Ever found yourself needing to figure out what exactly a company like KGKG (Kona Gold Beverage Inc.) does, which market sector it belongs to, and where it falls in the big, hairy mess of industry classifications? You’re definitely not alone—I’ve wrestled with stock tickers and sector codes for what feels like ages. This article takes you through the journey of identifying KGKG’s business sector and industry classification. Along the way, I’ll show you where to look, share some amusing “oops” moments, and highlight the quirks in various classification systems using real screenshots, legal references, and expert opinion. Whether you’re trading stocks, researching for a project, or just plain nosy (hey, me too), you’ll come away knowing how to nail down a company’s true industry placement.
Let’s be real: When someone asks, “What’s the exact sector and industry for KGKG?” it’s not just a nerdy curiosity. It’s hugely useful for investors comparing company peers, for analysts working on reports, or even for compliance and export tasks. Also, industry codes are tied to things like risk classification and trade regulations—so getting it wrong can range from embarrassing to legally problematic.
But—and you’ll see soon—this is not always 100% straightforward, because companies love to pivot, rebrand, and diversify. Which brings us to...
My first instinct: slap “KGKG sector and industry” into Google and hope for the best. Sometimes this works, especially for popular stocks. But Kona Gold Beverage Inc. trades OTC and isn’t covered by the big news sites the way Tesla or Apple are.
So, sure, you’ll see Yahoo Finance listing KGKG as “Beverages—Non-Alcoholic” in the “Consumer Defensive” sector, and MarketWatch echoing similar info. But how accurate is that? Is it consistent with, say, the official NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) or SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) code? Wait for it… sometimes yes, sometimes not.
Next up: Go straight to the source. For U.S. public companies, the SEC’s EDGAR database can be brutal but rewarding. Punch in “Kona Gold Beverage” or the ticker. In KGKG’s 10-K filings, they typically mention their business overview and sometimes their SIC codes.
Example excerpt from KGKG’s 10-K (2023):
“...a beverage company specializing in hemp-infused energy drinks and related products.”
Also, they list their SIC as 2086 (Bottled and Canned Soft Drinks and Carbonated Waters). If you’re stuck, check SEC EDGAR directly.
Frankly, the first time I did this, I mistyped the ticker as KGK and spent 20 minutes reading about some unrelated mining firm in Canada. Rookie mistake.
Here's a quick comparative chart for KGKG:
Classification System | Code | Description | Legal Basis | Authority |
---|---|---|---|---|
SIC | 2086 | Bottled and Canned Soft Drinks and Carbonated Waters | OSHA SIC Manual | SEC/OSHA |
NAICS | 312111 | Soft Drink Manufacturing | NAICS Manual | US Census Bureau |
GICS | 30201030 | Beverages - Non-Alcoholic | MSCI GICS Guide | MSCI/S&P Dow Jones |
Let me pull in a comparison from my experience with “verified trade” standards between the US, EU, and China. For instance, the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement gives all of them broad frameworks, but each country interprets and enforces differently. That’s why you’ll hit snags when exporting, say, a hemp-based energy drink to the EU, where certifications often go further (see EU customs code guide).
Country/Region | Verified Trade Standard Name | Legal Basis | Executing Agency |
---|---|---|---|
United States | ACE Verified Exporter | 19 CFR Part 192 | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) |
European Union | AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) | EU Regulation 952/2013 | National Customs Authorities |
China | AA Class Certification Enterprise | GACC Decree No. 251 | General Administration of Customs |
How does this relate to KGKG? If they want to export from the U.S. to the EU, which “beverage” definition applies—and do they need new certifications?
A friend of mine runs an import business and once tried to bring in a hemp-infused soda (not necessarily from KGKG, but same product type) into the EU. The shipment got delayed for weeks over the classification: should it be coded as a “soft drink” (lower tariffs) or “novel food containing hemp” (stricter scrutiny)? Customs officers relied on the product’s registered NAICS and SIC codes but also demanded proof of compliance with EU’s unique plant food standards.
Industry expert (as quoted on Beverage Daily): “Don’t assume your U.S. classification will be accepted everywhere—a non-alcoholic hemp beverage, for example, might be a soft drink in Texas, but a controlled novel food in France.”
What’s maddening here is that, while the base industry classification is almost universal for basic trade, minor product tweaks or a new ingredient can force entire legal reassignments. This is why big beverage companies spend a fortune on compliance consultants.
I got in touch with Sarah W., a compliance officer at a mid-sized beverage exporter, who shared this: “We once reclassified a carbonated energy drink three times in a year—first as a soft drink, then as a supplement, and finally as a ‘therapeutic product’ for an overseas market. Each code change triggered new paperwork, labelling requirements, and tariff rates.”
Thankfully, for KGKG, their main beverage products are pretty safely in the “Non-Alcoholic Beverages” basket—for now.
When I first tried mapping KGKG’s codes for a consultancy client, I reached out to an OTC desk expecting instant confirmation. They sent me a spreadsheet full of outdated SIC codes and extra lines for discontinued brands! Turns out, always confirm with the latest SEC filings, then cross-check with industry databases and—if possible—call the company directly. Even the big data services, like Bloomberg or Refinitiv, can be a beat behind for tiny public companies.
Another tip: when checking sources like Yahoo! or MarketWatch, be sure to understand which classification system they’re referencing—they don’t all use the same one, especially outside the U.S.
Putting it all together: Kona Gold Beverage Inc. (KGKG) falls under the “Consumer Defensive” or “Consumer Staples” sector, in the "Beverages—Non-Alcoholic" industry. Officially:
For serious business (import/export, trade law, customs), always reference the SEC’s EDGAR, official SIC lists, and the NAICS database—and if in doubt, call or email the company. And no shame in double-checking; even experts get tripped up by a mistyped code or an old product description.
Next steps? Bookmark the relevant agency links, and try the process yourself with another quirky small-cap—say, “Reed’s Inc.” I guarantee you’ll bump into something odd or amusing along the way!
Author background: Over a decade working with cross-border trade consulting, including beverage sector due diligence, with frequent direct interaction with regulatory agencies and hands-on research into classification standards across North America, the EU, and APAC. Sources linked above for independent verification.