Getting food and beverage law right isn't just a case of responding to the problems as they happen, but avoiding them altogether. That’s why our lawyers work with clients in your industry to not only resolve disputes but also to manage regulatory hurdles, protect intellectual property and empower growing businesses. We're known for taking a proactive approach to working in this sector in the UK, US and across the globe.
By combining our manufacturing and retail sector knowledge, our team is able to advise companies that make, distribute, sell and prepare food, beverages and nutrients on all of their legal needs. We counsel our clients in every aspect of the industry, including marketing, labelling, supply chain, food safety (including product recalls), product launches, commercial contracts, regulatory enforcements and corporate transactions. In the UK our lawyers also manage prosecutions and civil claims, and in the US our lawyers represent clients in state and federal courts.
Our clients range from international food and beverage manufacturers to national food retailers, restaurant chains, and dietary supplement companies. We have had the pleasure of working with some of the most well-known brands in the UK and US, including Fentimans, Diageo, Costa Coffee, Carlsberg, Applebee’s, Church’s Chicken, Lowe’s Food Stores, Inc., and Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
Being so deeply embedded in this industry enables us to understand the wider environment and challenges faced by our food and beverage clients and ensures our advice is grounded in the realities of your business, covering the end-to-end supply chain.
Franchise, distribution and licensing arrangements
Packaging, food labelling, and traceability
Advertising, social media, endorsements and marketing compliance
Corporate formation, including legal entity selection and management agreements
Real estate solutions, including commercial leasing
Bankruptcy
Equipment purchase and leasing
Labour and employment.
Examples of work
McCain: Advising McCain on a suite of template commercial agreements and subsequently training the client's team on their use
An alcoholic drinks manufacturer: Advising on the potential product recall due to branded defective glassware supplied to the on-trade
SodaStream: Acted on a range of commercial, corporate, health and safety, employment, insolvency and IP matters
Carlsberg: Advising on the brand name, logo, branding and imagery, as well as advertising copy including a comparative advertising TV campaign for the launch of a new alcoholic drink
Fentimans on its third-party bottling contracts and on the terms of its worldwide distribution and manufacturing arrangements.
Orchid Drinks: Acting on its £67 million sale to Britvic plc
Carolina Turkeys (now Butterball LLC): Represented client in its acquisition of the Butterball brand and business, which created the largest turkey producer in the United States. Also currently serve as outside general counsel for the company and manage its global trademark portfolio, including assisting with trademark strategy
Tyson Foods, Inc.: Serving as Outside Trademark Counsel to Tyson Foods, Inc. We handle trademark disputes, complex trademark prosecution, and transactional matters
Apple Gold: Lead acquisition and lender’s counsel for Apple Gold in its acquisition of Applebee’s restaurants
Five Guys Holdings, Inc.: Represented Five Guys Holdings, Inc. in several private equity rounds, many acquisitions and other transactions
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc.: Represented Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. in its $1.35 billion sale to JAB Holding
Oversaw global rebranding project for international food company
Worked to obtain multi-million dollar judgment for trademark owner in infringement litigation involving bakery products.
Overview
Overview
Whether you make, sell, distribute, or prepare food and beverages, it’s clear that getting the legal side of your enterprise ‘right’ can be an intricate and time-consuming business. To stay on the front foot, you’ll need the guidance of a trusted legal advisor who knows the industry inside out and will provide advice that’s grounded in the realities of your business.
By combining our manufacturing and retail sector knowledge, our exceptional team work with clients to resolve disputes, manage regulatory hurdles, protect intellectual property, and empower growing businesses. We understand that it’s not just about responding to problems as they happen, it’s about avoiding them in the first place.
Your team
Your food and drink team
If you’re looking for a legal team with expertise in food and beverage law, you’d be hard pressed to find a more experienced group of lawyers. With many years working with some of the most well-known brands in the UK and US under our belts, we’re deeply embedded in the industry, with a breadth of knowledge that allows us to understand the environment you operate in, and the challenges and opportunities this provides.
Known for our proactive approach, we counsel our clients in the UK, US, and around the globe in every aspect of the industry, including marketing, labelling, end-to-end supply chain, food safety (including product recalls), product launches, commercial contracts, regulatory enforcements, and corporate transactions. In the UK our lawyers also manage prosecutions and civil claims, and in the US our lawyers represent clients in state and federal courts.
Our clients range from international food and beverage manufacturers to national food retailers, restaurant chains, and dietary supplement companies, and we’ve had the pleasure of working with Fentimans, Diageo, Costa Coffee, Carlsberg, Applebee’s, Church’s Chicken, Lowe’s Food Stores, Inc., and Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
In need of a food and drink lawyer? Look no further.
At Womble Bond Dickinson we have an exceptional team of talented lawyers and business professionals who can offer guidance and find the solutions right for your business. We have both broad and niche expertise across all our UK and US offices.
Advising McCain on a suite of template commercial agreements and subsequently training the client's team on their use
Acted on a range of commercial, corporate, health and safety, employment, insolvency and IP matters for SodaStream
Advising on the brand name, logo, branding, and imagery, as well as advertising copy including a comparative advertising TV campaign for the launch of a new alcoholic drink from Carlsberg
Acting on Orchid Drinks' £67 million sale to Britvic plc
Represented Five Guys Holdings, Inc. in several private equity rounds, acquisitions, and other transactions
Represented Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. in its $1.35 billion sale to JAB Holding.
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