Food & Beverage
The food and beverage sector is in constant evolution. Its importance, the diversity of its players and the complexity of the challenges it faces require a specific approach.
It is fast becoming the most intensively regulated sector in Europe and regularly confronts companies with questions of interpretation of the legislation. They need to be able to make quick and strategic decisions.
The Food & Beverage team is headed by Aude Mahy, one of the few recognised experts in this field in Belgium and Europe.
With its in-depth knowledge of the sector and the challenges it faces, the team aims to be an ally of choice for food companies to support them at the highest level in the development of their projects and, if necessary, in the management of crises, conflicts with competing companies and discussions with the administrative authorities (FASFC, Commission, EFSA).
The lawyers of the Food & Beverage team assist food companies at all stages of the production, marketing and distribution of food, beverages, food supplements, food for special medical purposes and animal feed. They also represent their clients in administrative or judicial proceedings, in case of dispute with the authorities or with another actor.
For international projects, the firm has developed a specialised network and is also a member of the Food Lawyers Network Worldwide®, with which the team maintains very close links. The firm has no exclusive relationship with any law firm and can therefore advise clients solely on the basis of their interests.
Download the Food & Beverage brochure
EXPERTS
Chambers Europe – Regulatory: Agro/Food – Europe-wide – 2024 ‘Spotlight’
‘Aude Mahy leads DALDEWOLF’s food law practice team. She has considerable expertise advising clients at a Belgian and EU level, handling contentious and non-contentious matters, including those relating to food crisis management and labelling.’
Legal500 2024 – EU Regulatory: Food Belgium
DALDEWOLF‘s ‘unique’ team combines expertise in food regulations with a deep knowledge of consumer, advertising, contracts, distribution, competition and intellectual property law. The group also has a strong record in crisis management relating to product bans and contamination, including cross-border proceedings and litigation before European and domestic courts. Food and beverages industry sector specialist Aude Mahy is singled out as ‘really an expert in her field,’ and is instructed by producers and operators across the supply chain, alongside retailers.
Practice head(s): Aude Mahy
Other key lawyers: Floriane Delbaere
Testimonials
‘Aude Mahy and Floriane Delbaere are very service-minded, have high responsiveness and sense of urgency, and a comprehensive understanding of both EU food regulations and regulations in neighbouring countries.’
‘Aude Mahy is brilliant.’
‘Aude Mahy is extremely well experienced in food and consumer goods law (industry and retail).’
‘Aude Mahy is a specialist in food law. She was very helpful in defending our case.’
‘Aude Mahy is an excellent expert in food law, totally dedicated to her clients, and very open to co-working with them on cases.’
‘Aude Mahy and her team have huge expertise in food law and dealing with Belgian food authorities. The team’s practice combines regulatory assistance and litigation. This is unique in Belgium.’
‘Aude Mahy is really an expert in her field. She is my go-to person for Belgium.’
‘Very high level of expertise in food regulation. Reactiveness, availability at any time, reactivity to provide documents, official opinions, and reports. Good teamwork. Efficient in negotiation with authorities, calm, good arguments, well prepared.’
Legal500 2024 – Industry Focus: Food in Belgium
DALDEWOLF assists clients in advisory and dispute matters along the whole food and beverage lifecycle, spanning advertising and market entries as well as national and EU-wide litigation. The firm combines in-depth expertise in regulatory issues with know-how in competition and IP law. It fields a sizeable client roster consisting of global players in addition to Belgium-based companies. ‘Top-performance support’ Aude Mahy leads the practice group and is highly regarded for her experience in food law which includes a number of high-profile matters relating to nutrition and health claims.
Practice head(s): Aude Mahy
Other key lawyers: Floriane Delbaere
Testimonials
‘The team has a clear, full, pragmatic approach. It is very constructive. The team’s competencies are expansive enough to be able to cover different topics within the scope but also able to challenge a larger scope when necessary.’
‘Very good collaboration and very constructive, oriented to results approach.’
‘Aude Mahy is a great lawyer.’
‘Aude Mahy understands and knows the food industry very well and is therefore familiar with all potential issues, which is a plus.’
‘Expertise in food regulation. Efficient in negotiation with authorities, calm, good arguments, well-prepared.’
‘Aude Mahy is a top-performance support, fast handling, high-level of knowledge in the sector, good networking also.’
‘Aude Mahy and her team are just excellent food lawyers. The team’s practice combines regulatory work and litigation. This is unique in Belgium.’
‘The firm’s strong points are the staff’s specialised skills in food law and their availability to help us solve problems. The collaboration and trust were essential to solve complex specific problems involving the client and the authorities.’