segment of the food supply chain, acting as wholesalers that purchase poultry products from producers and sell them to distributors and commercial users.
What is the SBA size standard for small businesses in this industry?
The current SBA size standard is $38.5 million in average annual receipts for poultry merchant wholesalers.
Can businesses under NAICS 42444 participate in government contracting?
Yes, small businesses classified under this NAICS code can qualify for government contracts specifically set aside for small or disadvantaged businesses.
Understanding NAICS code 42444 is essential for companies involved in poultry distribution, government agencies seeking vendor classification, and anyone interested in the dynamics of the poultry wholesale market. This classification helps streamline efforts in business development, regulatory compliance, and market research within the poultry industry.
For those looking to expand their poultry business or navigate federal contracting, grasping the details of NAICS 42444 offers a strong foundation for strategic growth and compliance.
