Overview
With a wide knowledge of the sector’s unique challenges and opportunities, our team provides comprehensive solutions in areas such as financing, licensing, risk management, and product liability.
From production and distribution to brand protection and international trade agreements, we are your trusted adviser in the dynamic and highly regulated food and beverage industry.
Regulatory Landscape
The food and beverage industry is a critical pillar of Hong Kong’s economy.
As one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Asia, Hong Kong prides itself on being a global hub for food innovation, import/export and a gateway to China.
However, the complex regulatory landscape and stakeholder pressures create both opportunities and risks for businesses.
At Haldanes, we understand the challenges our food and beverage clients face in this dynamic environment.
Our dedicated industry team brings decades of experience advising companies across the manufacturing, distribution and retail sectors.
Whether you operate locally or internationally, we are well-versed in the legal issues that matter most, from product formulation to branding and advertising compliance.
Food Safety
Food safety remains a top priority as consumers increasingly focus on health and sustainability. We advise on issues like product recalls, contamination incidents and liability concerns.
Our expertise spans food labelling, ingredients, nutrition declarations and health/nutrient claims.
Supply Chains
The successful management of supply chains is key.
Haldanes assists with negotiating and drafting agreements for the import, co-manufacturing and distribution of food and drink products. We additionally guide clients on logistics, franchising and outsourcing arrangements.
Brand Value
Intellectual property protection is foundational to brand value in this industry.
We register and enforce trademarks, designs and patents for clients. Our team advises on licensing, co-branding partnerships and policing counterfeiting and infringement.
Operating internationally demands compliance with multiple jurisdictions. We support regional and global expansion through cross-border transactions, establishment of facilities/subsidiaries and navigating regional trade barriers.
Mergers and Acquisitions
Mergers and acquisitions are common as companies pursue growth opportunities.
Our depth of experience allows us to handle transactional matters efficiently, along with managing continuity of supply chains and contractual arrangements post-closing.
Our experience extends to raising capital, private equity investments and family succession planning.
Dispute Resolution
Dispute resolution is another crucial service. We represent clients facing claims involving contracts, intellectual property, product liability, and more.
Our litigation team works closely with our industry advisors to pursue or defend these matters effectively.
Building for the Long-term
Haldanes aims to develop long-term relationships built on understanding our clients’ operations and objectives.
Beyond legal advice, we strive to provide strategic counsel on navigating challenges and capitalising on the many exciting prospects this vibrant industry brings.
Our integrated, multi-disciplinary approach leverages specialists across practice areas to deliver holistic solutions tailored to each client’s needs.
Our Services
Haldanes offers a comprehensive range of services to meet client needs including:
- Regulatory guidance and compliance counsel relating to food/beverage, production, distribution, marketing, labelling etc. including keeping clients updated on changing regulations.
- Intellectual property support services like trademarks, copyrights, and patents.
- Supply chain and distribution agreements, franchising agreements.
- Legal guidance on employment, labour, health and safety, product liability issues and food safety compliance.
- Representation before government departments on regulatory approvals, licencing.
- Brand promotion, protection and intellectual property services globally.
- Labelling, packaging, marketing and advertising compliance reviews.
- Mergers, acquisitions and corporate transactions support.
- Litigation support for breach of contract, product recalls etc.
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- Representative Experience
- Served as the trademark counsel for one of the largest K-food (Korean food) companies. Our role involved providing expert guidance and support in all matters related to trademark protection.
- Engaged by a reputable cereal manufacturer, where we played a crucial role in preparing and advising on a distribution agreement for their products. Our expertise in contract drafting and negotiation ensured that our client’s distribution arrangements were legally robust and aligned with their business objectives.
- Represented a prominent nightclub and restaurant group in Hong Kong, delivering comprehensive legal services which cover various critical aspects of its operations. Our dedicated team has advised and negotiated the relevant management agreements, tenancy and licensing matters, and provided guidance on employment contracts.
- Assisted our client’s acquisition of licensing rights for a globally recognised restaurant brand that operates through international franchising arrangements in Hong Kong. We provided strategic guidance in establishing suitable corporate entities for their business ventures with a conglomerate.
- Assisted a family office in the preparation of investment and cooperation agreements with a renowned Korean F&B brand, specifically in relation to its international distribution activities
- Assisted a fine wine retailer in addressing various aspects of their business. Our services encompassed handling employment matters, drafting memorandum of understanding for product distribution, and facilitating debt recovery.
- Assisted a protein and fruit trading company in reviewing its services and commission agreement.
- Provided advice to a dynamic sports drinks start-up on its intellectual property strategy. Our expertise in intellectual property law allowed us to identify and protect the client’s valuable intellectual property assets, ensuring they had a solid foundation for growth and success in the competitive sports drinks market.
- Acted for several notable chefs in their commercial endeavours, including personal endorsements, content productions, merchandising and service agreements.
