Food & Beverage

Our highly specialist lawyers advise on all aspects of advertising, marketing, and promotions for food and beverage businesses. With a clear understanding of regulatory frameworks and consumer law, we provide strategic advice on campaign compliance, labelling claims, influencer collaborations, and Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) challenges. We support brands in navigating reputational risks while maintaining creative impact, ensuring advertising remains effective, compliant, and commercially safe across all platforms and jurisdictions. 

• Advised a London beer maker on advertising and sponsorship arrangements and on its labelling and weights and measures compliance.
• Advised on labelling and ingredients issues for a leading brewer, including malting agreements, packaging and sponsorship arrangements, advice on plastics in contact with food, customer complaints, relations with Trading Standards and consumer prizes and competitions.
• Involved in the development of the Carabao brand for energy drinks, including sponsorship arrangements (training kit deal with Chelsea FC) sponsorship of London Fashion Week, a Brazilian football team, advertising advice in relation to Red Bull, distribution agreements across the world, licensing deals and so on. Also advised on food labelling issues, claims in relation to health, and the potential for the launch of a Carabao beer brand.
• Advised a multinational drinks company on compliance with UK advertising and packaging regulations.
• Advised McDonald’s on promotional activity, advertising and digital activities and sports sponsorship in addition to brand, marketing and general commercial law.
• Advised an international beverage company on a plant variety rights dispute at the CPVO, copyright and trade mark issues as well as advertising compliance.
• Supports food and drink companies, including a leading UK supermarket, on ASA investigations into potential contravention of the CAP Codes, and challenges competitor advertising by raising complaints with the ASA.
• Advised the supplier of a patented food product on comparative advertising claims.
• Advised a US-based dairy brand on food labelling and advertising and marketing compliance.
• External counsel for a US-based non-alcoholic beverage brand on its entry into the UK and European markets. Advised on a wide range of matters including: marketing and advertising, promotional competitions and a sponsorship agreement with a Premier League club; regulatory compliance including data protection; food safety and labelling; and distribution and logistics arrangements.
• Provided leadership within Starbucks on its response to a competitor’s misleading advertising campaign, appointing counsel and achieving a swift takedown and settlement.

Our leading commercial lawyers fully understand how to navigate complex commercial arrangements in the food and beverage industry. We regularly advise on supply, distribution, franchising, logistics, and manufacturing agreements, tailoring solutions to reflect the commercial realities of fast-paced, consumer-driven markets. Whether supporting long-term strategic partnerships or addressing urgent contractual risks, our advice is always focused, practical, and geared towards protecting commercial value. 

• Represented and advised leading international food artist and creative chef Tom Wolfe on multiple high-profile creative culinary assignments.
• Negotiated the VIP Catering Agreement for Tokyo Olympics on behalf of leading international premium catering company Kofler & Co.
• Advised on the terms of a private event catering agreement with Rhubarb Hospitality Collection.
• Advised on a sponsorship agreement with F1 Sponsor BWT Group (Europe’s leading water technology enterprise).
• Represented a leading chef in relation to his headline appearance at a pop-up food and art event as part of Qatar Creates.
• Advised on the terms of an agreement for a high-profile chef appearance at the Hurlingham Classic pre-Wimbledon tennis event.
• Negotiated a sponsorship agreement between a leading international motorsport team and Nutraceuticals Group (who source and supply nutritional and health ingredients).
• Advised on the terms of an event sponsorship agreement with Nurtured in Norfolk (leading supplier of edible flowers, micro herbs and baby vegetables to UK’s top chefs and restaurants).
• Negotiated the terms of athlete sponsorship with a leading beetroot drink manufacturer.
• Advised Devon County Cricket Club on sponsorship matters including partnerships with Otter Brewery and MJ Baker Foodservice (a leading independent wholesale business).
• Negotiated the terms of an agreement for a food stylist working with Denham Productions on the filming of The People’s Cookbook.
• Advised on sponsorship matters linked to Cotswold Gin.
• Secured an ambassador agreement between double Olympic Gold Medallist rower Alex Gregory and a leading Biltong supplier.
• Advised on multiple agreements with Red Bull.
• Negotiated the terms of a motorsport agreement with KFC Indonesia.
• Drafted a sponsorship agreement between a leading junior motorsport team and Sofina Foods.
• Advised the Alaska Coffee Roasting Co on the terms of a sponsorship agreement with an F1 team.
• Drafted terms and conditions for a leading sports nutritionist.
• Drafted terms and conditions for a private chef.
• Drafted NDAs and follow-up agreements for various food and beverage-related collaborations.
• Advised Nutriformis in its sponsorship of Andy Murray and others for collagen supplements.
• Advised an international food brand on various commercial issues.
• Involved in the development of the Carabao brand for energy drinks, including sponsorship arrangements (training kit deal with Chelsea FC) sponsorship of London Fashion Week, a Brazilian football team, advertising advice in relation to Red Bull, distribution agreements across the world, licensing deals and so on. Also advised on food labelling issues, claims in relation to health, and the potential for the launch of a Carabao beer brand.
• Advised a global drinks/media company on e-gaming event contracts.
• Advised on Starbucks’ global purchasing terms, acting on behalf of a household drinks brand.
• Prepared joint development agreements for a well-known drinks company, governing ownership of product innovations.
• Advised a London beer maker on advertising and sponsorship arrangements and on its labelling and weights and measures compliance.

