UNSPSC 50161813: Chocolate or chocolate substitute candy

UNSPSC 50161813 Chocolate or chocolate substitute candy is a Commodity code capturing confection products state and local governments procure for institutional food service, particularly snack bars and canteens serving residential and custodial populations. Recent opportunities show state agencies and counties buying candy and chocolate products as part of broader snack and beverage contracts for state facilities including hospitals, supported living centers, and correctional institutions. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission appears as a frequent buyer, issuing multiple competitive bids for mixed snack-and-candy contracts at state facilities; candy is consistently bundled with beverages, prepared foods, and tobacco products in blanket purchase orders with firm, fixed pricing across 12-month terms. Delivery is typically required to a single facility location within restricted time windows, with all transportation and handling costs borne by the vendor.

The code sees recent activity concentrated in Texas and Illinois. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission posted four rounds of competitive IFBs between July and September 2026 for assorted snack products (including candy) for the Mexia State Supported Living Center and Big Spring State Hospital, each covering approximately $55,000 to $75,000 in historical annual spend and requiring 90 percent item availability from bidders. The Illinois Veterans Home at Quincy solicited a weekly food-order contract under a brand-or-equal specification in August 2026, and the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology issued a Small Business Set Aside ITB in July 2026 that included candy among supplies for the State Fair. Marion County, Oregon approved special procurements with Keefe Commissary Network for jail commissary services covering snacks in June and July 2026. Georgia's Department of Administration posted a broader food and supplies bid in May 2026. Chocolate and candy products under this code typically anchor institutional food-service contracts where vendors must manage delivery logistics and maintain product inventory to fixed pricing across multi-year terms.