NAICS 42446 - Fish and Seafood Merchant Wholesalers

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What is NAICS 42446

NAICS code 42446 covers Fish and Seafood Merchant Wholesalers, businesses engaged in the wholesale distribution of fresh, frozen, and processed fish and seafood products. This sector includes companies that purchase fish and seafood from producers or processors and sell them to retailers, restaurants, institutions, and government entities. These wholesalers play a critical role in the supply chain by ensuring the timely and safe delivery of a wide variety of aquatic food products, including shellfish, crustaceans, mollusks, and finfish. Their expertise in handling perishable goods and maintaining cold chain logistics is essential to preserving product quality and safety standards. Government agencies often contract with these wholesalers to fulfill the needs of military dining facilities, correctional institutions, and public cafeterias, ensuring nutritious and diverse food options for their populations.

Breakdown for NAICS 42446

  • Includes businesses primarily engaged in wholesale distribution of fish and seafood products.
  • Covers fresh, frozen, and processed seafood such as shellfish, finfish, and crustaceans.
  • Typical size standards vary but generally include small to medium-sized wholesalers.
  • Focuses on maintaining product quality through cold chain logistics and handling.
  • Government contracts often support institutional feeding programs and military food services.

Included Activities for NAICS 42446

  • Purchasing fresh and frozen fish and seafood from producers and processors.
  • Storing seafood products under controlled temperature conditions to ensure freshness.
  • Distributing seafood products to retailers, restaurants, government agencies, and institutions.
  • Coordinating logistics and transportation to maintain cold chain integrity.
  • Ensuring compliance with federal and state food safety and handling regulations.
  • Providing a diverse range of seafood products including shellfish, crustaceans, and processed items.
  • Managing inventory and order fulfillment for large institutional clients.

Business Types for NAICS 42446

  • Wholesale fish and seafood distributors
  • Seafood importers and exporters
  • Cold storage and logistics providers specializing in seafood
  • Institutional food service suppliers
  • Specialty seafood product wholesalers

Government Buyers for NAICS 42446

Federal and state government agencies such as the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, and various public health and correctional institutions commonly procure fish and seafood products through these wholesalers. These agencies require reliable sources of high-quality seafood to support feeding programs for military personnel, veterans, inmates, and other public service beneficiaries. Additionally, government-run schools and hospitals may contract for these services to comply with nutrition standards and food safety regulations. The need for consistent supply, compliance with food safety standards, and cost-effective procurement drives government demand in this sector.

Contract Types & Procurement for NAICS 42446

Contracts for fish and seafood merchant wholesalers typically involve firm-fixed-price or indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) agreements, enabling agencies to manage fluctuating demands efficiently. Procurement methods often include competitive sealed bidding and negotiated procurements, with opportunities ranging from small purchase agreements to larger multi-year contracts. Contract values vary widely based on agency size and scope, typically ranging from tens of thousands to several million dollars annually. Emphasis is placed on suppliers’ ability to provide fresh, frozen, or processed seafood products that meet regulatory standards and delivery schedules.

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