AKD‘s team garners praise for its 'deep and detailed knowledge of food legislation'. The group is highly regarded for its strength in handling matters concerning food-specific regulations, including product compliance, food safety standards and labelling requirements, and is equally adept at handling litigation related to food. Practice head Barbara Mutsaers is a highly regarded food law expert, who is sought after for her expertise in advising on regulatory matters, contentious work and commercial contracts in the space. Another key member of the team is Erik Dans, who provides assistance on administrative food law matters, often representing food processing companies in enforcement proceedings.
Industry focus: Food in Netherlands
AKD
Practice head(s):
Barbara Mutsaers
Other key lawyers:
Erik Dans
Testimonials
‘Great people across Benelux with the necessary expertise, approachable and professional lawyers who are good to work with. ’
‘For me, Barbara Mutsaers has been outstanding in all of the dealings I have had with her. Reassuringly confident and pragmatic, determined and focused whilst remaining friendly and fun to work with. Food sector expertise and knowledge was essential and the key reason for instructing AKD.’
‘Barbara Mutsaers is friendly, fast and has both eyes very much on the ball. She knows what’s cooking, due to her excellent connections with regulators and supervisors and, most importantly, industry players. It’s a delight to work with her.’
‘We have been working with Barbara Mutsaers for several years and appreciate the cooperation very much. She will advise you professionally and promptly.’
‘Barbara Mutsaers has given us invaluable assistance on several issues regarding food legislation. What stands out in the collaboration with AKD is the deep and detailed knowledge of food legislation, the various interpretations, and previous cases that can be of help in the matter.’
‘Barbara Mutsaers is among the most knowledgeable individuals we have worked with in the industry.’
Key clients
Perfetti Van Melle
Plukon Food Group
Nepluvi
Yili Innovation Center Europe
Hoogwegt International
Sligro Food Group Nederland
Interfood Holding
Blueworld Seafood
Greenpower
VanRijsingen Ingredients
B&S International
Corbion
Purac Biochem
Meelunie
Andean Life B.V.
Baker & Baker
Chr. Hansen
Andean Life B.V.
GNT
Work highlights
- Advised a manufacturer of leading brands of food products on a dispute regarding food additives.
Hoogenraad & Haak
Boutique firm Hoogenraad & Haak is highly regarded for its expertise in the food sector. The team stands out for its strong track record in appearing before the Dutch courts, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) and regulatory entities in contentious food law issues, and is equally well versed in advising clients in the food and beverage space on advertising and IP work. Other key areas of instruction for the group include labelling, ingredients and product recalls, among other food safety issues. Practice head Ebba Hoogenraad is 'a true expert in the field of food law', and has extensive experience in advising on sustainability matters. Maarten Haak assists with IP issues, ranging form trade mark and packaging designs to contentious work. Lisanne Steenbergen brings expertise in advising clients on single-use plastics and sustainability issues.
Practice head(s):
Ebba Hoogenraad
Other key lawyers:
Lisanne Steenbergen; Maarten Haak; Myrna Teeuw
Testimonials
‘The way of cooperating is always great! It is warm, it is fast and it is professional. Moreover, it always results in good work and we are always very satisfied. ’
‘We work together with Ebba Hoogenraad. She is very professional, has great knowledge and a great team spirit with us as clients.’
‘Hoogenraad & Haak are a very knowledgeable partner on the subject of food.’
‘They are always willing to spar with you, present their findings and experiences to audiences we are also interested in. Ebba Hoogenraad definitely stands out on that score.’
‘Hoogenraad & Haak has highly specialised expertise of this complex area of law and deep understanding of the industry-specific context. ’
‘Ebba Hoogenraad is extremely knowledgeable, experienced and pragmatic. She has excellent knowledge of food law and understands the needs of the business. Her enthusiasm and dedication make it inspiring to work with her. ’
‘Ebba Hoogenraad is a true expert in the field of food law. ’
‘Experts in the field of sustainability legislation. Clear advice with concrete recommendations. ’
Key clients
Heineken
Lidl
Ahold Delhaize
Yakult
Barilla/Wasa
Haribo
Perrigo/Omega Pharma
Coca-Cola
FrieslandCampina
Ecotone
Kenniscentrum Suiker & Voeding
Koninklijke Vereniging Homeopathie
Maxxium
L’Oréal
Cantina Mexicana
Cosun Nutrition Centre
Super Nature Products
Gezondheid aan Huis
Holland & Barrett
Nederlandse Zuivelorganisatie NZO
Work highlights
- Representing a client in high-profile trade mark and copyright litigation relating to baby milk products.
