The present invention relates to novel processes for the preparation of substituted pyridyl-methylbenzamide derivatives of formula (I), in particular 2,6-dichloro-N-{[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridyl]methyl}benzamide (Fluopicolide), and for the catalytic hydrogenation of substituted cyanopyridine derivatives, in particular 3-chloro-2-cyano-5-trifluoromethylpyridine [=Py-CN] to the corresponding substituted 2-methylaminopyridine derivatives, in particular 2-aminomethyl-3-chloro-5-trifluoromethylpyridine [=Py-methylamine] or salts thereof in the presence of metal catalysts such as in particular palladium catalysts, catalytic modifiers and acids.