Cuatrecasas maintains its standing as a leader in the food and beverage sector, acting for prominent clients in export and import matters. The practice is also noted for tending to client needs in relation to multiple stages of a product’s life cycle, from the production to the packaging, naming, transporting and marketing of goods. In Barcelona, Jorge Llevat is a standout lawyer, drawing on his background in IP law to represent a multitude of clients in relevant litigation, exemplified by his recent role in infringement proceedings surrounding the Granini juice bottle shape trade mark.
Industry focus: Food in Spain
Cuatrecasas
Other key lawyers:
Jorge Llevat
Key clients
Pernod Ricard
Eckes Granini
Agrolimen
M Lagares
Jealsa Rianxeira
Biotech Foods
Costa Food
Angulas Aguinaga
Salsas de Salteras
Heineken
Interfilm
Grupo Linamar
Q-impact
Seaya Ventures
Triodos Impact Strategies
Atlantinc Blue
Work highlights
- Advised Pernord Ricard with regards to the registration of trade marks, worldwide trade mark license agreements, and the challenging of third parties’ trade marks.
- Representing Eckes Graninin in infringement proceedings relating to the Granini juice bottle shape trade mark.
- Advised Atlantic Blue on selling its business to the Chilean company Hortifrut for a value of $280m.
Garrigues
The team at Garrigues has an impressive offering and is noted for ‘designing solutions to merge local and international requirements‘, acting for noteworthy conglomerates and operators in the market in an M&A context. Working out of Murcia and Sevilla, Miguel Ángel López and Jose Ramón Tenor act as co-directors of the firm’s agribusiness initiative, which draws strength from 17 offices in the country to act in some of the largest M&A transactions in the market. Also noted is Francisco Soler, who heads the Valencia office, with broad expertise in the corporate and commercial spaces.
Testimonials
‘Multidisciplinary team, which allows a complete perspective, focusing on issues with the particularities and nuances of the industry that may have an impact on the analysis or evaluation of certain actions and operations. They share a broad vision of the relevant issues that affect the industry and have deep experience.’
‘It is the personalized attention and availability of partners and associates that differentiates this law firm and team from others.’
‘Garrigues possess first rate agriculture industry expertise from acting for all sides of transactions. They understand local issues, delivered at international / institutional standards, and are adept at designing solutions to merge local and international requirements.’
‘Specialization in the food industry, and particularly in the fruit and vegetable industry, gives clients greater legal certainty and anticipation of new regulations that may be implemented in the sector.’
‘Miguel Angel Lopez Mateo, Maria Pedreno and Marta Gonzalez Pajuelo have all been exceptional in their support. They are all knowledgeable, experienced and a pleasure to work with.’
‘The main advantage of Garrigues is the level of trust that exists, the knowledge they have and the ease of collaboration. They are a team with a high level of experience and knowledge of the issues. Constant updating and training in news. Extensive knowledge of international regulations, which applies very well in multinational groups.’
‘High level of trust. Involvement in the topics and very easy to approach topics with them. The level of professional training and issue resolution is very high.’
‘The Garrigues team performs a task that is completely different from other law firms by being fully connected to all the business people in the area and serving as a source of origination of opportunities in addition to providing high-quality legal services.’
Key clients
Mercadona
Ebro Foods
Carrefour
Central Lechera Asturiana
DIA
Citrico Global
AMC Group
Ybarra Alimentación
Climate Asset Management
Cibus Fund
Agrupapulpí
Bimbo
Virto Frozen Foods
Sunridge Partners
Platano de Canarias
Covirán
Virú
El Pozo Alimentación
Pernod Ricard
Deoleo
Estrella de Galicia
Eurobanan
Findus
De Prado
Pan Star
Pago de Carrovejas
COREN
ACOR
Bonnysa
G’s Group
Lactalis-Forlasa
Grupo Mahou
Grefusa
Moyca Grapes
Grupo El Ciruelo
La Unión
DAT-Schaub Gallent
Friselva
Nueva Pescanova
Argal
Consorcio de Exportación Amaco
Fuencampo
PozoSur
Tereos
Work highlights
- Advised the vendor (Atitlan) and the purchaser (DePrado) in a farmland transaction of 9,000 hectares of productive surface in almond and olive trees.
