UNSPSC 50543420: Frozen non GMO catawba grapes

The variety of non GMO table grapes known as non GMO catawba grapes that have been frozen for preservation. This means that they are produced without the use of methods that genetically modify organisms by means that are not possible under natural conditions. Such methods include cell fusion, microencapsulation and macro-encapsulation, and recombinant DNA technology (including gene deletion, gene doubling, introducing a foreign gene, and changing the positions of genes when achieved by recombinant DNA technology).

Traditional methods of breeding, conjugation, fermentation, hybridization, in vitro fertilization, or tissue culture are considered to be non-GMO.

UNSPSC 50543420 Frozen non-GMO Catawba grapes (Commodity) represents a narrow product line that appears in state and local procurement primarily as one item among hundreds in broad school nutrition solicitations rather than as a standalone category. Recent opportunities show school districts and education agencies procuring frozen grapes as part of comprehensive grocery, frozen foods, or fresh produce contracts that support National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program operations. The code's scope centers on a specific varietal of frozen grape product meeting USDA standards, whole-grain and nutrition requirements under the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act, allergen restrictions (typically no nuts or nut oils), and delivery specifications tied to school meal service operations. Issuing bodies are predominantly school districts and boards of education—both independent districts and county systems—rather than state agencies or municipal purchasing departments. Repeat buyers include the Bridgeport Board of Education (Connecticut), Hancock County Board of Education (Georgia), Early County Board of Education (Georgia), Rockwood R-VI School District (Missouri), Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (Georgia), and Douglas County School System (Georgia) operating through cooperative purchasing vehicles such as the GEC Buying Cooperative.

Recent activity concentrates in Georgia and the Southeast, with additional solicitation activity in Connecticut and Missouri. Representative opportunities include the City of Bridgeport Department of Public Purchases IFB for over 1,100 grocery line items due June 30, 2026, requiring Buy American compliance (51 percent domestic agricultural content) and firm pricing through June 30, 2027; Hancock County Board of Education IFB for fresh produce across 200+ line items due June 26, 2026, with contract term July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027; and the Douglas County School System RFP for fresh produce and eggs serving 30 districts across Georgia with approximately $5.5 million estimated annual spending, due March 4, 2026. All solicitations mandate HACCP plans, food recall procedures, compliance with federal nutrition standards and Buy American provisions, firm fixed pricing with no fuel surcharges, and delivery to multiple school sites during standard operating hours. Vendors typically require $1 million general liability and $2 million aggregate insurance, E-Verify authorization, and debarment certification.