Food & Beverage is a competitive sector characterised by activity and innovation.
It is also one impacted upon most by economic change, particularly prevalent throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
The sector is constantly evolving, as the growth of digital and online platforms enables businesses to develop strategies for customer engagement and enhanced experiences. Those with the foresight and flexibility to adapt to the evolving market, particularly post-COVID 19, will be in a prime position to succeed in the years ahead.
We can support you through your growth journey and the Food & Beverage sector is one where we offer market leading sector expertise in a range of specialist areas.
We are proud to work alongside a range of businesses within Food & Beverage, from developing brands to established household names, including restaurants, pubs and bars. But one thing remains the same; we get to know each and every one of you.
Taking a personal approach to our work allows us to look ahead, and think creatively about how we can best support you with the unique challenges and opportunities you will face in the future, particularly across technology and food regulation.
If you have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, or would like to talk to our team about any other issues facing your business, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Food Regulation
The market is highly competitive; a reputation is hard won but easily lost. The risks to businesses from allergen failings are not only reputational, but may also result in civil and criminal liability. Food Regulation is a particular area of expertise for our team. With our experience of handling matters where incidents have occurred and systems in place have been tested, we are one of the few law firms able to review current allergen protocols and make recommendations to mitigate risk against potential exposure and failings and to be able to manage that risk where issues do arise.
Online
Technology, and adopting a digital presence, is an area dramatically impacting the Food & Beverage sector as customer demand grows for businesses to provide an online offering. An optimised online presence will play an important part of the success and failure of traditional business models, particularly during, and post, COVID-19. Our technology specialists will help you take your business online, including advice on increased data protection responsibilities, website and apps. We will provide continued support as you take advantage of the new opportunities a digital presence can bring.
Hospitality, Restaurants & Catering
The Hospitality sector has experienced considerable change as consumer attitudes have moved towards the desire for a more personalised offering, taking advantage of the benefits of technology. Business Leisure, or ‘Bleisure’ travel has also opened a range of opportunities catering towards the shorter stay, digitally connected customer. We can support you as you take advantage of the evolving hospitality market.
We support businesses ranging from hotels and membership clubs, to restaurants and bars, to live sporting and entertainment events, advising on all their needs. We understand the need to be flexible with seasonal staff and the necessity for a seamless supply chain to meet the increasing expectations of the modern customer.
Our team includes lawyers with a wealth of experience working with hospitality brands, supporting on the full range of matters to address the above, as well as brand protection and food safety.
Meet the team
- Call Michael +44 (0)20 7203 5216
- Email Michael
- London office
- Call Rose +44 (0)20 7427 6524
- Email Rose
- London office
- Call Andrew +44 (0)20 7427 6768
- Email Andrew
- London office
- Call David +44 (0)20 7427 6755
- Email David
- London office
- Call Ingrid +44 (0)1483 252630
- Email Ingrid
- Guildford office
- Call Jason +44 (0)20 7203 5347
- Email Jason
- London office
- Call Nick +44 (0)20 7438 2294
- Email Nick
- London office
- Call Caroline +44 (0)20 7203 5158
- Email Caroline
- London office
- Call Mark +44 (0)20 7427 6556
- Email Mark
- London office
- Call Peter +44 (0)20 7427 6754
- Email Peter
- London office
- Call Charlotte +44 (0)1483 252 673
- Email Charlotte
- Guildford office
Some of our clients










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Our thinking
Mary Bagnall
Charles Russell Speechlys achieves colour trade mark registration for iconic ‘Cadbury Purple’
This decision marks the end of a long journey to register a colour trade mark without contours for Cadbury’s iconic purple brand.
Jamie Cartwright
The Grocer quotes Jamie Cartwright on Kellogg’s challenge to rules on HFSS
After Kellogg’s court defeat, are HFSS restrictions inevitable?
Rebecca Burford
7 top tips for Food and Beverage brands preparing for Private Equity investment
Planning and preparing for investment into your F&B business in advance of entertaining discussions will stand you in good stead.
Briony Richards
AI and HR - How can employers reduce the risks associated with using artificial intelligence to help manage their workforce?
If they are not mindful of the risks associated with AI, employers may find themselves in breach of employment and data protection law.
Charlotte Duly
Charlotte Duly writes for CITMA Review on the China Tang trade mark infringement case
Charlotte Duly writes for CITMA Review on the China Tang trade mark infringement case
Caroline Greenwell
Nowhere to hide for greenwashing brands
In the UK, regulators are cracking down, with many companies now at risk of financial and other penalties.
Jamie Cartwright
Weighing up the Plastic Packaging Tax
The Plastic Packaging Tax came into force on 1 April 2022.
Jamie Cartwright
Jamie Cartwright comments on the potential impact of the plastic packaging tax
Jamie Cartwright comments on the potential impact of the plastic packaging tax
Clare Davis
National Minimum Wage – At risk of committing a criminal offence?
To best prepare, you need to understand the nature of the risks involved and take steps to minimise them.
Rose Carey
Summary of corporate immigration changes 2022
The Home Office has announced a raft of business immigration changes which will affect employers and workers alike.
Becky Lawton
New family-friendly rights – but will they be implemented in 2022?
The government has committed to introducing several new family rights following a number of consultations over the last couple of years.
Becky Lawton
The talent gap, recruitment and retention issues
Employers continue to struggle attracting and retaining talent in a market rife with labour shortages and widely-reported pay pressures.
Government launches a new rent arrears Code for Covid stricken businesses with legislative teeth
Who does the code apply to and what is it's purpose? Read more here.
Jason Saiban
Jason Saiban writes for Food Manufacture on the food industry's climate change challenge
The key challenge will be how the environmental targets are actually met.
Olivia Gray
Consumers’ unwitting assumptions: A [wh]iskey business in brand competition
Olivia and Anna look at the Liverpool Gin Distillery Ltd v Sazerac Brands LLC case and the question of 'indirect confusion'
Michael Powner
Michael Powner and Laurence Whymark write for The Caterer on the implications of the new tipping laws on the hospitality industry
Operators will soon have to pass on tips to staff without deductions.
Caroline Swain
Building Back Better: Future Gazing
What’s next for the hospitality industry post-pandemic?
Caroline Swain
Building Back Better: Re-examining your proposition
Why hospitality businesses should re-examine their proposition now
James Broadhurst
Charles Russell Speechlys advises Fudco Partnership on sale to Exponent-backed Vibrant Foods
Fudco is a family-owned business selling South Asian ethnic foods in UK and Europe.
Kerry Stares
Doing Business Responsibly: Food & Beverage
A return to growth will be a priority post-pandemic for F&B businesses, and doing business responsibly could help you to achieve it