- Advised Citrico Global in the acquisition of the fresh produce business branches of Grupo San Miguel in both Perú and South Africa.
- Advised Alsea SAB de CV on a refinancing transaction.
Gómez-Acebo & Pombo
Gómez-Acebo & Pombo's multidisciplinary approach is valued by a roster of food manufacturers and distributors in the region, which it advises on entry to new markets or the growth of their presence at a national and EU level by addressing transactional and contentious issues. Mónica Weimann and José Luis Palma share leadership of the Madrid-based team, with the former displaying expertise in digital food marketplaces as well as distribution channels; Palma is a leading figure in food and administrative law, active in matters in relation to health claims, animal welfare and food quality. Sofía Martínez-Almeida and Jesús Muñoz-Delgado are further key contacts, noted on the intellectual property front, with a focus on trade marks, design and unfair competition litigation.
Testimonials
‘The closeness and permanent attention to the client.’
Key clients
Coca-Cola European Partners
Ferrero Iberica
Galletas Gullón
Grupo Kaiku Corporación Alimentaria
Makro/Metro Group
Mercadona
Nestlé España
Red Bull
LIDL Supermercados
Interporc
Nutreco Iberia
Jacobs Douwe Egberts
Grupo Sanlucar
Fall Creek Farm & Nursery
Asociación Interprofesional del Porcino de Capa Blanca (INTERPORC)
Organización Interprofesional del Vino de España (OIVE)
Organización Interprofesional de la Carne de Vacuno (PROVACUNO)
Organización Interprofesional para el Impulso del Sector Cunícola (INTERCUN)
Organización Interprofesional del Huevo y sus Productos (INPROVO)
Organización Interprofesional del Aceite de Orujo de Oliva (ORIVA)
Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de España
Asociación Nacional de Empresas de Aceite de Orujo de Oliva (ANEO)
Asociación Nacional de Industriales Envasadores y Refinadores de Aceites Comestibles (ANIERAC)
Asociación Española de la Industria y el Comercio Exportador del Aceite de Oliva (ASOLIVA)
Federación Española de Industriales Fabricantes de Aceites de Oliva (INFAOLIVA)
Work highlights
- Advised Mercadona on the implementation of a compliance programme.
- Advised several companies in relation to the development of a project for the transformation of the Spanish meat-livestock chain, financed with funds from the Next Generation EU programme.
- Designed and developed a system to ensure knowledge of and compliance with competition laws in Africa.
Uría Menéndez
Uría Menéndez's specialist food and health group provides ‘guaranteed quality’, an expectation fulfilled by a sizeable team of practitioners with experience in the M&A, regulatory, contractual and IP spheres. Leadership of the practice is divided between Montiano Monteagudo in Barcelona and Teresa Paz-Ares in Madrid, both of whom are regarded for a range of contentious and non-contentious work.
Other key lawyers:
Sara García Vázquez
Testimonials
‘Very close to the business. Rapid. Efficient.’
‘They are the best. Exceptional quality. High quality standard. Efficient solutions.’
‘Uría Menéndez is a guarantee of quality; they are integrated into the case in such a way that they have to defend that they make it their own and they defend it tooth and nail.’
‘Uría is a multidisciplinary office. It is a safe firm to turn to when faced with a complex matter and/or with an impact on multiple jurisdictions. They are rigorous and transparent, with great technical solidity.’
‘Sara García Vázquez is an exceptional professional, with tremendous technical strength, extremely rigorous and 100% involved with the client. Empathises with the client, and is able to find the perfect balance between business and legal advice. These qualities make her very valuable for in-house lawyers, since the decisions that are adopted, supported by her advice, are always the best possible decisions, providing security and peace of mind to the in-house lawyer.’
