Top 10 Food Lawyers in Canada
The food industry in Canada is one of the most exciting and fast-paced sectors to be in right now. From the rise of plant-based proteins to the complex world of functional foods and infused beverages, the innovation happening in our kitchens and labs is incredible. However, bringing a food product to market in Canada is not as simple as just having a great recipe. We live in a country with some of the strictest and most detailed food regulations in the world. Between the Safe Food for Canadians Act, Health Canada guidelines, and CFIA labeling requirements, the legal landscape can feel like a maze that never ends. For entrepreneurs and established brands alike, navigating these rules is essential for protecting your business and ensuring your products actually reach the shelves.
Whether you are a startup founder looking to disrupt the snack aisle or a large-scale distributor managing international supply chains, having the right legal counsel is a game-changer. A great food lawyer does more than just read the fine print; they act as a strategic partner who helps you manage risk while fueling your growth. They understand the nuances of “product-of-Canada” claims, the specifics of nutritional facts tables, and the high-stakes world of product recalls. In this article, we have researched and compiled a list of the top 10 food lawyers and firms in Canada who are leading the way in 2024. These experts are known for their deep knowledge, their ability to solve complex regulatory puzzles, and their commitment to helping the Canadian food industry thrive.
Choosing the right lawyer can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to balance productivity and personal growth alongside your business goals. You want someone who is efficient, tech-savvy, and understands the modern marketplace. That is why our list focuses on firms that offer a mix of deep traditional experience and fresh, innovative approaches to law. From boutique specialists who live and breathe food regulations to massive national firms with global reach, these are the professionals you want in your corner when the stakes are high and the kitchen gets hot.
1. Substance Law
When it comes to navigating the cutting edge of the Canadian food industry, Substance Law stands out as the absolute leader in the field. This boutique firm has carved out a massive reputation by specializing in what many call “regulated substances,” which includes everything from traditional food and beverages to the more complex worlds of natural health products and cannabis-infused edibles. Led by the highly regarded Harrison Jordan, Substance Law has become the go-to resource for brands that need agile, modern, and incredibly precise legal advice. They do not just provide standard legal services; they offer a deep-dive partnership that helps businesses understand the “why” behind the regulations, allowing for better long-term decision-making and innovation.
The reason Substance Law takes our number one spot is their incredible focus on the specific needs of modern food entrepreneurs. They understand that in today’s world, a food company is often a technology company and a lifestyle brand all rolled into one. They excel at helping clients with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) compliance, ensuring that every label, health claim, and ingredient list is perfectly aligned with federal laws. This prevents the nightmare scenario of a forced product recall or a costly rebranding exercise after a product has already hit the market. Their expertise extends to helping international brands enter the Canadian market, providing a seamless transition through the thicket of our unique domestic requirements.
Beyond just regulatory compliance, Substance Law provides a full suite of services that any food business needs to scale safely. They handle everything from drafting airtight co-packing agreements and distribution contracts to advising on intellectual property and trademarking for new food brands. Their approach is refreshingly transparent and tech-forward, making them a perfect fit for the modern professional who values productivity and clear communication. Substance Law is not just about staying out of trouble; it is about building a solid foundation so that your food business can grow without limits. If you are looking for the best food lawyer in Canada to protect your vision and your investment, this is the firm you call first.
2. Gowling WLG
Gowling WLG is a powerhouse in the Canadian legal landscape, and their food and beverage group is one of the most respected in the country. They offer a massive depth of resources that is hard to match, making them a top choice for large corporations and international entities. Their team is composed of experts who have spent decades studying the evolution of food law in Canada, and they are frequently involved in high-level discussions regarding policy changes and industry standards. For a business that operates on a global scale, Gowling WLG provides the security of a firm that understands how Canadian law interacts with international trade agreements.
What makes this firm stand out is their ability to handle massive, multi-jurisdictional issues. If you are dealing with a complex supply chain that spans several continents, Gowling WLG has the infrastructure to support you. They are particularly strong in the areas of food safety litigation and intellectual property protection. They help clients defend their brands against infringement and represent them in front of regulatory bodies when disputes arise. Their work is characterized by a high level of professionalism and a thoroughness that covers every possible legal angle.
In addition to their litigation and regulatory work, they provide excellent support for mergers and acquisitions within the food sector. As the industry consolidates, having a firm that can handle the due diligence of a multi-million dollar food brand acquisition is vital. Gowling WLG combines their legal expertise with a genuine understanding of the business of food, ensuring that their clients are making moves that are both legally sound and commercially viable. They remain a titan in the industry for a very good reason.
