DLA Piper combines a strong sector focus with extensive knowledge across technology, IP, commercial, and regulatory law. The team advises food industry clients on matters ranging from large-scale cross-border projects to technical compliance reviews. The practice, which is jointly led by Alexis Fierens and Bob Martens, is proficient in competition and data protection mandates. Fierens brings nearly two decades of advisory and contentious IP and commercial experience in the food sector. Martens is recognised for his projects and regulatory expertise for food and drink clients.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team works very well together; if multiple disciplines are relevant, this runs very smoothly.’
- ‘I especially appreciated that Alexis Fierens really works with us, in the sense of intervening where necessary, without taking over where not necessary. In this way, the cooperation is very efficient.'
Key clients
- Simply Bread
- Campari
- Colruyt
- Compass Group
- Bacardi-Martini
- Barry Callebaut
- BrewDog
- Foodpairing
- Hard Rock Café
- Lotus Bakeries
- Nutreco
- SodaStream International Ltd
- Sodexo
- Tasties
- SAS NV
Work highlights
Supporting Campari Group with legal guidance on advertising practices, helping them navigate evolving regulatory expectations.
Acting for Lotus Bakeries in various matters, including guidance on how to mitigate the risks when using generative AI to generate marketing materials.
Advising Compass Group, Europe’s largest contract foodservice company, with over 500,000 employees, in competition law to address supplier pricing issues.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Alexis Fierens; Bob Martens
Other key lawyers
Lieven Annaert; Pauline Hellemans