Key clients
Danone
Primo Water
Coca-Cola European Partners
Diageo
Grupo Mahou
Mars Wrigley Group
Cerealto Siro
Galletas Gullón
Go Fruselva
Nomen Foods
Glovo
Fidia
Solutex
Work highlights
- Advising Grupo Cerealto Siro on its approximately €391m recapitalisation and debt restructuring.
Andersen
From a client’s perspective, Andersen stands out because it is ‘involved in key regulatory changes affecting companies in the sector and is able to get ahead of problems‘, a characteristic that benefits the firm when acting across the commercial, IP, competition and EU law frameworks. The agri-food practice is led by José Miguel Soriano in Madrid, who is active in relation to disputes and advice surrounding the Food Chain Act, and Ignacio Aparicio in Valencia, a corporate and M&A specialist with ‘exceptional knowledge of the sector‘.
Testimonials
‘Andersen has a unique background and multidisciplinary team in the entire Spanish legal market. The team has exceptional knowledge of the food sector, from all areas: regional, national and community. It is involved in the main regulatory changes that affect all companies in the sector and is able to anticipate problems, achieving greater efficiency in the company.’
‘They are of fundamental value for the main companies in the sector with which they work, bringing their clients closer to all the institutions that affect the regulation of the sector.’
‘Ignacio Aparicio is fully involved in each of the matters entrusted to him. His knowledge of the sector is exceptional and his strategic contribution is essential for the improvement of the organization, allowing us to offer great added value. He stands out for his dedication, kindness, accessibility, knowledge and great focus on the needs of the client.’
‘Professionalism, proximity, availability, experience, knowledge of the subject.’
‘Approach taking into account the reality and needs of the company. Sincerity focused on finding the best position in the face of problems that may arise.’
‘Andersen’s main asset is its extensive international coverage and the size of a large multidisciplinary firm, but at the same time the closeness and professionalism of its lawyers who deal with matters.’
‘Andersen lawyers are highly specialized in the areas in which they advise and are up to date with any developments that may affect a business and in the sector. Without a doubt, Ignacio Aparicio stands out in corporate and M&A and Adargelio Garrido, a great expert in industrial property.’
Key clients
Goya Alimentación
Migasa
The Natural Fruit Company
Emperador Inc.
Productos Velarte
Grupo Lalala
FEPEX
Imperial Tobacco
Federación Española de Alimentación y Bebidas
Federación Española del Vino
Bodegas Emilio Moro
Avramar Group
Interaceituna
Grupo Emperador
Helados Estiu
Foodiverse
Congelados y Frescos del Mar
Imperial Tobacco
Redondo Iglesias
Work highlights
- Advised Homeria Open Solutions on the sale of 100% of the company, which includes WinDelivery, the first global SaaS in the food delivery sector, to Glovo.
- Advised Dinosol Supermercados on the new Food Chain Law.
- Advised The Natural Fruit Company on the acquisition of Hermanos Bruñó.
Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie leverages its recognition as a full-service firm to attract major international brands with operations in the region as well as Spanish multinationals with significant exporting mandates worldwide. The team, which acts for the likes of Unilever, Mondelēz and Danone, is led by Barcelona-based Cristina Duch and Juanjo Corral in Madrid. Duch spearheads the firm’s IP, unfair competition and advertising offerings, while Corral often advises on a wide range of corporate and M&A issues.
Key clients
AmRest Holdings SE
Black Rifle Coffee Company
Celler Mas Doix
Corporación Alimentaria Peñasanta
Danone
Distribuidora Internacional de Alimentación
Lidl
Miquel Alimentació
Mondelez
Pepsico
Unilever
Work highlights
- Assisted Campofrio Food Group in the drafting and approval of its Whistleblowing Policy for Europe and its adaptation to the requirements of Directive 2019/1937.
- Advised Del Monte Pacific on its acquisition of a minority stake in Nice Fruit Group.
- Advised Torreal Sociedad de Capital Riesgo on the tax planning of the divestment in BRCC through a SPAC listing.
