Grain in corn Field. Set of storage tanks cultivated agricultural crops processing plant.
Grain in corn Field. Set of storage tanks cultivated agricultural crops processing plant.
Grain in corn Field. Set of storage tanks cultivated agricultural crops processing plant

As the global population continues to grow, McMillan LLP helps food, beverage and agriculture leaders navigate complex regulations and build reputational strength.

Food, Beverage & Agribusiness

The food, beverage and agribusiness industries are vital and rapidly growing components of the Canadian and global economies. They are also increasing in complexity as a result of new product innovation, brand proliferation, greater consumer interest in nutritional and health issues, more stringent regulation, new technologies being integrated into product development and distribution processes, and stronger commitments to sustainability and biodiversity. McMillan’s agricultural, food and beverage industry lawyers equip their clients to remain competitive and successful at every stage of the game. McMillan’s food and beverage lawyers have acted for some of the world’s largest and leading food and beverage industry manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers in product creation and liability litigation. Known among law firms for our deep domain expertise across food, beverage and agriculture and 14 other industries that define the economy, as well as our commitment to client service excellence, our lawyers are well-equipped to help any consumer-packaged goods or agriculture leader continue their path towards success.

McMillan’s food and beverage lawyers specialize in negotiating and implementing mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic alliances, including listing agreements with major retailers and co-packing agreements. We also provide representation in litigation and other dispute resolution processes on a wide range of issues, including supply chain, franchising and distribution matters, corporate and commercial disputes, tax issues, and product liability and recall. McMillan has helped some of the largest food and beverage industry players successfully navigate legal situations that would have otherwise had a severe impact on their brand.

Agribusiness Strategies and Legal Structure

With the world population growing by 81 million people per year and Canada’s abundant natural resources, our country is well-positioned to maximize global agribusiness opportunities. McMillan offers comprehensive legal advice on both contentious and non-contentious aspects of commercial matters to clients in the agricultural sector. We help clients overcome obstacles they may face, including navigating the unique regulatory landscape in these sectors. We have extensive experience working with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Health Canada, Canada’s Competition Bureau and other agencies.

McMillan LLP is proud to support people who rely on the land for their vocation while serving the needs of innovators who seek to grow agriculture at a faster rate through technology. With the assistance of our partnering public policy firm, McMillan Vantage Policy Group, our agriculture lawyers can better advise clients on how to navigate complex industry laws and regulations.  In addition to negotiating mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic alliances, we assist with all types of regulatory compliance and with the transportation, shipping, carriage and logistics of bulk agricultural and agri-food products – to anywhere in the world.

Primary Contacts

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Sandra M. Knowler

Partner, Business Law | Mergers & Acquisitions

Insights (10 Posts)View More

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Plan for the Ban: Canada’s Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations Remain in Effect Pending the Federal Court of Appeal Decision

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Plan for the Ban: Canada’s Draft Notice for Federal Plastics Registry Provides Additional Insights on Reporting Requirements

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Plan for the Ban: What the Federal Court’s Decision ACTUALLY Means for Your Business – Your Questions Answered

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This bulletin discusses the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)'s updated guidance for simulated meat and simulated poultry products and adjacent products.

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Oct 18, 2023
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Plan for the Ban: UNEP Issues Report Offering Insight and Guidance for World’s First Global Plastics Pollution Treaty

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Environment Canada’s State of PFAS Report: insights into the future regulation of “forever chemicals”

The publication of the Draft State of PFAS Report marks a good step toward the development of additional PFAS regulations in Canada.

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Jun 8, 2023
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The Franchise Resale Disclosure Exemption: Franchisors “Wing It” at Their Own Peril

Jayasena Management Corp. et al. v Savannah Wells Holdings Inc. et al. considers the franchise resale disclosure exemption under the Arthur Wishart Act.

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May 17, 2023
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New Mandatory Reporting Requirement for Businesses: Canada’s Modern Anti-Slavery Bill Becomes Law

Canada imposes new reporting obligations on forced labour, and what it means for Canadian businesses.

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May 3, 2023
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Trademark of Foreign Owner Invalidated on the Basis of Bad Faith

Awareness of a senior rights holder’s trademark and its prior use of such trademark in Canada is relevant to the assessment of bad faith.

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Mar 22, 2023