UNSPSC 50405907: Kelp

The variety of sea vegetables known as kelp

UNSPSC 50405907 Kelp, a Commodity code, represents a narrow product classification within state and local procurement, yet the recent opportunities block shows no solicitations explicitly seeking kelp or seaweed products. Instead, the code appears to be misapplied or dormant in current state and local contracting activity. The recent opportunities tagged to this code encompass fresh produce procurement — fruits, vegetables, and food service supplies — across a wide range of institutional buyers including state-supported living centers, correctional facilities, school districts, mental health centers, senior centers, and park concession operations. These buyers are sourcing fresh fruits and vegetables (carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, apples, bananas, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and other produce items), prepared foods, and food service consumables through IFB, RFP, and RFQ notices with response dates ranging from May through October 2026. None of these solicitations names kelp or seaweed-derived products as line items.

The issuing-body mix spans state departments (Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Illinois Department of Corrections, Illinois Department of Mental Health), school districts (Madison Metropolitan, Bartow County, Dougherty County, Early County, Bryan County), counties (Collier County), municipalities (City of San Antonio), and specialized service providers (Head Start of Greater Dallas, Marion Health Care Coalition). Recent activity concentrates in Texas, Georgia, and Illinois. Representative current opportunities include the Texas Health and Human Services Commission's IFB HHS0018082 for consumable foods at Lufkin State Supported Living Center (due October 23, 2026), the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's fresh produce solicitations for multiple food warehouses (due October 14, 2026), and the Collier County Board of County Commissioners' ITN for food services at North Collier Regional Park (due March 6, 2025). Given the absence of kelp-specific demand in the recent block and the mismatch between the code's nominal scope and actual procurement activity, this code shows no viable market signal for kelp suppliers in current state and local procurement.