This website will offer limited functionality in this browser. We only support the recent versions of major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.

Search the website

Food and drink

Providing expert legal services across the food and drink sector, including food safety compliance, brand protection, supply chain management, and mergers and acquisitions.   

Legal advice for the UK's food and drink industry, focusing on food safety compliance, agricultural law, and supply chain regulation.

The food and drink sector is renowned for its innovation and excitement.

However, this vibrant sector also grapples with continually evolving pressures, including stringent regulations, intense competition, and growing concerns around transparency, traceability, and the security of supply.

Brexit also introduced additional complexities, particularly for importers and exporters. With new regulatory regimes and customs processes to face, navigating these changes requires not only a deep understanding of the law but also a keen awareness of the sector’s unique dynamics.

Our team of food and drink lawyers offers specialist advice, grounded in a genuine appreciation of the industry’s intricacies and legal expertise. We understand the critical importance of relationships within the sector and the specific regulations and practices that govern it.

Compliance and supply chain regulation have become critical areas where businesses need robust legal support, to mitigate risks and ensure smooth operations. Our knowledge extends to the strengths and vulnerabilities of the supply chain. This allows us to provide our clients with comprehensive guidance on a wide range of issues, including food safety compliance, contractual matters, regulatory compliance and brand protection.

Services

Supply chain contracts and disputes

Navigating complex supply chain agreements and resolving disputes effectively to maintain business continuity.

Regulatory advice

Offering guidance on compliance with industry regulations and legal requirements.

Regulatory investigations and prosecutions

Defending and advising clients during regulatory investigations and prosecutions within the food and drink sector.

Food safety, contamination and product recalls

Ensuring food safety compliance and managing risks related to contamination and product recalls.

Food labeling and advertising

Providing counsel on compliance with food labeling and advertising regulations to protect your brand.

Brand protection and exploitation

Safeguarding your intellectual property and maximising the value of your brand.

Imports, exports and international trade

Assisting with the complexities of international trade, including import/export regulations and customs processes.

Mergers and acquisitions

Facilitating successful mergers and acquisitions within the food and drink industry.

Examples of our work

Waitrose

Advised Waitrose on product supply issues, including within their key Essentials range, supply chain and logistics arrangements, and on material relationships.

Starbucks

Providing logistics contract advice and also managing UK brand clearance and trademark registrations for Starbucks, ensuring robust brand protection and compliance with intellectual property laws.

Yeo Valley

Long-standing adviser to Yeo Valley, including on financing, supply contracts, manufacturing and tolling arrangements, labeling, advertising and branding.

Regency Purchasing Group

Advised on the sale of Regency Purchasing Group to Foodbuy.

Kite Consulting

Advising the partners of Kite Consulting, the UK’s leading dairy consultancy, on its acquisition by AB Agri, the Agriculture division of Associated British Foods.

Somerdale

Advising the shareholders of Somerdale International Limited on the sale of the company to AJ and RG Barber Limited.

01
06

What others say

“The team members were clearly very experienced, and used this knowledge to overcome all the hurdles which arose during my case.”

Legal 500 UK 2025

“We couldn't do what we do without Burges Salmon and their wonderful team. They are a hugely valued extension of our core team both in terms of commitment and culture. We regularly approach them for advice on wider commercial points in the rural economy.”

Chambers UK 2025

01
02