Bird & Bird
Bird & Bird offers a comprehensive service for food-sector clients in competition, antitrust, IP and data protection matters. The team is led by four partners in Madrid: Lourdes Ayala also leads the corporate and M&A department with a wide industry focus, while Antonio Cueto is the key contact for IP. Other notable figures in the leadership team include patent and trade secret litigation expert Manuel Lobato and Mariano Santos, a specialist in the processing of trade marks in Spain and the EU. Senior consultant Diana Sendagorta is a name to note for finance, capital markets and real estate work.
Testimonials
‘Always helpful, thinking out of the box. Patience is a virtue, explaining consequences, open minded, etc’.’
Key clients
Amc Fresh Group Fast Moving Consumer Goods
Beam Suntory
Aora Health
Bacoa Holding
Costa Coffee
Enofestival
Frutarom International
Hard Rock Limited
Hj Heinz Goods Spain
Jollibee Foods Corporation
Kfc Restaurants Spain
Llaollao España
Mediterra Capital Partners
Oatly
Pharmactive Biotech Products
Pizzaexpress
Pomona Keepers
Toogoodtogo
Vegan Junk Food
World Bulk Wine Exhibitions
Work highlights
- Advising Jollibee Foods Corporation on its arrival to Spain and expansion in the country.
- Representing Foodbox in intellectual property matters, advising the company on its brand expansion strategy.
- Advising LLAOLLAO, a yoghurt ice cream retailer, in relation to the update of its local and international franchise agreements structure.
DLA Piper
Led by Diego Ramos, who is praised for his commercial and IP law experience, DLA Piper‘s Madrid team is a popular choice for consumer product manufacturers and multinational companies, which the team assists in a range of transactions, investigations and disputes. Supporting these efforts are Paula González De Castejón, regarded for regulatory compliance packages and Joaquín Hervada, head of the EU and competition team.
Key clients
Nazca Capital
Little Caesar Enterprises
Amundi
Soto Sake Corporation
Bacardi Iberia
Stuart Delivery
Mondelez
Nutreco Iberia
El Corte Inglés
Hard Rock
Work highlights
- Advised Mondelēz with regard to privacy and competition law matters in the context of Spanish sales.
- Advised Bacardi on commercial terms for sales in Spain.
- Advised Little Caesars in relation to food regulation and publicity matters in the course of its expansion.
Ramón y Cajal Abogados
Ramón y Cajal Abogados offers ‘brilliant technical quality‘ to its clients, which further appreciate its ‘great coordination with other areas of the firm‘. The practice is particularly capable in issues relating to the Food Chain Law, fielding practitioners with unique involvement in the legislation’s enactment. Public law expert José Ignacio Vega and competition specialist Pedro Suarez lead the agri-food department alongside counsel Javier Salinas, another key contact for competition law matters.
Testimonials
‘Knowledge and level of experience in the issues. RyC are among those with the best evaluation. Excellent availability for all kinds of queries with very good disposition in a timely manner by the assigned lawyers.’
‘The professional capacity. The facilities that it provides in the relationship with the client. The follow-up of the processes.’
‘Quality services. Another distinctive value compared to the competition is that it is an area that in RyC coordinates well with other areas of the firm, which helps to defend interests in a transversal way.’
Key clients
Alcampo
Azucarera
Industrias Cárnicas Tello
Mercadona
Adevin
Alcoholera de la Puebla
Schreiber
Alcoholes De Tomelloso
Cesfac
Aecoc
Borges
Aene
Lidl
Makro
Andi
Asedas Fiab
Innomy
Algarve
Casa Ametller
Mostos, Vinos y Alcoholes
Alvines
Work highlights
- Advised Alcampo on the compatibility of the framework agreements and standard conditions with the Food Chain Law.
- Advised Industrias Cárnicas Tello on the acquisition of Hemosa.
- Advised AENE on the successful challenge of a Decree adopted by the Government of Aragon before the High Court of Justice of Aragon.