Boutique Hoogenraad & Haak combines expertise in food, advertising and IP law to foster a comprehensive practice that is well-versed in assisting a variety of food-related clientele, from supermarkets to food product brands. Typical issues the firm advises on include ingredients, labelling, and claims as well as good safety and recalls. The team also handles contentious matters both for IP-related food issues and sustainability. Team lead Ebba Hoogenraad is an experienced food lawyer who is known for her work concerning sustainability, and often advises at the intersection of food and retail matters. IP expert Maarten Haak assists multinational companies with trade marks, packaging design, and contractual issues. Another key member of the team is Lisanne Steenbergen who provides assistance on matters involving single-use plastics and often aids in litigation for sustainability claims.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Hoogenraad & Haak have built up unique and valuable know how regarding regulation for food advertising. As the call for regulation and bans for advertising of 'unhealthy' products is increasing, it is important for advertisers to understand these regulations and the impact on their businesses.’
‘Ebba Hoogenraad is the driving force behind the firm. She is a knowledgeable, great communicator and inspiring person.’
‘Hoogenraad & Haak is a boutique firm that provides excellent legal advice in a very pragmatic way. They are business oriented and a pleasure to work with.’
‘They are specialised in food law which is quite a niche, and they always provide great advice.’
‘Ebba Hoogenraad's in-depth knowledge, combined with her personal approach, make her a great business partner.’
‘The firm is strong in providing clear advice and insights. It is comforting to know that their knowledge and expertise are available to us. One of their key qualities is that they have the ability to explain tough legal matters in language understandable to people without a legal background. The advice is always practical and shows that they are knowledgeable and understand our business.’
'Ebba Hoogenraad uses straight and clear language, is always kind and professional and feels like a team member rather than an external partner.'
'The way they work together as a team, providing all the information to the client, is outstanding.'

Key clients

Heineken
Lidl
Ahold Delhaize
Yakult
Barilla/WASA
Haribo
Perrigo/Omega Pharma
Coca-Cola
FrieslandCampina
Ecotone
Kenniscentrum Suiker & Voeding
Katjes
Koninklijke Vereniging Homeopathie
Maxxium
L’Oréal
Cantina Mexicana
Cosun Nutrition Centre
Super Nature Products

Work highlights

Represented Super Nature Products in a case against the Dutch Minister of Medical Care, as a result of a high fine wrongly imposed for a food supplement under Medical Act instead of food legislation.
Advised a number of clients on creating a handbook for making sustainability claims, including in-house training of marketing teams.
Represented Cantina Mexicana in litigation against McIlhenny Company concerning its use of ‘tabasco,’ the generic name of a red pepper variant, for its red sauce made with tabasco pepper.