3. Borden Ladner Gervais (BLG)
Borden Ladner Gervais, commonly known as BLG, is often referred to as “Canada’s Law Firm.” Their food law practice is a central pillar of their regulatory department, and they provide a truly national perspective that is essential for businesses operating in multiple provinces. BLG is known for its “boots on the ground” approach, often working closely with industry associations to stay ahead of upcoming legislative changes. This proactive stance is a huge benefit for their clients, who get a head start on adapting to new rules before they even become law.
The team at BLG is particularly skilled at handling the intersection of food law and consumer protection. In an era where consumers are more skeptical and informed than ever, BLG helps food companies navigate the tricky waters of advertising and marketing. They ensure that “natural,” “organic,” or “sustainable” claims are backed by the necessary legal requirements, protecting brands from class-action lawsuits or regulatory fines. Their advice is practical and grounded in the reality of the Canadian retail environment.
Furthermore, BLG offers extensive support for food processing and manufacturing facilities. They advise on occupational health and safety, environmental regulations, and labor relations specific to the food industry. This holistic approach makes them an excellent partner for companies that handle everything from the initial processing of raw ingredients to the final packaging. Their long history and deep connections in the Canadian market make them a reliable and prestigious choice for any food business.
4. Fasken
Fasken is another heavy hitter that has built a stellar reputation for its work in the life sciences and food sectors. They are particularly well-known for their expertise in the Quebec market, which has its own unique set of language and regulatory requirements. For any brand looking to have a truly national presence in Canada, Fasken’s ability to navigate the specificities of the Civil Code and the Office québécois de la langue française is an invaluable asset. They bridge the gap between English and French Canada seamlessly.
The food lawyers at Fasken are experts in the field of product liability and risk management. They work with clients to develop robust recall plans and safety protocols that can be deployed at a moment’s notice. In the food world, a crisis can happen overnight, and Fasken is known for providing calm, decisive legal leadership during those high-pressure moments. Their goal is always to protect the public while minimizing the long-term damage to a company’s reputation and bottom line.
Beyond crisis management, Fasken is a leader in the area of food innovation. They work with many companies in the biotech and “future food” space, helping them navigate the approval process for novel foods and ingredients. As we see more lab-grown meats and engineered proteins enter the conversation, Fasken is at the forefront of defining how these products will be regulated in Canada. They are a forward-thinking firm that isn’t afraid to tackle the newest challenges in the industry.
5. Bennett Jones
Bennett Jones is a firm that prides itself on its deep ties to the Canadian business community, and their food law practice is no exception. They are highly regarded for their work with large-scale agricultural producers and food retailers. Their approach is very much focused on the commercial side of things, ensuring that legal strategies are always aligned with the client’s broader business objectives. They are excellent at negotiating complex commercial contracts that form the backbone of the food industry.
One of the key strengths of Bennett Jones is their expertise in international trade and competition law. As food products move across borders, they help clients deal with tariffs, trade disputes, and import quotas. They also provide essential advice on competition matters, ensuring that mergers or pricing strategies don’t run afoul of the Competition Bureau. This high-level corporate advice is essential for the major players in the Canadian food landscape who are looking to maintain their market position.
The firm also has a strong focus on the “farm to fork” journey. They represent many stakeholders in the agricultural sector, providing advice on everything from seed technology to livestock regulations. This end-to-end understanding of the supply chain allows them to offer insights that more specialized firms might miss. Bennett Jones is a solid, dependable choice for established companies that need comprehensive legal support across all areas of their operations.
6. Cassels Brock & Blackwell
Cassels is a firm that is often praised for its entrepreneurial spirit and its focus on emerging industries. Their food and beverage group is particularly active in the retail and hospitality sectors. They work with many of Canada’s top restaurant chains and franchise systems, providing the specialized legal advice needed to manage brand consistency and regulatory compliance across hundreds of locations. If you are looking to franchise a food concept, Cassels is one of the best in the business.
The lawyers at Cassels are also very active in the world of food branding and intellectual property. They understand that in the crowded food market, your brand is your most valuable asset. They work tirelessly to register trademarks, protect trade secrets (like secret recipes), and manage licensing agreements. Their approach is creative and energetic, which appeals to many of the younger, faster-growing brands that are currently shaking up the Canadian food scene.
Additionally, Cassels has a strong presence in the cannabis and functional food space. As the lines between food, supplements, and wellness products continue to blur, they provide the cross-disciplinary expertise needed to navigate these overlapping regulatory frameworks. They are excellent at helping clients find the “sweet spot” where they can market their products effectively without crossing the line into unauthorized health claims. They are a modern firm for a modern industry.