Our competition lawyers provide strategic advice on antitrust compliance, helping clients in the food and beverage sector navigate complex competition laws. We assist with merger control assessments, distribution agreements, and collaborative ventures, ensuring that business practices align with legal requirements and avoid regulatory pitfalls. 

• Acted for a major UK supermarket in the CMA’s investigation into pricing practices in the groceries market following the WHICH? super-complaint.  

Our expert corporate lawyers provide strategic advice on investment and fund raising within the food and beverage industry. From family-owned producers to global distributors, we support businesses across all stages of growth. With deep sector knowledge and a commercial approach, we help clients manage risk and navigate the legal complexities of transactions, ensuring deals are structured efficiently and aligned with their long-term strategic goals. 

• Advised a beverage brand on various corporate matters.
• Acted on investments by a number of private equity investors including 3i, LDC, Maven Capital Partners, Guinness Peat and acting for Alchemy Partners on 4 public-to-private takeovers and on the entry and exit of its investment in Ashbury Confectionery.
• Advised the founders of a savoury snack brand on establishment and growth through various rounds of equity fund raising.
• Advised the owners of Purecraft Bar and Grill on corporate restructuring including the buy-out of minority interests.
• Advised the board and shareholders of one of Starbucks’ joint ventures, tasked with scaling a new start-up brand globally. Investor management, funding rounds and ultimately a sale of Starbucks’ shareholding to one of the JV partners.

We have proven expertise in advising on all aspects of dispute resolution in the food and beverage industry. Whether the issue involves supply chain breakdowns, contractual disputes, intellectual property claims, or regulatory enforcement, we help clients to resolve matters swiftly and cost-effectively, whether through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation, enabling them to protect their commercial interests and maintain key relationships. 

• Acted for the producer of a food product in claims arising out of contamination from an illegal dye.
• Acted for a supplier of meat products in relation to impurities alleged to have been found in its products.
• Defended a manufacturer of beverages in claim for personal injuries resulting from impurities in a bottle.
• Advised a major food ingredients supplier on a potential claims and regulatory matters arising out of a food recall.

Our team of experienced lawyers regularly advise on distribution, agency, and franchise agreements within the food and beverage industry. We draft and negotiate contracts that clearly define roles, responsibilities, and territories, ensuring that agreements are commercially sound and legally robust. Our approach focuses on aligning contractual arrangements with clients’ strategic objectives while ensuring compliance with applicable laws. 

• Starbucks: the grant & renegotiation of franchise & master franchise agreements in the UK, Ireland, Italy, France, Germany, the Middle East, Eastern Europe & Africa.
• Involved in the development of the Carabao brand for energy drinks, including sponsorship arrangements (training kit deal with Chelsea FC) sponsorship of London Fashion Week, a Brazilian football team, advertising advice in relation to Red Bull, distribution agreements across the world, licensing deals and so on. Also advised on food labelling issues, claims in relation to health, and the potential for the launch of a Carabao beer brand.
• Assisted VOOST vitamins (now part of the Procter & Gamble Group) with its European manufacturing and distribution arrangements.
• Acted as external counsel for a US-based non-alcoholic beverage brand on its entry into the UK and European markets, including distribution and logistics arrangements, marketing and promotional activities, and data protection compliance.
• Advised an expanding Chinese Supermarket chain on their trade mark and IP strategy. Chinese character and other non-English language trade marks are regarded presently as image marks rather than word marks which presents challenges to filing and protection.
• Acted for a well-known food business in safety prosecutions brought as a result of accidents in the retail and distribution environments.

