The latest iteration of Category Definitions and Number Guide (Version 8.0) includes a mapping guideline to assist in product reclassification, when appropriate. Descriptions are also provided for all subcategories, and 11 new subcategories have been identified and are underlined below.*
Fuel
- E15 and Renewable Diesel are new subcategories listed under Fuel Products
Beer/Wine/Liquor
- Popular Beer will be dissolved as a subcategory, replaced with Alcoholic Cider. Items previously in Popular should be mapped to either Premium Plus/Super Premium or Budget/Value
- Alcoholic Seltzer is a new subcategory in Beer
- Cheladas is a new subcategory in Beer
- Other Beer is a new subcategory in Beer
- Ready-to-Drink Cocktails is a new subcategory in Liquor
Packaged Beverages
- Ready-to-Drink Coffee is a new subcategory in Packaged Beverages
Candy
- Candy Rolls/Mints/Drops will be renamed Breath Mints
- Novelties/Seasonal Candy will be renamed Novelties
- Change Makers/Penny Counter Goods will be renamed Changes Makers/Penny Counter Goods/Bulk Candy
- Bulk Candy will be dissolved as a subcategory and replaced with Seasonal Candy. Items previously in Bulk Candy should be mapped to Change Makers/Penny Counter Goods/Bulk Candy
- Other Candy is a new subcategory in Candy
Commissary
- Bakery is a new subcategory in Commissary
Packaged Ice Cream
- Premium Ice Cream will be renamed Bulk Ice Cream
- Ice Cream will be renamed Single-Serve Ice Cream
- Other Packaged Ice Cream is a new subcategory in Packaged Ice Cream
Packaged Sweet Snacks
- Other Packaged Sweet Snacks is a new subcategory in Packaged Sweet Snacks
Health & Beauty Care
- Feminine Hygiene will be renamed Personal Hygiene
General Merchandise
- Trading Cards subcategory will be dissolved as a subcategory and replaced with Personal Protective Equipment. Items previously in Trading Cards should be mapped to Other General Merchandise. The Personal Protective Equipment subcategory will include gloves, masks and other wearable protective products (not hand sanitizer)
*It is important to note that a product’s inclusion in one of the categories set forth has NO meaning, express or implied, other than uniformity of treatment for benchmarking and comparative performance purposes.
Updates to category definitions will take effect beginning in 2022. NACS has released Version 8.0 nearly a full year in advance of implementation to allow retailers—specifically category managers and IT support teams—enough time to review and update their classifications to reflect these new changes. The proactive release also allows critical industry software management and data analysis firms like PDI, NIQ, and IRI, additional lead time to remap their pricebook systems.