Expert FMCG Lawyer Services solving retail complexities.

Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), also known as consumer packaged goods (CPG), are products that are generally sold quickly and at a relatively low cost. Examples include non-durable household goods such as packaged foods, beverages, toiletries, candies, cosmetics, over-the-counter drugs, dry goods, and other consumables. FMCG is the most common acronym in use across most of Europe, Asia, and Oceania, while CPG is used more frequently in the Americas.

In a word, yes, because they are often subject to extensive regulation. Businesses that make or provide food or beverages for sale are obliged to comply with labelling regulations, including regulations related to food allergies, calorie content, ingredients source, warning statements, nutrition, health and related claims – we can go on! The standards in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code are frequently updated and extremely onerous, particularly when it comes to the labelling of food where safety is a priority and allergies very real.

In a competitive and ever-changing market landscape, if you are looking to launch a food or beverage brand in the FMCG space, one of your priorities should be to ensure your products are legally compliant, particularly when it comes to labelling. There have also been cases where products falsely claiming that a product is organic have led to lawsuits and fines, and with increasing concerns over environmental friendliness we believe this is an area of legal peril which is only going to increase. 

The position with medicines and supplements is very legally complex and blurred in some instances. Therefore, you must establish whether what you are selling is classed as a supplement or a drug so that you know what your obligations are going forward. Marketing claims for drugs and supplements are a minefield, particularly when it comes to the Australian Consumer Laws. While companies need to make their product sound attractive and distinguishable from a competitive FMCG market, any marketing messages should be worded carefully, otherwise, you could be left open to a possible lawsuit if you or your PR team make exaggerated claims about your product which might be potentially misleading and deceptive.

Property law can be complex and, because of the large financial sums involved, very high stakes. Disputes can occur in residential or commercial property, with common problem areas including disputes over consent to subletting, breaches of the covenant when it comes to maintenance or repairs, and – ultimately – lease surrender negotiations. A good property lawyer hired at the start of the arrangement can make sure you are protected throughout it, and step in to deal with any problems immediately, saving you money, time and the kind of stress that can affect a whole organisation.