Our specialists regularly advise on employment law matters across the food and beverage sector, from day-to-day HR queries to complex executive appointments and exits. We support clients with contracts, policies, disciplinary issues, redundancies, and TUPE, ensuring compliance with employment law while protecting commercial interests by delivering business-focused solutions that reduce risk and support effective workforce management in a fast-moving, highly regulated environment. 

• Starbucks: advised in relation to its shareholding in a founder led bakery & restaurant concept – store leases, supplier agreements, marketing & events, employee hires & exits, completing several funding rounds, navigating shareholder disputes & insolvency issues.
• Acts for a top 4 UK supermarket in in safety prosecutions brought as a result of accidents in retail and distribution.
• Acts for food and drink companies in prosecutions relating to food safety (including use by dates, and foreign body contamination) and food hygiene (including pest control).
• Represents food businesses in Coroner’s Inquests held as a result of work-related deaths.
• Acted for a supplier of meat products in relation to impurities alleged to have been found in its products.
• Acted for the producer of a food product in claims arising out of contamination from an illegal dye.
• Acted for a supplier of meat products in relation to impurities alleged to have been found in its products.
• Advised a food business operator on a risk assessment and food incident notification arising out of the presence of a contaminant in excess of maximum permitted residue levels.

Our highly experienced lawyers advise on a wide range of manufacturing and packaging agreements tailored to the food and beverage sector. We assist clients in negotiating terms that address quality control, supply chain logistics, and compliance with industry standards. Our focus is on creating agreements that support efficient production processes while safeguarding our clients’ interests. 

• Advised a multinational drinks company on compliance with UK advertising and packaging regulations.
• Advised on labelling and ingredients issues for a leading brewer, including malting agreements, packaging and sponsorship arrangements, advice on plastics in contact with food, customer complaints, relations with Trading Standards and consumer prizes and competitions.
• Assisted VOOST vitamins (now part of the Procter & Gamble Group) with its European manufacturing and distribution arrangements.
• Acted for snack brand graze (part of the Unilever Group) in IP litigation relating to copycat packaging.
• Advised a global brewing business on labelling and packaging requirements relating to alcoholic drinks and on low-alcohol/alcohol-free brands.
• Advised on labelling requirements arising as a result of Brexit, including in relation to Northern Ireland.
• Providing labelling and packaging advice for the introduction of Ben & Jerry’s novel ice cream flavours into the French market.

Our team combines corporate expertise with deep industry knowledge to ensure transactions in the food and beverage sector are executed smoothly and strategically. We advise on all stages of M&A activity, from due diligence and structuring to negotiation and completion. Whether acquiring, disposing of, or merging businesses, we deliver commercially focused advice that manages risk, protects brand value, and supports long-term growth. 

• Acted for Greene King on various transactions including acquisition of Loch Fyne restaurants.
• Advised Marston’s PLC on several deals including: the £55m acquisition of the Charles Wells brewery and related brands (awarded Deal of the Year at Insider Central & East Of England Dealmakers Awards 2017); the £25.1m acquisition of Thwaites’ beer division and related beer brands; the acquisition of Refresh plc (including the Wychwood Brewery and Hobgoblin beer brand); the acquisition of the Ringwood Brewery and related beer brands; and the acquisition of the Bluu bar/restaurant chain.
• Advised Young & Co.’s Brewery P.L.C. on the acquisition of the Old Ship, Hammersmith.
• Advised Premier Foods on its Class 1 circular in connection with the sale of its canned grocery operations.
• Advised PepsiCo on the US$6bn acquisition of Wimm-Bill-Dann, a leading Russian food and beverage company.
• Advised Nestlé on its 50:50 joint venture (Froneri) with PAI to merge in certain jurisdictions Nestlé’s ice cream and frozen food business with R&R Ice Cream, the third-largest ice cream producer in Europe.
• Advised the selling shareholders on the US$680m sale of 100% of Victoria Group to Dixy Group, a direct competitor, in consideration for cash and shares of Dixy Group, and the resulting shareholders’ arrangements.
• Advised the founders on the establishment, growth and ultimate exit from a market-leading organic children’s food brand.
• Advised the founders on the exit from a high-end tea brand.

We have the deep industry knowledge required to advise on the protection and exploitation of intellectual property within the food and beverage sector. Our services encompass trademark registration, brand protection strategies, and licensing agreements. We help clients maximise the value of their intellectual assets while ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.  

