Van Traa Advocaten integrates expertise in logistics, international trade, and insurance with its food law practice. The firm covers the entire value chain, advising on food safety, marketing, and quality, and has a strong track record in high-profile product recall cases and high-stakes inquiries. The practice is co-led by Silvia Gawronski, a specialist in food law and regulatory affairs who advises on EU and Dutch regulations, particularly in the field of organic food law. Fellow practice co-head Marc van Maanen focuses primarily on complex litigation, arbitration, and trade disputes.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Professionalism and commitment.'
- ‘As a Netherlands food business, we chose to work with Van Traa as they are familiar with both the specifics of our business operations and with public regulators. It is reassuring for us to have a partner that bridges food law with administrative law.'
- ‘We mainly work with Alicia Zwanikken and Silvia Gawronski, who complement each other in a way that makes the cooperation very well balanced.'
Key clients
- KLM
- Nouryon
- Glencore
- Steinweg
- Cofco
- Louis Dreyfus Company
- Cefetra
- Dutch Organic International Trade (DO-IT)
- BioNederland
- Intersnack
- Verstegen
- Cornelis Vrolijk
Work highlights
Assisted KLM – Air France regularly in cases in which the airline was confronted with cargo containing foodstuffs with food ingredients of protected plants or animals under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Advised one of the largest supermarkets in the Netherlands, offering guidance on product labelling and regulatory matters related to the sale of alcoholic beverages.
Assisted Van Schelven and Doens in cases against the Dutch organic food authority SKAL, helping to overturn the decisions to withdraw their trade certificates for organic products.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Silvia Gawronski
Other key lawyers
Marc van Maanen; Steven Oude Alink; Thomas Giesbertz; Alicia Zwanikken