- Representing the NZO in a case against Upfield regarding the use of the product name ‘Roombeter’ for a 100% plant product.
Loyens & Loeff
Loyens & Loeff leverages its multi-disciplinary expertise in commercial, regulatory, tax and corporate law to support food and beverages companies on a range of work. Practice head Guido Koop has expertise in competition, regulatory and environmental law, and is very experienced in assisting food sector entities with compliance work and operational matters. Jacobine van Beijeren is well versed in acting for food business operators in regulatory issues. Nanne Kusters is a key contact.
Practice head(s):
Guido Koop
Other key lawyers:
Jacobine van Beijeren; Nanne Kusters
Key clients
Amswha
Bacardi
Bayer Crop Science
B&S Group
Cargill B.V.
Celanese
Collins Foods Ltd (KFC)
Cornelis Vrolijk
Danish Crown
Danone
Dawn Foods
Emmi Italy
Exal Corporation
Farmboy
Femsa
FitForMe B.V.
Fleury Michon
Givaudan
Glencore Grain
HelloFresh
Hoogtweg
Illovo Sugar
Kerry Group
Kettle Foods Ltd.
Kloosterboer
Koninklijke Zeelandia
Krynica Vitamin S.A.
Levarht
McCain
Nutreco
Rembrandt Foods
RemyCointreau
Samson & Surrey
Sligro Food Group
Struik Foods
Yara Sluiskil
Vomar
Wessanen
H.I.G. European Capital Partners
Jan Linders
Ploum
The food and product compliance practice at Ploum has an established track record in acting for domestic and international importers, producers, manufacturers, brands and traders in contentious matters. The team is well-versed in representing clients in cases involving allegations of fraud, as well as enforcement actions brought by regulatory authorities. Practice head Marijn van Tuijl excels in handling regulatory matters, as well as litigation relating to international trade of goods and manufacturing issues. IP work is another key area of instruction for the group, with Willem Leppink assisting with trade mark issues. Customs work forms a key pillar of Jikke Biermasz' practice.
Practice head(s):
Marijn van Tuijl
Other key lawyers:
Willem Leppink; Jikke Biermasz; Mirjam Louws
Testimonials
‘Ploum stands out due to their understanding of the latest legal developments. The team is highly responsive and pragmatic, consistently providing solutions that are tailored to our specific needs. What truly sets them apart is their ability to view our questions within the broader context of our company and the industry we operate in.’
‘Experienced partners, outstanding team, deep knowledge of law.’
‘Jikke Biermasz is a unique lawyer with outstanding experience.’
‘The team has a great business sense next to a great legal sense, this is crucial when taking decisions and giving options on what possible route to take against other parties.’
‘Plugged in to the industry in the region, very straightforward and easy going manner, good responsiveness and smart and commercial advice. ’
‘Marijn van Tuijl is a sector specialist.’
‘Excellent up to date and practical food legal knowledge.’
‘Marijn van Tuijl and Jikke Biermasz know what’s relevant for the food safety authority and know very well how to trade globally.’
Key clients
Bidfood
Gorillas
Bunge
Unilever
Heineken
United Biscuits/ Verkade
Pernod Ricard/ Chivas Brothers
Cefetra (BayWa Agri Supply & Trade)
Jacobs Douwe Egberts
Danone
Upfield
Refresco
Vrumona
Picnic
Vergeer Holland
Doens Food International
LT Foods
Van Sillevoldt Rice
Work highlights
- Advised four Dutch agricultural commodity trade associations on policy changes adopted by the Netherlands Food and Product Safety Authority (NVWA).
Van Doorne
At Van Doorne, the food and beverages practice has a solid track record in advising on a broad range of commercial, corporate and contentious matters in the sector. Under the leadership of Lisette Bieleveld, the group handles cross-border matters concerning food-related M&A, distribution agreements and product recalls. Bieleveld is a key contact for contractual work and disputes in the industry; she is ably supported by Florence Verbeek, who is well versed in advising on consumer and product liability, product recalls and commercial contracts.
Practice head(s):
Lisette Bieleveld
Other key lawyers:
Elisabeth Thole; Florence Verbeek
Key clients
ABP Food Group Unlimited
Agrico B.V.
Ahold Europe Real Estate & Construction B.V. (Albert Heijn and Gall&Gall)
AMC Grupo Alimentacion Fresco y Zumos S.
AquaMinerals B.V.
Athletic Greens
Baarsma Wine Group Nederland
Barentz N.V.
Bedo Imex B.V. (Akdos)
Bergbanket B.V.
Bio Detection Systems B.V.
BrunchCo 21
Campina
CanPack
Carbonell Nederland B.V.
