Expert in food law, Jean-Christophe André leads the team at Deprez Guignot Associés, supported by firm founder Pierre Deprez. The team’s workload includes advising clients across various sub-sectors of the industry, from vegan to dairy, on complex matters including labelling, pricing, classification of products and compliance with regulations. It works for a variety of high-profile clients, notably including Intermarché. In addition to its advisory work, the team is experienced in acting for its clients in a range of related disputes.
Industry focus: Food in France
Deprez Guignot Associés
Practice head(s):
Jean-Christophe André
Other key lawyers:
Pierre Deprez
Key clients
INTERMARCHE
GENERAL MILLS
FORTEPHARMA
LES NOUVEAUX FERMIERS
Work highlights
- Successfully advised a company in the vegan industry in the context of numerous disputes concerning vegetable meat, in particular concerning the use of the words ‘steak’ and ‘meat’ to describe its products.
Food Law Science & Partners
Food Law Science & Partners was founded in 2021 and is a boutique firm with international reach; ‘vastly experienced’ firm founder Katia Merten-Lentz leads the team and has ‘an in-depth knowledge of EU food legislation’. With a strong understanding of food science as it relates to the law in this area, particularly owing to the expertise of Nathalie Henin, who has a PhD in biochemistry and nutrition, the team is developing a strong reputation for its ability to represent clients on complex matters involving product composition and the legality of products’ positions on the market. It also has niche expertise in the areas of food safety and crisis management in the sector, and frequently assists with complex matters of this nature.
Practice head(s):
Katia Merten-Lentz
Other key lawyers:
Nathalie Henin; Charlotte Moutarlier
Testimonials
‘The team has an in-depth knowledge of EU food legislation and the ability to go beyond just analysing EU legislation, in that it is able to propose arguments to defend and protect our business.’
‘Nathalie Henin brings scientific and nutritional knowledge to the firm, which allows them to offer more thorough guidance and advice.’
‘The team is composed of people who have significant senior-level experience in providing regulatory insights and advice to key clients in the food industry. The experience and composition of the team gives us confidence that they are not only looking at food issues from a legal point of view, but do also have a good understanding of the industry and the technology and science that supports it.’
Key clients
KALSEC
LA VIE
LABORATOIRES INELDEA
APEEL SCIENCES
FUJI OIL
BEL Group
JRS
SODIAAL Group
BUNGE Ltd.
VITAL MEAT
SOUFFLET Group
EVEN Group
OMYA
VIATRIS (PFIZER)
UMIAMI
KINOKO-TECH
LA MARTINIQUAISE Group
BIOCON
IPA
LÉA NATURE
Work highlights
- Assisting several international agribusiness and food companies on matters involving innovation, ingredients, product development, and technique, in areas of legal and scientific knowledge.
- Developed and assisting in the execution of food safety strategies and supporting food crisis management.
Product Law Firm
The team at the boutique Product Law Firm focuses exclusively on French and EU litigation and advisory work for well-known clients in the field, involving the full spectrum of food products, from dietary and supplementary to baby and infant. In addition to its advisory practice, which features a high proportion of compliance matters, the team is vastly experienced in acting in complex contentious matters, concerning such issues as food crises and product disputes. ‘Specialist in his field’ Antoine De Brosses, who is particularly experienced in acting in food litigation, co-leads the offering alongside newly recruited partner Laëtitia Guillet, who joined the firm in September 2022 from LGLAW.
Practice head(s):
Antoine De Brosses; Laëtitia Guillet
Other key lawyers:
Sophie Morin; Lucille Calinon; Chloé Heude
Testimonials
‘Excellent knowledge of the subject, availability and responsiveness.’
‘Antoine de Brosses’ advice has always been useful, clear, practical and understandable, even for non-lawyer clients.’
‘Very competent in this niche field and extremely helpful’
DWF (France) AARPI
Nicole Coutrelis, described as a ‘go-to food lawyer in France’, leads the practice at DWF (France) AARPI, which specialises in both consumer and competition law and is, notably, a member of the European Food Law Association. The team is experienced in advising on competition issues involving food products, as well as providing representation to its clients in cases, often cross-jurisdictional in nature, regarding the manufacturing, composition and labelling of food. Emily Amat is developing a specialism in this field and is one to watch.
Practice head(s):
Nicole Coutrelis
Other key lawyers:
Emily Amat
Testimonials
‘Nicole Coutrelis is my go-to food lawyer in France. Emily Amat is following in Nicole’s footsteps.’
‘Nicole Coutrelis, in few words, is extremely competent, experienced, reliable, available and practical in delivering legal advice and in managing emergencies. Plus, she speaks several languages fluently. In my opinion, when you need a food lawyer in another country, it doesn’t get any better.’
‘Superb and professional people in this team.’
Key clients
MERISANT (Canderel, Purevia)
INTERBEV (Association Nationale Interprofessionnelle du Bétail et des Viandes)
Brewers of Europe
Brialcash
Tactics
Julia Bombardier, who was previously with Jeantet, co-founded boutique consumer, food and competition law firm Tactics in January 2022, and leads the food law practice. The team regularly handles complex matters involving the management of health and food crises, wherein withdrawal and recall actions must be taken. In addition, the team is experienced in dealing with the European Commission with a view to establishing the marketing of new foods.
Practice head(s):
Julia Bombardier
Testimonials
‘The team specialises in food legislation specifically and few firms have such extensive expertise in the area. Since working with Julia Bombardier, we have not worked with another firm. Great collaboration and no problems with billing.’
‘Julia Bombardier is professional and competent.’
‘The team is involved, responsive and has very good knowledge of relevant regulations.’
‘Julia Bombardier is creative in proposing solutions, she is tenacious and has perfect knowledge of consumer law and food law.’
‘An attentive, competent and committed team that delivers quality work.’
‘Julia Bombardier is very competent in her field of expertise. She knows how to adapt, and takes the time to understand our expectations and discuss our questions.’
‘Exceptional professionalism.’
‘Julia Bombardier is tactically excellent.’
Key clients
Lidl
Lactalis