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

View All Contacts

Sandra M. Knowler

Partner, Business Law | Mergers & Acquisitions

News

Insights (10 Posts)View More

Featured Insight

All Things Tariffs: A Comprehensive Overview of Where We Stand Today

In response to US tariffs, Canada has imposed retaliatory tariffs on a wide variety of products. Recent developments now include opportunities for remission.

Read More
Apr 17, 2025
Featured Insight

Seller Beware: Significant Amendments Proposed Under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Amendment Act, 2025

Bill 4 proposes significant amendments to BC's Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act.

Read More
Mar 19, 2025
Featured Insight

Canada Expands National Security Reviews of Foreign Investment in the Face of Trade Wars

In response to the US-Canada trade war, Canada updated its national security guidelines to treat economic security as a national security factor.

Read More
Mar 7, 2025
Featured Insight

New Russian Sanctions and Terrorist Designations Increase Compliance Requirements for Businesses in Canada

Sanctions Update: The Government expands sanctions regime against Russia and designates criminal organizations as terrorists under the Criminal Code.

Read More
Feb 26, 2025
Featured Insight

The Pause on the Tariff War: How Businesses Can Use the Reprieve Wisely

Canadian businesses should prepare for US tariffs, set for March 4, 2025, by considering availability of duty drawbacks and remission applications.

Read More
Feb 5, 2025
Featured Insight

Preparing for Potential US Tariffs: Key Dates and Strategic Considerations

To prepare for potential US tariffs, businesses should immediately develop a strategy to deal with the prospect of new US tariffs and mitigate their effects.

Read More
Jan 28, 2025
Featured Insight

Get Ready: Canada Promises Major Overhaul to Forced Labour Regulations

The Government has renewed its human rights commitment and proposed major changes to Canada's forced labour regime in the 2024 Fall Economic Statement.

Read More
Dec 18, 2024
Featured Insight

Take Note – New Guidance Issued for Mandatory Supply Chain Reporting Requirements

Public Safety Canada has released updated guidance to clarify and address questions relating to forced labour and child labour reporting requirements in 2025.

Read More
Nov 26, 2024
Featured Insight

Towards a Shared Understanding: Canada’s New Sustainable Investment Guidelines & Mandated Climate Disclosures

Canada’s New Sustainable Investment Guidelines (Taxonomy) & Mandated Climate Disclosures

Read More
Nov 4, 2024
Featured Insight

Canada Proposes Stricter Supply Chain Requirements to Tackle Forced and Child Labour

The Government of Canada has launched public consultations on expanding the import prohibition on goods produced by forced labour.

Read More
Oct 30, 2024