Food and beverage businesses operate within a complex and increasingly demanding, regulated environment. Our lawyers advise businesses throughout the sector, from established international brands and large-scale distributors through to growing manufacturers, specialist producers and emerging market entrants. Examples of our recent work include: 

• supporting the commercial operations of leading manufacturers and international distributors of products such as cheese, pasta and specialist delicatessen items; 

• dealing with the corporate merger and acquisition activities of a major fresh produce distributor; 

• assisting an emerging alcoholic drinks company with seed investment funding arrangements; 

• acting for a leading soft drinks manufacturer in High Court trade mark infringement proceedings against a major supermarket concerning competing own-brand products; 

• dealing with commercial disputes and related regulatory action arising from a safety incident encountered by a manufacturer and distributor of alcoholic beverages;   

• defending regulatory action in connection with the wholesale distribution of food and beverage goods; 

• supporting businesses with issues of fraud and other criminal compliance and enforcement issues;  

• acting for a franchisee in its claims against the franchisor of a leading meals delivery branded business, and dealing with related regulatory actions.  

We understand that food and beverage businesses operate in highly competitive markets where commercial pressures must be balanced against rigorous regulatory requirements. Our approach combines regulatory expertise with commercial insight, helping clients manage risk whilst achieving their business objectives. 

Manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers are subject to a wide range of legal and regulatory obligations designed to protect consumers, ensure product integrity and safeguard public health.  Regulatory issues can arise at any stage of the supply chain and may have significant operational, financial and reputational consequences. 

We provide support in relation to: 

• Food safety and hygiene requirements; 

• Product composition and ingredient compliance; 

• Labelling, packaging and consumer information obligations; 

• Product recalls and withdrawals; 

• Import and export compliance; 

• Supply chain due diligence and traceability requirements; 

• Novel foods and product innovation; 

• Sustainability and environmental claims; 

• Alcohol licensing and regulatory requirements; and 

• Advertising, marketing and promotional compliance. 

Our team works proactively with clients to identify and manage regulatory risks before they escalate into enforcement action or commercial disputes. 

Regulatory issues rarely exist in isolation. Food and beverage businesses frequently encounter wider legal and commercial issues arising from regulatory events, including contractual disputes, supplier claims, insurance issues, shareholder concerns and reputational damage. 

Drawing on the wider expertise of Laytons ETL, we provide integrated support across: 

• Commercial contracts and supply arrangements; 

• Distribution and agency agreements; 

• Intellectual property and brand protection; 

• Corporate transactions and investment; 

• Employment and workforce issues; 

• Dispute resolution; and 

• Crisis and reputational management. 

This coordinated approach enables us to help clients navigate complex situations efficiently and effectively.

Increasing regulatory scrutiny means that boards and senior management teams are expected to demonstrate robust governance and compliance arrangements. 

We assist organisations in developing and reviewing: 

• Compliance policies and procedures; 

• Food safety governance frameworks; 

• Regulatory training programmes; 

• Internal reporting and escalation processes; 

• Supplier due diligence programmes; 

• Crisis management plans; 

• ESG and sustainability governance; and 

• Fraud prevention and corporate compliance frameworks. 

By embedding effective compliance arrangements into day-to-day operations, businesses can reduce regulatory risk and strengthen organisational resilience. 

Regulatory investigations can be disruptive, commercially damaging and time-sensitive. 

We assist businesses responding to action by: 

• Local authority environmental health departments; 

• Trading Standards; 

• The Food Standards Agency; 

• Port Health Authorities; 

• The Health and Safety Executive; 

• Competition and consumer protection regulators; and 

• Other UK and international regulatory bodies. 

We advise clients throughout inspections, audits, investigations and enforcement processes, assisting them to engage effectively with regulators whilst protecting their commercial interests. 

Where enforcement action has been commenced, we provide strategic advice and representation in connection with regulatory actions. 

When safety concerns arise, businesses are often required to make critical decisions within very short timescales. 

Our team supports clients in managing: 

• Suspected contamination incidents; 

• Product mislabelling issues; 

• Allergen-related risks; 

• Product withdrawals and recalls; 

• Regulatory notifications; 

• Supply chain disruption; and 

• Reputational and media issues. 

We work closely with clients to coordinate legal, regulatory and commercial responses, helping to minimise disruption and protect brand value.