Coöperatieve Inkoopcombinatie Dranken Compagnie U.A.e
Cott Corporation
Crisp B.V.
Deen Holding Hoorn B.V.
Detailresult Services B.V. (Dirk van den Broek and DekaMarkt)
De Banketgroep B.V.
Distilleries Group Toorank B.V.
Dobla B.V.
Drie Mollen International B.V.
Dunea N.V.
Dutch Bakery Holding B.V.
E&A Scheer Group Holding B.V.
Eden Springs
Emmi Benelux B.V.
Enkco
Euro-Caps B.V.
Europastry SA
Fernandez
FrieslandCampina Riedel B.V.
Foodimus
Fuite Family
General Mills
Getir B.V.
Giorgi Global
Go Tan
Healthspan Ltd.
Herbalife
H. van Wijnen
Innogusto
Irca
ISK Bioscience Europe N.V.
JBT Food & Dairy Systems B.V.
JDE Peet’s
KellyDeli
KFC Holdings B.V.
Klaas Puul B.V.
Koninklijke Agrifirm Group
Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize N.V.
Lenger Seafoods
Little Italy Skostredet A.S.
LiveKindly
Marine Harvest ASA (seafood)
Marqt
MCO Health B.V.
Meatless B.V.
Moët & Chandon
Naming’omba Tea Estates Limited
NewForrest B.V.
Nutreco N.V.
Nutricia Export B.V.
N.V. Waterbedrijf Groningen
Odin
Padifood Service B.V.
Pandriks Holding B.V.
Paterson Arran Ltd.
Plukon Food Group
PortionPack Europe Holding B.V.
Prins & Dingemanse B.V.
Prinsen Food
PV Industries B.V.
Rainforest Alliance
Refresco Group B.V.
Royal Sanders
Santé Group
Sonion Nederland B.V.
Starbucks Coffee Netherlands B.V.
Stichting Albert Schweitzer
Stichting de Zorgcirkel
Struik Holding N.V. and Struik Europe N.V.
SunOpta
Supergoods UG
Team Foods Colombia S.A.
Ter Maten Group
Texelse Bierbrouwerij B.V.
The Green Happiness
Tony’s Factory B.V. (Tony’s Chocolonely)
Trioplast Industries AB
United Coffee Services Schweiz AG
United Softdrinks B.V.
Van Oers United
Vaessen-Schoemaker B.V.
Victory Farms Limited
Vita Square B.V.
Wipak
Work highlights
- Representing JBT in litigation against two manufacturers specialising in aseptic packaging.
- Advising Crisp on a new investment round.
Van Traa Advocaten
Van Traa Advocaten has established strength in advising matters across the whole food supply chain. Key areas of instruction include food safety issues, marketing, product recalls and enforcement matters. The group is equally strong in assisting with transport, logistics and international trade work involving the food sector. Silvia Gawronski leads the team, and is widely known for her expertise in EU organic food law. She often represents domestic and international companies and government entities in regulatory and enforcement matters in the food and beverages arena. Marc van Maanen has an excellent reputation for assisting with international trade and commodities matters.
Practice head(s):
Silvia Gawronski
Other key lawyers:
Marc van Maanen; Steven Oude Alink; Thomas Giesbertz; Alicia Zwanikken
Testimonials
‘The Van Traa team distinguishes itself from other law firms through integrity, expertise and commitment to the case for which they are appointed.’
‘Thomas Giesbertz is fully aware of our business and very skilled in handling our cases. ’
‘The team is very responsive.’
‘Alicia Zwanikken is knowledgeable, accessible and visible. Silvia Gawronski has made a name for herself in the context of the (food) market specific issues. Very knowledgeable and dedicated.’
Key clients
KLM
Nouryon
Glencore
Steinweg
Cofco
Louis Dreyfus Company
Cefetra
Dutch Organic International Trade (DO-IT)
BioNederland
Intersnack
Verstegen
Cornelis Vrolijk
Marsh
Amlin
AIG
NN
ASR
Olam Europe
Steinweg Handelsveem
Cargill
Go-Tan Foods
Sanorice
Nesté
Tradin Organic
Doens Food Ingredients
Nowaco
Spack Trading
Van Schelven
HAP Foods
Bakker Seeds
FeedValid
Argentrade
Dutch Bakery Group
Dipasa
Feastables
Tracomex
Triferto
Sime Darby
BioCore
Work highlights
- Advising a Dutch supermarket on product labelling and regulatory matters related to the sale of alcoholic beverages.
- Advising Triferto on organic goods laws, trade restrictions, maximum residue limits (MRLs) and administrative cases with food authorities.