• Advised McDonald’s on promotional activity, advertising and digital activities and sports sponsorship in addition to brand, marketing and general commercial law.
• Worked with two global marketing agencies on a number of household brands in the cereals, snacks and drinks sectors and managing and resolving a dispute with the global licensor of an internationally renowned boy band.
• Advised a US coffee company and coffeehouse chain with worldwide locations on trade mark, passing off, designs, domain name and copyright disputes.
• Advised an energy drinks giant on trade mark, passing off, designs and copyright disputes.
• Advised a multinational alcoholic beverage company on trade mark and passing off disputes.
• Advised a multinational beverage company in a passing off action in relation to brand of bottled water.
• Successfully acted for United Biscuits in a well-known reported UK High Court case, United Biscuits v Asda (penguin/puffin case).
• Advised a food equipment manufacturer on multiple patent disputes and licensing arrangements.
• Advised an international beverage company on a plant variety rights dispute at the CPVO, copyright and trade mark issues as well as advertising compliance.
• Advised a beverage equipment manufacturer on patents, designs and trade marks, IP strategy and exploitation.
• Advised a restaurant technology app company on branding, intellectual property strategy and related issues.
• Advised an ingredients manufacturer on patent licensing and IP strategy.
• Advised on licensing in relation to patent applications for fermentation processes for non-alcoholic wine and beer.
• Advised on ownership and entitlement, and development agreements in relation to non-cocoa chocolate alternatives.
• Advised a luxury alcohol brand on copyright and moral rights claims by the estate of a deceased French film director.
• Advised the supplier of a patented food product on comparative advertising claims.
• Involved in the development of the Carabao brand for energy drinks, including sponsorship arrangements (training kit deal with Chelsea FC) sponsorship of London Fashion Week, a Brazilian football team, advertising advice in relation to Red Bull, distribution agreements across the world, licensing deals and so on. Also advised on food labelling issues, claims in relation to health, and the potential for the launch of a Carabao beer brand.
• Advised RoadChef service stations in relation to a variety of potential infringement matters.
• Acted for snack brand graze (part of the Unilever Group) in IP litigation relating to copycat packaging.
• Helped one of the world’s best-known fast-food restaurant chains obtain protection for various product names in the UK.
• Handled the global trade mark and designs portfolio of a major frozen food brand.
• Advised a rapidly growing plant-based food manufacturer on various issues relating to protection of their disruptive brand.
• Advised a US-based fast-food chain on various trade mark law matters as they sought to expand into the UK and EU.
• Assisted a US-based international chain of restaurants in relation to various brand infringement issues in the UK and Ireland.
• Worked with external counsel to manage trademark prosecutions internationally to secure trademarks for the Topshop, Topman and Burton brands as part of their international expansion.
• Grant of development rights for the Starbucks brand in France, Italy, Germany, Benelux, Slovakia, Middle East and South Africa.

Our specialist food and beverage lawyers have years of experience delivering strategic guidance to clients on regulatory requirements for food labelling and protected designation of origins. We assist in ensuring that product labels meet legal standards and accurately reflect product origins, helping clients to maintain consumer trust and comply with national and international regulations. 

• Advised a multinational drinks company on compliance with UK advertising and packaging regulations.
• Advised a US-based dairy brand on food labelling and advertising and marketing compliance.
• Acted for a US brand in a claim over the use of the term ‘Greek yoghurt’.
• External counsel for a US-based non-alcoholic beverage brand on its entry into the UK and European markets. Advised on a wide range of matters including: marketing and advertising, promotional competitions and a sponsorship agreement with a Premier League club; regulatory compliance including data protection; food safety and labelling; and distribution and logistics arrangements.
• Acted in relation to the CMA investigation into pricing practices in the groceries market.
• Advised on nutrition and health claims made on food and drink products.
• Supported food businesses facing investigation by the ASA in relation to the CAP Codes.
• Advised a global brewing business on labelling and packaging requirements relating to alcoholic drinks and on low-alcohol/alcohol-free brands.
• Involved in the development of the Carabao brand for energy drinks, including sponsorship arrangements (training kit deal with Chelsea FC) sponsorship of London Fashion Week, a Brazilian football team, advertising advice in relation to Red Bull, distribution agreements across the world, licensing deals and so on. Also advised on food labelling issues, claims in relation to health, and the potential for the launch of a Carabao beer brand.
• Provided analysis of cosmetics under regulations to determine if medicinal or not for Jan Marini.
• Advised a London beer maker on advertising and sponsorship arrangements and on its labelling and weights and measures compliance.
• Advised on labelling and ingredients issues for a leading brewer, including malting agreements, packaging and sponsorship arrangements, advice on plastics in contact with food, customer complaints, relations with Trading Standards and consumer prizes and competitions.
• Provided labelling and packaging advice for the introduction of Ben & Jerry’s novel ice cream flavours into the French market.
• Advised on the labelling requirements and ingredients declarations for various chocolate products made by a leading European German/Swiss chocolatier.