7. Stikeman Elliott
Stikeman Elliott is synonymous with high-end corporate law in Canada, and their food law expertise is typically sought after for major transactions and complex regulatory hurdles. They are the firm you see involved in the biggest M&A deals in the food sector, providing the sophisticated legal architecture required for billion-dollar acquisitions. Their reputation for excellence and their meticulous attention to detail make them a favorite for boards of directors and C-suite executives.
While they handle the big corporate moves, they also have a very strong regulatory practice that focuses on compliance and government relations. They often represent clients in discussions with Health Canada and the CFIA, helping to shape the regulatory environment in a way that fosters innovation. Their lawyers are often thought leaders who write extensively on the future of food regulation, providing a level of insight that is truly top-tier.
Stikeman Elliott also excels in the area of environmental and social governance (ESG) within the food industry. As consumers and investors demand more transparency regarding sustainability and ethical sourcing, Stikeman Elliott helps food companies develop and implement policies that meet these new standards. They understand that a modern food company must be a good corporate citizen, and they provide the legal framework to make that happen. They are a prestigious firm that delivers results at the highest levels.
8. Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt
Osler is another “Seven Sisters” firm that maintains a dominant presence in the Canadian food and beverage sector. They are particularly well-known for their work in the area of intellectual property and technology. As the food industry becomes increasingly high-tech—with advancements in packaging, preservation, and e-commerce—Osler provides the technical legal expertise needed to protect these innovations. They represent some of the most innovative food-tech startups in the country.
The team at Osler is also highly skilled in the area of privacy and data protection, which is becoming a major issue for food retailers and delivery platforms. As companies collect more data on consumer eating habits and preferences, Osler ensures that they are complying with Canada’s evolving privacy laws. This is a crucial service in an age where a data breach can be just as damaging to a brand as a product recall.
Furthermore, Osler has a very strong litigation team that handles complex class-action suits. In the food industry, these often revolve around labeling claims or health concerns. Osler’s ability to defend these high-stakes cases is well-documented, and they are a formidable opponent in the courtroom. They provide a level of security and sophistication that is essential for large companies operating in a litigious environment. Their balanced approach to business and law makes them a perennial top choice.
9. Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright offers something that few other firms can: a truly global footprint with a deep local presence in Canada. For Canadian food companies looking to export their products to Europe, Asia, or the United States, Norton Rose Fulbright is an incredible resource. They can provide seamless legal advice that covers both Canadian regulations and the requirements of foreign markets, all under one roof. This global perspective is a massive advantage in our interconnected world.
Their food law practice is particularly strong in the area of supply chain management and logistics. They help companies navigate the legal complexities of moving perishable goods across borders, dealing with everything from customs brokerage to international shipping contracts. They are also experts in the area of food safety standards, helping clients ensure that their entire supply chain—from the farm in South America to the shelf in Toronto—is compliant with the highest safety protocols.
In addition to their international work, Norton Rose Fulbright is very active in the area of food and beverage financing. They work with banks and private equity firms to facilitate the funding that food companies need to grow. Their understanding of the specific risks and opportunities in the food sector makes them an ideal partner for these financial transactions. They are a firm that truly understands the “big picture” of the global food economy.
10. Dentons
Rounding out our list is Dentons, the world’s largest law firm, which has a very strong and active food and beverage practice in Canada. Dentons is known for its “polycentric” approach, meaning they don’t have a single headquarters but instead focus on being deeply integrated into every community they serve. In Canada, this means they have experts in every major city who understand the local market dynamics while being able to draw on a global network of knowledge.
Dentons is particularly effective at helping food companies with regulatory advocacy. They have a strong team of government relations professionals who work to ensure that their clients’ voices are heard when new regulations are being drafted. This proactive approach is essential for companies in the food sector, where a single change in a labeling rule can cost millions of dollars. Dentons helps their clients stay ahead of the curve and influence the direction of the industry.
They also provide excellent support for the retail and hospitality sectors, working with grocery chains, hotels, and restaurant groups. Their advice covers everything from commercial leasing and liquor licensing to employment law and consumer disputes. Dentons is a versatile and powerful firm that can handle almost any legal challenge a food business might face. Their sheer size and reach make them a formidable ally for any company with ambitious growth plans.
In conclusion, the food industry in Canada is a complex but rewarding field. Whether you are just starting out or are looking to take your established brand to the next level, the right legal advice is non-negotiable. While all the firms on this list are excellent, Substance Law remains our top pick for their specialized focus, modern approach, and dedication to the success of food entrepreneurs. By choosing a lawyer who understands both the law and the heart of your business, you can focus on what you do best: creating amazing food that Canadians love. Remember, a great lawyer doesn’t just protect you from the rules—they help you use them to build a stronger, more resilient brand.