Industry
Established to meet the growing demand for specialized legal advice in the food industry, both nationally and internationally, LCA was among the first major law firms to create a Food & Beverage department capable of providing comprehensive assistance across the different branches of production and all stages of the supply chain to small and medium-sized enterprises, multinational corporations, start-ups, public and private entities, farmers, producers, distributors, and large-scale retailers.
Our Food & Beverage team stands out for its:
- In-depth knowledge and extensive experience in multiple areas of law;
- Proven ability to provide top-tier regulatory support as well as counsel on extraordinary transactions and structured finance, both in agriculture and the food industry;
- Commitment to staying ahead of regulatory developments;
- Strong relationships with European and domestic institutions;
- Focus on addressing business challenges;
- Unmatched flexibility and responsiveness in client service.
Our Food & Beverage department assists agricultural, food, and distribution sector operators in the following key areas:
Corporate and M&A
- M&A operations, structured finance transactions, investments, and corporate reorganizations, from negotiation and due diligence to drafting business acquisition and sale agreements.
Contracts
- Drafting and negotiation of national and international B2B and B2C commercial agreements, including those for online food and beverage markets.
- Joint ventures.
- Food supply and distribution contracts, addressing unfair trade practices within the agri-food supply chain.
Agricultural Law
- Drafting and negotiating of agricultural land or businesses lease agreements.
- Sale and circulation of agricultural land.
- Network contracts.
- Support for producer organizations and interbranch organizations.
- Agricultural taxation and access to national and European funding and grants.
Food Law
- Compliance with food and wine industry regulations.
- Labelling and claims (health & nutritional claims, green claims, superiority and convenience claims),
- Advertising, commercial communication, and unfair competition.
- Protection of “Made in”, combating Italian sounding and counterfeiting.
- PDO and PGI products and protection of geographical indications.
- Plant variety rights.
- Innovation and technology in production processes and food products.
- Food hygiene, safety, and traceability.
- Authorizations and licenses profiles.
Governance Models
- Advice on governance models, management of relationships between corporate bodies and compliance with industry-specific regulations.
The high level of complexity in this field, combined with the global expansion of the food and wine market across both production and commercialization stages, demands a deep specialization that encompasses not only European but also international law. The pursuit of new market opportunities and the relocation of primary production require food businesses to navigate the often highly specific regulations of third countries. This expertise is essential for structuring contractual and commercial relationships between businesses, as well as between businesses and consumers. LCA’s Food & Beverage team has developed this knowledge through its strong international focus and the network of relationships it has built over the years.
Contacts
Acknowledgments
Ranked for Industry Focus - Food
Ranked for Industry Focus - Food
