Our firm brings over 170 years of experience to advising domestic and foreign-based companies, joint ventures, and individuals within the dynamic food and beverage sector. We have a proven track record of assisting domestic and foreign companies with their operations in the food, confectionery, snack, retail, agricultural, and consumer products industries, including the development of private-label or brand distribution programs with major retailers such as Walmart and Costco. Our approach is characterized by practical, business-minded counsel, delivered by an integrated, multidisciplinary team.

A core strength of our practice is structuring and negotiating the distribution and supply agreements that keep food and beverage products moving from source to shelf. We draft and negotiate exclusive and non-exclusive distribution agreements, master supply agreements, co-packing and private label arrangements, and ingredient and raw material sourcing contracts. Our attorneys counsel clients on territory allocation, minimum purchase commitments, pricing and cost pass-through mechanisms, termination and transition provisions, and the practical realities of managing multi-tier distribution networks — from regional wholesalers to national beverage distributors. We help brand owners navigate the tension between growth-stage flexibility and long-term distributor relationships, including exit strategies when a distribution arrangement no longer serves the brand. For manufacturers and importers, we structure supply chain agreements that address capacity guarantees, quality specifications, force majeure risk, and IP protection for proprietary formulations and packaging.

Beyond distribution and supply, our attorneys structure and negotiate licensing agreements; guide brand owners through trademark protection and franchise arrangements; and counsel clients on mergers, acquisitions, and financing transactions unique to the sector. We advise on commercial leasing for production space, employment matters for multi-location operators, and the contractual relationships that connect growers, manufacturers, and retailers. Whether representing an emerging beverage brand negotiating its first national distribution deal or an established hospitality group expanding its footprint, we bring practical, business-minded counsel to the deals that keep food and beverage companies growing.

Hallmark Reputation: For more than 170 years, both domestic and foreign-based companies, joint ventures and individuals have relied on us for legal services in connection with their acquisitions and related transactions.

Sector Knowledge: Our team possesses specialized knowledge of producers, distributors, wholesalers, and hospitality operators.

Across Jurisdictions: We collaborate with a renowned legal network to provide local counsel in every U.S. jurisdiction.

Seamless Advice: Our multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive and integrated legal solutions.

Representative Industry Clients

Our representative clients include:

  • Lalo
  • Ultima
  • Iffco
  • Yildiz Holding AS
  • Godiva Chocolatier
  • Star Brands North America
  • Continental Confectionery
  • United Biscuits
  • Gumlink
  • Dardanel

Experience Matters: We have a track record of successful engagements representing companies like the above facing similar challenges and opportunities.

Competitive Fee Structure: We understand pressures of in-house counsel and foreign companies operating in the US. We staff our matters leanly and adhere to client budgets

We offer comprehensive support in the following areas:

Acquisitions and Dispositions

We guide clients through complex mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, ensuring strategic alignment and favorable terms.

  • Acquisitions of U.S. candy, snack, and confectionery operations.
  • Sale of a U.S.-based candy company to a British snack food company.

Corporate and Transactions

We provide counsel on a wide range of corporate matters, including formation, governance, and intricate transaction agreements.

  • Formation of corporations, LLCs, and joint ventures.
  • Distribution and supply agreements, including exclusive and non-exclusive arrangements.
  • Master supply agreements.
  • Co-packing and private label arrangements.
  • Ingredient and raw material sourcing contracts.
  • Territory allocation, minimum purchase commitments, pricing, and cost pass-through
  • mechanisms.
  • Termination and transition provisions.
  • Multi-tier distribution networks, regional wholesalers, and national beverage distributors.
  • Growth-stage flexibility and distributor relationship management.
  • Exit strategies.
  • Capacity guarantees, quality specifications, and force majeure risk mitigation.
  • Licensing agreements and franchise arrangements.
  • Financing transactions.

Intellectual Property

We protect your valuable intellectual assets, from proprietary formulations to brand identity.

  • IP protection for proprietary formulations and packaging.
  • Trademark prosecution, brand licensing, and brand protection litigation.
  • Advertising and consumer matters, internet marketing, cybersecurity, privacy, and data protection.

Real Estate

We handle all aspects of commercial real estate, from acquisition to leasing and expansion.

  • Plant acquisition, leasing, construction, and expansion.
  • Warehouse, retail, and office leases.
  • Commercial leasing.

Employment

Our employment law services ensure compliance and support a positive workplace environment.

  • Key employee contracts.
  • Antidiscrimination compliance, hiring practices, and employee handbooks.
  • Employee litigation and administrative proceedings.
  • Staffing and labor agency contracts.
  • Employment matters.

Tax

We provide strategic tax planning and counsel to optimize business structures and transactions.

  • Tax-efficient business and investment structuring.
  • M&A tax counseling.
  • Like-kind exchanges and condemnations.

We are committed to providing tailored, practical, and cost-effective legal solutions that drive success
for our clients in the competitive food and beverage landscape.