When reputational issues arise, speed and sensitivity are key. Our team of experienced lawyers work swiftly to assess risk, protect reputations, and resolve issues efficiently. Whether facing defamation, media scrutiny, or online backlash, we take a proactive and discreet approach, resolving issues efficiently while safeguarding brand integrity.   

• Represented a major supermarket group at Coroner’s Inquests touching on the work-related deaths of employees and members of the public.
• Acted for a well-known food business in safety prosecutions brought as a result of accidents in the retail and distribution environments.
• Advised a major food ingredients supplier on a potential claims and regulatory matters arising out of a food recall.
• Acted for the producer of a food product in claims arising out of contamination from an illegal dye.
• Acted for a supplier of meat products in relation to impurities alleged to have been found in its products.
• Provided leadership within Starbucks on global public recalls, balancing health & safety requirements, contractual commitments and financial loss.

Advising food & beverage clients on restructuring and insolvency requires a deep understanding of the commercial pressures unique to the food and beverage sector. Our team delivers strategic guidance to businesses, investors, and directors navigating financial distress, supplier failure, or operational turnaround. Whether dealing with cross-border insolvency issues or strategic business reorganisation, we provide calm, commercial advice that protects brand value, secures assets, and ensures compliance with sector-specific obligations. 

• Advised the Euro Garages Group (EG Group) in relation to its proposal to acquire the Caffé Nero group, subject to a Company Voluntary Arrangement.
• Advised Pizza Express, a significant casual dining group which operates over 400 restaurants in the UK, in relation to the successful approval of its CVA.
• Advised Prezzo, an Italian restaurant chain, in relation to its Company Voluntary Arrangement.
• Advised Agrokor, a leading Croatian food, manufacturing distribution and retail business in relation to its financial restructuring.
• Advised the Tragus Group in relation to its financial and operational restructuring, including its Company Voluntary Arrangements relating to Café Rouge Restaurants and Bella Italia Restaurants.

Our lawyers provide specialist advice on supply agreements across the food and beverage sector, helping clients secure robust, commercially viable terms. We advise on pricing, liability, delivery obligations, and termination rights, tailoring contracts to meet operational needs while minimising risk. With deep industry knowledge and a proactive approach, we support clients in negotiating agreements that safeguard continuity, ensure compliance, and accommodate evolving supply chain challenges and business growth strategies. 

• Resolved supply chain issues for a leading fruit-juice brand/manufacturer.
• Negotiated the VIP Catering Agreement for Tokyo Olympics on behalf of leading international premium catering company Kofler & Co.
• Advised on the terms of a private event catering agreement with Rhubarb Hospitality Collection.
• Negotiated a sponsorship agreement between a leading international motorsport team and Nutraceuticals Group (who source and supply nutritional and health ingredients).
• Advised Starbucks on entry into the Italian market with the construction of its flagship “Reserve Roastery”, a complex construction project to build a 25,000 sq ft manufacturing plant and high-end flagship store and customer experience in a listed flagship building in the centre of Milan (creation of legal entities, appointment of local advisors, negotiations with the institutional landlord for the building lease, planning, permitting, distribution, supply chain and warehousing, tax, financing, employment, events and marketing).

VAT in the food and beverage industry can be complex. Our experienced lawyers provide strategic advice on VAT matters, helping clients navigate the complexities of tax compliance. Our services include advising on VAT treatment of products, cross-border transactions, and compliance with HMRC regulations. Whether clients are launching a new product, expanding into new markets, or navigating regulatory change, our goal is to optimise tax–efficiency while ensuring full compliance. 

• Acted in disputes concerning the VAT treatment of food and beverages.  

With extensive experience in the food and beverage sector, our lawyers advise on warehousing and cold-storage agreements, ensuring that contractual arrangements meet the specific needs of the food and beverage industry. We assist clients in negotiating terms that address storage conditions, liability, and compliance with food safety standards, supporting efficient and compliant supply chain operations. 

• Advised a global FMCG manufacturer in relation to its key warehousing and logistics contracts.
• Advised Starbucks on entry into the Italian market with the construction of its flagship Reserve Roastery, a complex construction project to build a 25,000 sq ft manufacturing plant and high-end flagship store and customer experience in a listed flagship building in the centre of Milan (creation of legal entities, appointment of local advisors, negotiations with the institutional landlord for the building lease, planning, permitting, distribution, supply chain and warehousing, tax, financing, employment, events and marketing).