BarentsKrans
BarentsKrans' agriculture and food team leverages its broader expertise in corporate and M&A, dispute resolution and competition law to assist clients with a range of matters, and is particularly strong in acting as counsel to beverage brands on mandates. Team lead Annelies van der Ploeg is well known for her experience in commercial contract law and commercial litigation, and regularly assists international and domestic companies in the food industry with franchising, manufacturing and purchase agreements, to name a few.
Practice head(s):
Annelies van der Ploeg
Other key lawyers:
Anne-Rieke Brons-van der Linden; Bart de Hek
Testimonials
‘A full service legal practice that can go toe-to-toe with the big names.’
‘BarentsKrans is a very professional practice. Their full service approach is very helpful in complex matters. The communication within the teams but also towards us as client is sharp and well prepared. It is the combination of in-depth knowledge of the matters, professional and efficient approach and a pleasant cooperation on a personal level that makes the difference.’
‘We appreciate Anne-Rieke Brons-van der Linden very much as a lawyer specialised in M&A and corporate legal structures. Her sharp analytic and communication skills, in depth knowledge of the topics and social approach makes her a very pleasant person to work with. As a lawyer with a specialisation in food, Annelies van der Ploeg understands the business of food easily. She is hands-on, easy to work with and analyses complex situations in an instant.’
‘Legal advice is clear, sound and provided quickly.’
‘This practice is unique for its loyalty and knowledge.’
Key clients
AB Mauri
Albron
Cheesepop
Compaxo
Deliveroo
Farm Frites
Granot Fresh
Haribo
Interovo Egg Group
Lekkerkerker Food
LTO Nederland
Macedonian Thrace Brewery
Marel
Meatstreet
Nestlé
Royal Cosun
Royal FrieslandCampina
Royal Peijnenburg
Scherpenhuizen
Selecta
Wageningen University & Research
Zandbergen / The New Plant
ZuivelNL
Zwanenberg Food Group
Work highlights
- Represented Haribo in product conformity litigation.
- Represented Interovo Egg Group in a cartel investigation by the ACM.
Bird & Bird
Bird & Bird‘s food and beverage team sits as a part of the wider international consumer products and retail departments, and leverages the firm's broad network to assist clients with a range of complex regulatory matters in the food sector. The group has solid expertise in advising food and beverage companies on IP matters, including trade marks, designs, copyright and patents issues related to ingredients, processing and packaging. The practice is co-led by the triumvirate of Manon Rieger-Jansen, who is well versed in assisting with brand and product design and trade mark work; Olav Klaver, a key contact for corporate-related issues; and Andy van Esdonk, who focuses on tax.
Practice head(s):
Manon Rieger-Jansen; Olav Klaver; Andy van Esdonk
Other key lawyers:
Hester Borgers
Key clients
Treasury Wine Estates
Monster
Blossom Hill
Chiquita
Hello Fresh
Nutreco
La Fourchette
Asolo
Flügel
Kraft Heinz
Anheuser Busch InBev
Reef Technology
Kanonkop Wine Estate
Bound2B
Swartland Winery
CMS
The consumer products team at CMS has a solid track record in acting for food and beverages sector entities on M&A transactions, IP and brand protection, and product launches, to name a few areas. Under the leadership of Aukje Haan and Mark Ziekman, the group continues to assist with ESG-related matters in the food and beverages sector. Haan is well versed in handling ESG work, as well as advising on liability claims. Ziekman assists with corporate and commercial issues in the sector. Akin Aslan is a name to note.
Practice head(s):
Aukje Haan; Mark Ziekman
Other key lawyers:
Akin Aslan
Testimonials
‘CMS provides the highest level of consultancy. The support is tailor made, perfect for a great variety of queries.’
‘The team responds quickly to questions and is easily accessible.’
Key clients
Associated British Food
Acetum S.p.A.
AB Mauri
Amarant Bakkersholding
Bake Five
Coca Cola Europacific Partners
Colgate-Palmolive
Diageo
Friesland Campina
Fishflow Innovations
Givaudan
Holland & Barrett
Illovo Sugar Africa Ltd
Infarm
Kiremko
La Bouteille d’Or
Mars GmbH
Mars Wrigley
McCain
McDonald’s
Mosa Meat
Royal Unibrew
Salentein
Syngenta
Systematic Management
Viscon Fresh Produce
Vreugdenhil Dairy Foods
Westmill Foods
Xenos
Work highlights
- Advised Royal Unibrew on the acquisition of Vrumona from Heineken.
- Advised Systematic Growth on the acquisition of Pouch Alliance B.V.
