Library Guides: MKTG 380: Principles of Marketing (Stone): Industry Research

Industry Classification Codes

What are industry classification codes? They are codes created by the US government used to collect industry-wide statistics. Many reference sources use them as a way to organize industry and company information. NAICS replaced SIC in 1997, but some sources use both, some still use SIC only

North American Industry Classification (NAICS)
Created by the Census Bureau in 1997, NAICS replaced the SIC. Each industry is assigned a unique number is a code used to identify and describe North American (US, Canada, and Mexico) industures. It is hierarchical and classifies each industry by broad group and then subdivides each into smaller, more specific classifications.

Standard Industrial Classification (SIC)
SIC system used to describe the structure of American industries. A hierarchical system, industries are organized into broad industry groups and then subdivided into smaller groups. Each industry carries a unique four-digit classification code ranging from 0100 to 9999. The SIC was replaced in 1997 with the North American Industrial Classification System but many sources still use the SIC.

Industry Research: Where to Start

Industry research, like company research, includes looking at different aspects of an industry: major companies, market trends, market share, ratios, finances. We have several resources that will help you get an overview, but you will need to use multiple sources to get a full view of an industry.

Food and Beverage Industry

Some suggested search terms for locating industry reports and information on the the food and beverages industry. These are just examples, there may be others.

packaged food (this includes items like, frozen food, cereal, premade food items, etc.)
frozen food
convienece food
snack foods
The types of food item (cereal, potato chips, cookies, etc.)
beverages
non-alcoholic (or alcoholic) beverages
soft-drinks
energy drinks
bottled water

Keep your initial search simple and broad. If you get too specific with your search terms you may not find anything. When you start a search, the simpler the search, the better.

IBISWorld
Covers more than 700 US industries. Each report includes key statistics, market segmentation, market characterization, industry conditions, key factors, competitors, and industry performance and outlook. Reports are up-to-date and include a recession update that analyzes how the current economic recession has affected the industry. IBISWorld is searchable by company name, industry keyword, or NAICS code.
Business Source Complete [EBSCO]
Industry information can be found in trade journals, industry reports, company reports, and country reports (among other things). Company profiles cover both private and public companies located in both the US and abroad. Industry profiles cover both US and international industries and include segmentation, competitors, and industry outlook. Smaller and emerging industries are often covered in trade journals.

Current Industrial Reports, US Census
Provides monthly, quarterly, and annual measures of industrial activity. Includes data on the production and shipments of selected products, organized by industry. The data are used to for economic policy and market analysis, forecasting, and decision-making in the private sector. The CIR's contain data only--no narrative or analysis.

Encyclopedia of Emerging Industries Online [Gale]
Covers smaller, newer industries. Some information may be dated. Searchable by keyword or SIC classification.
Encyclopedia of American Industries Online [Gale]
Provides industry information on more common American industries. Searchable by keyword or SIC classification.

Industry Norms & Key Business Ratios In print; Reference HF5681.R25 I53. Provides information on the performance (solvency, efficiency, and profitability). Organized by SIC code.
Industry Ratios: Yahoo! Finance Basic industry ratios.