424470 - Meat and Meat Product Merchant Wholesalers

The meat industry plays a crucial role in the economy, especially in the wholesale trade sector. NAICS code 424470 specifically identifies the business activities involved in the wholesale distribution of meat and meat products. Whether you’re a retailer, food service provider, or a business looking to understand the meat supply chain, this industry classification helps you navigate the market effectively.

What is NAICS Code 424470?

NAICS code 424470 corresponds to Meat and Meat Product Merchant Wholesalers. This industry classification includes establishments primarily engaged in the merchant wholesale distribution of various meat products including fresh, frozen, and processed meats. These wholesalers act as key intermediaries, sourcing meat from suppliers and distributing it to retailers, restaurants, and other businesses.

Sector: Wholesale Trade

NAICS 424470 falls under the Wholesale Trade sector, emphasizing its role in bulk distribution rather than direct consumer sales. This sector supports an efficient supply chain by handling large volumes of meat products, ensuring businesses receive quality meat products timely and reliably.

Typical Business Activities under NAICS 424470

Businesses classified under NAICS 424470 generally engage in:

• Merchant wholesale distribution of fresh meats (beef, pork, lamb, etc.)
• Wholesale of frozen meats (excluding packaged frozen)
• Distribution of processed meats such as sausages, luncheon meats, and deli meats (excluding poultry)
• Handling cured or smoked meat products
• Wholesale of lard and other meat by-products

These wholesalers serve a wide variety of customers, including:

• Grocery stores and supermarkets
• Restaurants and food service providers
• Specialty meat shops and delis
• Institutions such as schools, hospitals, and catering companies

Size Standards and Eligibility

For federal contracting and other government-related purposes, the SBA sets size standards to define small businesses within NAICS 424470. The general size standard for Meat and Meat Product Merchant Wholesalers is:

• Maximum of 150 employees

Businesses meeting this criterion are considered small and may qualify for various small business programs and federal contracting opportunities.

Examples of Businesses under NAICS 424470

Here are some examples of typical businesses operating under this NAICS code:

• Wholesale distributors of fresh and frozen beef, pork, and lamb products
• Suppliers of sausages, luncheon meats, and other processed meat products to restaurants and cafeterias
• Meat product wholesalers serving supermarkets and grocery stores with deli meats and cured meats
• Regional meat product distributors focusing on smoked and cured meats

Detailed Code Descriptions for NAICS 424470

Code Detail	Description
Cutting of purchased carcasses (except boxed meat on assembly line) merchant wholesalers	Wholesalers who cut carcasses purchased from meat suppliers manually rather than on an assembly line
Deli meats (except poultry) merchant wholesalers	Wholesalers specializing in deli-style meat products excluding poultry
Fresh meats merchant wholesalers	Distributors of fresh (non-frozen) meat products
Frozen meats (except packaged) merchant wholesalers	Wholesalers of frozen meat products excluding those pre-packaged
Lard merchant wholesalers	Distributors focusing on lard products derived from meat processing
Meats and meat products (except canned, packaged frozen) merchant wholesalers	Broad category including bulk meat products not canned or packaged for frozen sale
Meats, cured or smoked, merchant wholesalers	Wholesalers of cured or smoked meat products such as ham and bacon
Meats, fresh, merchant wholesalers	Distributors selling fresh meat products directly to retail or food service
Meats, frozen (except packaged), merchant wholesalers	Wholesale distributors of frozen meat not pre-packaged
Processed meats (e.g., luncheon, sausage) merchant wholesalers	Wholesalers handling processed meat products like sausages and luncheon meats

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What types of meat products are covered under NAICS 424470?

This code covers fresh, frozen (non-packaged), processed, cured, smoked meats, and by-products such as lard. It excludes poultry deli meats and packaged frozen meats.

Who are the typical customers for businesses classified under NAICS 424470?

The customers are primarily retailers, restaurants, food service companies, grocery stores, and institutional buyers.

Is NAICS 424470 only for companies involved in wholesale distribution?

Yes, this classification specifically addresses merchant wholesalers who distribute meat products in bulk rather than retail or direct consumer sales.

What is the size standard for small business eligibility under this NAICS?

The SBA defines the size standard as companies with up to 150 employees.

Can these wholesalers sell canned meat products?

No, meat products under this code exclude canned and packaged frozen meat items. Those may fall under different NAICS codes.

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Understanding NAICS code 424470 is essential for businesses involved in the meat wholesale distribution sector, government contracting professionals, and buyers seeking reliable meat product wholesalers. With the proper classification and knowledge of industry standards, businesses can better position themselves in the competitive wholesale meat market.

Keywords: NAICS 424470, meat and meat product merchant wholesalers, wholesale meat distribution, fresh meats wholesale, processed meats wholesalers, meat suppliers, government contracting meat industry.