Hoogenraad & Haak maintains a standout track record in high-impact litigation, handling disputes for major industry players and appeals against the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority. The team also advises on a diversity of food law issues, from ingredients, food safety, and recall coordination. Leading the practice is Ebba Hoogenraad, who brings ‘sharp legal insight’ to enforcement defence and advertising strategy. Hoogenraad is supported by Maarten Haak, who handles food-related IP and commercial contract issues, and Lisanne Steenbergen, who focuses on regulatory areas such as sustainability claims and labelling compliance.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘We continue to be impressed by their deep expertise in food law, particularly in the areas of health claims, labelling, and sustainability. Their knowledge of the regulatory landscape - both current and emerging - is second to none in the Netherlands.'
  • 'What sets them apart is not only their legal acumen but also their ability to understand the practical and commercial challenges we face as a business in the food industry.’
  • ‘Ebba Hoogenraad stands out as an exceptional lawyer. She goes all the way for her clients, bringing not only sharp legal insight but also unwavering commitment.’
  • ‘Hoogenraad & Haak’s food practice stands out for its deep understanding of both legal frameworks and the broader societal dynamics affecting the food sector. The team is sharp, approachable, and always thinks ahead—offering not just legal advice, but strategic insight.’
  • ‘The firm has positioned itself as a key authority on sustainability claims. This relatively new topic has been quickly and thoroughly mastered by the team. ’
  • ‘The team has an excellent and up-to-date understanding of case law. Their advice was practical and actionable, and they delivered a well-founded legal argument in our defence.'

Key clients

  • Heineken
  • Lidl
  • Ahold Delhaize
  • Yakult
  • Barilla/WASA
  • Haribo
  • Perrigo/Omega Pharma
  • Coca-Cola
  • FrieslandCampina
  • Ecotone
  • Haribo
  • Koninklijke Vereniging Homeopathie

Work highlights

Represented Holland & Barrett and Gezondheid aan Huis before the highest administrative court in the Netherlands (the Administrative Jurisdiction Division of the Council of State) in a landmark case against the Dutch Minister for Medical Care.
Represented Holie Foods in high-stakes summary proceedings brought by Lotus Bakeries, challenging Holie's "Holie's Sugar-Score" campaign.
Defended a FrieslandCampina subsidiary in high-stakes trademark and copyright litigation brought by Liptis and Osiris Nutrition concerning infant milk products.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Leading associates

Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Practice head

Ebba Hoogenraad

Other key lawyers

Maarten Haak; Lisanne Steenbergen; Myrna Teeuw