Food

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Until early 2013 when news of the first horsemeat-contaminated lasagne first broke, the UK's food sector looked, on the surface at least, a model of tranquillity. It is blessed with a hugely well-developed distribution network, a retail sector that has driven efficiencies throughout the supply chain and shelves that are constantly stocked with a wide array of affordable products.

Reshaping the food sector
But dig a little deeper, beyond the renewed scrutiny the supply chain is under and there are a number of issues and pressures that are shaping the sector:

• pressure on pricing
• sustainability of the supply chain
• weather's effect on agriculture
• volatility of commodity prices
• dominance of UK retailers
• energy costs
• increase in regulation
• brand position and protection
• skills shortage
• temporary and migrant workers.

The issue of fair trade between manufacturer and retailer is brought into stark relief with the Groceries Supply Code of Practice. Manufacturers are responding to the broader issues the code touches on and we're helping them find their voice in negotiations across the entire supply chain.

An increasingly complex and sophisticated sector
As the food sector has become more complex, its participants have become ever more connected and their successes increasingly intertwined. This has driven multiple licensing arrangements between brand and manufacturer, as well as increasingly sophisticated supplier arrangements that seek to mitigate the effects of volatile commodity markets by locking in price and supply certainty months in advance.

The platform for our advice is an in-depth understanding of the food industry, drawing on knowledge and experience from across the firm and extensive industry contacts. This understanding enables us to provide commercially valuable and relevant advice to our food sector clients, particularly on the following:

• corporate transactions
• commercial agreements
• intellectual property
• food law
• health and safety
• competition law
• regulatory
• dispute resolution.

Staying one step ahead
Our Food sector team keep a watchful eye on European and UK legislative and regulatory developments, maintaining close contact with the many organisations that shape the food industry regionally, nationally and across Europe.

Sharing our knowledge
Our regular client bulletin provides an overview of the key legal issues, events and seminars in the sector, as well as providing early warnings of new sector legislation.

"DWF provide responsive, pro-active, professional advice and support... I have no hesitation in recommending the firm."

First Milk Limited