445298 - All Other Specialty Food Retailers
When navigating the world of retail trade, understanding specific industry classifications is crucial for businesses and government contracting alike. One such important classification is NAICS code 445298 - All Other Specialty Food Retailers. This code pertains to retailers specializing in unique and diverse food products that don't fall under standard grocery categories. Whether you operate an ethnic food store or a gourmet specialty shop, this NAICS code could apply to your business.
What is NAICS Code 445298?
NAICS code 445298 is designated for establishments primarily engaged in retailing specialized food products not classified under other more specific retail food categories. These specialty retailers offer a wide array of foods that cater to niche markets, including:
- Ethnic foods
- Health foods
- Gourmet items
Such retailers provide consumers with products that often focus on quality, uniqueness, or cultural heritage.
Sector: Retail Trade
This NAICS code falls under the Retail Trade sector, which involves the direct sale of goods to consumers. Specifically, retailers under 445298 engage in selling specialty food products that enhance the culinary diversity and health-conscious options available to shoppers.
Typical Business Activities Include:
- Selling packaged coffee and tea
- Providing frozen meals and meal assembly services
- Offering bottled water and soft drinks
- Operating ethnic and gourmet food shops
- Retailing spices and specialty foods
- Managing take-and-bake meal outlets, including pizza shops
Size Standards for NAICS 445298
To qualify under the small business category for government contracts and other programs, a business classified under NAICS 445298 must have annual revenues of $10 million or less. Understanding this size standard helps companies determine eligibility for small business benefits and contracting opportunities.
Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 445298
- Ethnic Food Stores, offering international and culturally specific groceries
- Health Food Stores, focused on organic, natural, or health-based food items
- Gourmet Food Shops specializing in high-quality or artisanal products
NAICS 445298 Code Details Table
| Subcategory | Description |
|---|---|
| Bottled water providers | Retailers specializing in bottled water |
| Direct selling | Selling specialty food products through direct sales methods |
| Coffee and tea (packaged) stores | Retailers focusing on packaged coffee and tea |
| Dairy product stores | Specialty stores selling dairy products |
| Fix-and-freeze meal stores | Retailers offering meals that can be fixed and frozen |
| Frozen food and freezer meal plan providers | Sellers of frozen meals and meal plans |
| Gourmet food stores | Specialty stores with gourmet products |
| Ice cream (packaged) stores | Retailers selling packaged ice cream |
| Meal assembly retailers | Businesses assembling meals for customer convenience |
| Soft drink stores, bottled | Retailers specializing in bottled soft drinks |
| Specialty food stores | Miscellaneous specialty food retailers |
| Spice stores | Retailers selling a variety of spices |
| Take-and-bake meal stores | Retail establishments offering meals that customers bake at home |
| Take-and-bake pizza shops | Pizza shops offering take-and-bake options |
| Tea and coffee (packaged) stores | Stores selling packaged teas and coffees |
| Water stores, bottled | Retailers exclusively focused on bottled water |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What types of products qualify under NAICS 445298?
NAICS 445298 covers specialty foods such as ethnic cuisine ingredients, health-conscious products, gourmet items, frozen meals, packaged coffee and tea, bottled waters, spices, and other specialty retail foods.
Can a large grocery store fall under this NAICS code?
No, large grocery stores generally classify under different NAICS codes. NAICS 445298 focuses on specialty food retailers rather than general grocery stores.
What is the significance of the $10 million size standard?
The $10 million revenue threshold helps define which businesses qualify as small for federal contracting and program purposes. Businesses under this size can access specific government resources and contracts targeted at small enterprises.
Are online specialty food retailers included in this category?
Typically, NAICS 445298 applies to physical specialty food retail establishments. However, many online sellers may classify under related codes depending on their business model.
Conclusion
NAICS code 445298 - All Other Specialty Food Retailers represents a dynamic and diverse segment within the retail trade sector. Whether you operate a health food store, ethnic grocery, or gourmet specialty shop, understanding this industry classification helps position your business for compliance, government contracting, and marketing advantages. Keep in mind the size standards and diverse subcategories encompassed by this NAICS code as you grow within the specialty food retail market.
Keywords: NAICS 445298, All Other Specialty Food Retailers, specialty food stores, ethnic food stores, gourmet food retailers, retail trade NAICS codes, small business size standards, specialty food retail, frozen meal providers, packaged coffee and tea stores
