Consumer Goods, Food and Retail Top of Mind: COVID-19 sector insights

In this time of growing uncertainty, we recognize that many of our clients are facing unprecedented challenges arising from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Continuing our long-standing commitment to keep you informed about the latest developments in business law, we have created an industry-leading Coronavirus Resource Center – our global repository of reports, commentary and insights about the ramifications of COVID-19 across industries.

To help you understand what is going on and to guide you forward, here are some top considerations for the consumer goods, food and retail sector and some of our most consulted articles from the CRC looking at key trends and insights.

For the latest collection of COVID-19 guidance and insights curated for the Consumer Goods, Food and Retail sector, click here.

We hope that you and your families remain safe and well. As always, we are here for you.

Top COVID-19 considerations for the Consumer Goods, Food and Retail Sector

• Digital engagement: the accelerating role of the e-commerce market and virtual shopping channels
• Cybersecurity: risks and resilience in an increasingly online retail world and risk mitigation strategies
• Supply chain turbulence: upstream and downstream disruption and the consequential impact on trade
• Supply chain mitigation: nearshoring and onshoring strategies
• Omni-channel markets: moving outside comfort zones and expanding sales channels for feeding the consumer in a time of relaxed regulations
• New standards for sourcing, labeling, packaging, permitting and transparency
• Industry pivots, repurposed product categories and implications for short-term and long-term strategy
• Distress and right-sizing: restructuring and realignment considerations
• Consumer sentiment and behaviors post-pandemic: building trust and consumer empathy in the “new normal”
• Health, wellness and hygiene: the new compass for building customer and brand loyalty
• Intellectual property and trademark issues: how to innovate and protect
• Economic stimulus and subsidy programs: what is the right fit?
• Mitigation strategies for manufacturing: managing employee health and safety and potential workforce reductions while maintaining output, quality and efficiencies
• Mitigating liability for employers on claims relating to COVID exposure; best practices for investigations and internal documentation
• Proactively assessing coverage for business losses and claims throughout the supply and sales chain
• Responsible business: corporate social and moral responsibility as drivers for consumer engagement

Consumer Goods, Food and Retail Sector Insights

FDA COVID-19 updates for the food and beverage industry FDA issues guidance to serve as a food safety resource during the COVID-19 pandemic, plus other late-breaking developments in the food and beverage sector. COVID-19: Critical due diligence considerations for M&A, financing and strategic corporate transactions in the retail industry Parties to retail-related transactions must consider unprecedented issues.

Adapting to a new consumer market Avoiding legal pitfalls in some key areas is necessary for a successful transition. Strengthening franchise systems post COVID-19: Strategic acquisitions For franchise companies looking for strategic opportunities, a discussion of transaction structures.

Post-COVID-19: What to expect in the “next normal” Issues that are front of mind, based on an informal survey of some of the largest companies and most influential global business leaders. COVID-19: Advertising guidance for brands Regulators focus on preventing the exploitation of consumers and limiting the spread of misinformation.

US antitrust enforcers on high alert for collusion in labor markets during COVID-19 pandemic Antitrust enforcers are closely monitoring employer coordination to disadvantage workers. UK seeks to protect commercial tenants. What action can landlords still take? New measures in the UK aim to protect commercial tenants from aggressive rent collection tactics.

Main Street Lending Program: Federal Reserve unveils emergency lending facilities for small and mid-size businesses up to 10,000 employees New steps to provide loans to employers and strengthen the ability of state and local governments to deliver critical services. COVID-19: UK safety, health and environmental considerations Businesses across all sectors face new challenges as they strive to manage disruptions and new risks.

Coronavirus: reopening business – compliance risks Complying with varying, changing government restrictions to avoid longer term liabilities that could potentially outweigh short term gains. Coronavirus: Cancellation of consumer contracts and consumer law enforcement in the UK during the pandemic UK competition and consumer authority assesses cancellations of consumer contracts during the pandemic.

COVID-19 and the “essential business” designation: Practical guidance for businesses that fall in the gray area between “essential” and “non-essential” For businesses attempting to comply with government guidelines, frequently asked questions and practical guidance to consider.