NIGP 39337: Cocoa and Chocolate

NIGP 39337 Cocoa and Chocolate, an Item code, encompasses chocolate and cocoa products that state and local governments procure as components of broader food service and nutrition programs rather than as standalone specialty items. Recent solicitations show state and local buyers sourcing cocoa and chocolate primarily as ingredients or finished products within large grocery and food-supply contracts serving school lunch programs, state-supported living facilities, and institutional food service operations. The code sees activity from school districts, state health and human services agencies, and city purchasing offices on behalf of public institutions. Scope typically includes chocolate-containing breakfast items, beverages, baked goods, snacks, and condiments that must meet federal nutrition standards such as the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act and, where applicable, Buy American Provision requirements for domestic agricultural content.

Recent opportunities include the City of Bridgeport, Connecticut (via its Department of Public Purchases) issuing an IFB in June 2026 for over 1,100 line items of grocery items for the Bridgeport Board of Education's Food & Nutrition Services Department, with delivery to a central warehouse and school sites and firm pricing through June 30, 2027; the Texas Health and Human Services Commission posting IFB HHS0017449 in June 2026 for food and consumable products serving the El Paso State Supported Living Center with a prior-period historical value of $1.5 million and contract term running September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027; and the State of Georgia posting a solicitation in May 2026 for food, supplies, and other kitchen products with a response deadline of June 22, 2026. Activity is concentrated in Texas, Connecticut, and Georgia, with issuing bodies spanning municipal school districts, state health and human services departments, and city procurement offices.