- Advised McDonald’s on a building permit to open a restaurant in Amsterdam’s Zuidas business district.
Maverick Advocaten N.V.
Boutique firm Maverick Advocaten N.V. specialises in competition law, and the team combines this expertise with 'excellent knowledge of the food sector'. The group fields extensive experience in assisting clients in the meat industry with a range of matters, and is equally strong in representing food companies in contentious work and regulatory matters. The practice is co-led by the triumvirate of Diederik Schrijvershof, Cyriel Ruers and Martijn van de Hel.
Practice head(s):
Diederik Schrijvershof; Cyriel Ruers; Martijn van de Hel
Other key lawyers:
Judith Jansen
Testimonials
‘Judith Jansen has helped us well, having the great ability to determine the matters at hand thoroughly and to the essence.’
‘Maverick has an incredible personal approach. The reply time is very short and the team is super knowledgeable. ’
‘The firm has extensive expertise in competition law. In addition, it has a strong focus on food law, food safety, and recalls, and possesses significant expertise in cases involving the NVWA (Dutch Food and Consumer Safety Authority). This firm has excellent knowledge of the food sector.’
‘Maverick has intimate knowledge of competition (and unfair commercial practices) issues in the agrofood chain. Diederik Schrijvershof and Cyriel Ruers are in the lead here; both are very knowledgeable and approachable.’
‘Diederik Schrijvershof and Cyriel Ruers are upcoming talent and are very well at home in the sector. Both are strong and approachable.’
‘Maverick clearly is an authority in the Netherlands with respect to competition law.’
Key clients
Vion Food Group
IMCD
Van Loon Group
Döhler Group
GroentenFruit Huis
Stichting Milieukeur
Rijk Zwaan
Van Iperen
Ameco
St. Paul
Centrale Organisatie voor de Vleessector (COV)
Fransen Gerrits
P. Bos Veevoeders
John West (Thai Union)
Family Beef (Fuite Group)
GP Brands
In Ovo
Vleeswarenfabriek Persoon
VanDrie Group
Federatie Nederlandse Levensmiddelen Industrie
A.Vogel
RM Associates
Vivara
Vollers Holland
Barentz
Coöperatie Harvest House
Van Wesemael
Work highlights
- Assisted Vion with a matter concerning an investigation into alleged unfair commercial practices.
- Assisted Stichting Milieukeurin with obtaining approval from the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) for imposing a nationwide mandatory supermarket sustainability fee to be paid to farmers/growers.
- Assisting a large number of companies in the Dutch meat sector with proceedings relating to fees issued by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority.
Norton Rose Fulbright
At Norton Rose Fulbright, the team is perhaps best known for its solid track record in assisting food and agriculture companies with corporate, banking, litigation and compliance work. The department is also sought after by food producers to advise on acquisitions and regulatory matters. Practice head Saskia Blokland is well versed in advising traders, processors, producers and financial institutions on transactional matters in the food and beverages space. Heimon Smits has established strength in handling joint ventures and M&A transactions in the food and agriculture sector.
Practice head(s):
Saskia Blokland
Other key lawyers:
Heimon Smits
Key clients
ADM
Crisp Sensation Holding B.V.
Darling Ingredients
DeltaMilk
Emerald Kalama Chemical
Gate Group (deSter)
Rabobank
Kerry Group
Louis Dreyfus Commodities
Monaghan Mushrooms
Picnic
WCSG
Danone / Nutricia
Coca Cola European Partners
Coca Cola Hellenic AG
Corbion
Fresh Trading Manufacturing B.V. (Innocent Drinks)
Say Legal
At boutique firm Say Legal, food law is the sole focus of the practice. The department is well versed in assisting domestic and international clients with a broad range of matters, including packaging, sustainability and advertising work. Cross-border cases are another key area of instruction for the group. The ‘very knowledgeable‘ Sarah Arayess heads the practice, and stands out as ‘one of the most recognised food law experts in the Netherlands‘.
Practice head(s):
Sarah Arayess
Testimonials
‘Sarah Arayess is one of the most recognised food law experts in the Netherlands. She is also very business-oriented, responsive and reliable.’
‘Sarah Arayess is the absolute expert in food law, both from a European and Dutch law perspective. She has extensive expertise in self regulatory advertising law cases (related to food law, labelling, and sustainability). ’
‘Sarah Arayess stands out for her exceptional dedication to clients. She is very knowledgeable and able to provide practical and hands-on advice. Sarah’s ability to simplify intricate legal matters and provide clear, actionable advice has been a game-changer for us. Her passion for her work and her clients is evident in everything she does, and it is a privilege to work with her.’