McCormick & Company
An American global producer of spices, seasonings, condiments, flavorings, and food ingredients. McCormick's official site in Mexico offering spices and seasonings.
Last updated October 13, 2026
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Overview
McCormick & Company is a Baltimore-founded American food company whose principal business is developing, manufacturing, marketing, and distributing flavor products. Its portfolio covers retail spices and herbs, seasoning blends, recipe mixes, extracts, sauces, marinades, stocks, broths, bouillons, toppings, dressings, breadings, rice products, and dessert ingredients. It also supplies flavor systems, branded food-service products, coating systems, and other ingredients to food manufacturers, restaurants, and institutional food-service operators. Willoughby M. McCormick established the business in Baltimore in 1889. The original operation was small and sold root beer, flavoring extracts, fruit syrups, and juices door-to-door. The purchase of the F.G. Emmett Spice Company in 1896 moved the company decisively into spices, the category that would eventually define its global identity. McCormick was incorporated in 1903 and reincorporated in Maryland in 1915. A major early setback came with the Great Baltimore Fire of 1904, which destroyed much of the company's property and records; the company rebuilt on the same site within the following year. The company expanded geographically and commercially through a long series of acquisitions. A. Schilling & Company gave McCormick a substantial presence on the U.S. West Coast, while later purchases added Canadian, British, European, Mexican, Asian, and specialty-food capabilities. The business also acquired or developed recognizable consumer brands including Old Bay, Zatarain's, Thai Kitchen, Simply Asia, French's, Frank's RedHot, Lawry's, Stubb's, Cholula, and Billy Bee. These additions broadened McCormick from a traditional spice supplier into a multi-category flavor and condiment company. McCormick serves three broad customer groups: consumers buying packaged products through retail channels, food-service operators using branded or professional products, and food manufacturers purchasing ingredients and flavor technologies. Its consumer brands are sold across more than 170 countries and territories. The company has positioned itself around everyday cooking, convenience, regional cuisines, bold flavors, and the transfer of culinary expertise into accessible packaged products. Corporate leadership passed to Willoughby McCormick's nephew Charles P. McCormick after the founder's death in 1932. The company later became a public enterprise with an international operating footprint. In the twenty-first century, acquisitions became a central growth mechanism, particularly in hot sauces, condiments, seasonings, specialty flavors, and food-service ingredients. The purchase of RB Foods in 2017, which brought French's and Frank's RedHot into the portfolio, was described in the reference material as the company's largest acquisition at that time. McCormick has also invested in product development and analytical capabilities. In 2019 it announced a collaboration with IBM using artificial intelligence to analyze flavor data and generate new seasoning combinations. The resulting One line was marketed around simplified one-dish cooking. The company has additionally used consumer education and media sponsorships to support its brands, including a 2007 campaign encouraging households to replace very old spice packages and a 2021 sponsorship of PBS Kids programming. The company moved its global headquarters from Sparks, Maryland, back to Hunt Valley in 2018. McCormick remains an active international food corporation with a portfolio spanning household seasonings, sauces, condiments, culinary ingredients, and flavor technologies.
History
Willoughby M. McCormick founded the company in Baltimore in 1889, initially selling root beer, flavor extracts, fruit syrups, and juices through direct sales. In 1896 he bought the F.G. Emmett Spice Company, establishing spices as the foundation of the business. McCormick and his brother Roberdeau incorporated the company in Maine in 1903 and reincorporated it in Maryland in 1915. The Great Baltimore Fire of 1904 destroyed much of the company's property and documentation. McCormick rebuilt quickly, erecting a five-story facility on the original site in 1905. The company also encountered an early regulatory challenge when federal authorities investigated its black pepper in 1916. The case resulted in a fine and a requirement to identify added pepper shells on the affected product label. Leadership passed to Charles P. McCormick, the founder's nephew, after Willoughby's death in 1932. Charles had joined the business as a student and later became a director. Under his leadership, the company expanded its manufacturing and distribution base and adopted the large “Mc” mark as a U.S. trademark in 1941. Postwar growth relied heavily on acquisitions. A. Schilling & Company expanded McCormick's distribution to the U.S. West Coast, while Ben-Hur Products and Gorman Eckert strengthened regional operations in the United States and Canada. Gilroy Foods, Baker Extract, Cake Mate, Childers Foods, Golden West Foods, and other purchases broadened the company's capabilities into extracts, frozen foods, cake decorating, and food preparation. The McCormick and Schilling retail operations were consolidated into a Grocery Products Division in 1975. The company continued international expansion during the 1980s and 1990s through acquisitions including Paterson Jenks and Schwartz in the United Kingdom, Grupo Pesa in Mexico, Tuko in Finland, Butto in Switzerland, and other businesses in Europe and North America. It acquired an interest in Old Bay in 1990, adding a strongly regional seafood-seasoning brand to its portfolio. Some earlier businesses, including Golden West Foods, Gilroy Foods, and several packaging operations, were later sold as McCormick concentrated more closely on flavor and branded food activities. In the 2000s McCormick added Ducros in France, Zatarain's, UniqSauces, C.M. van Sillevoldt, Simply Asia Foods, Billy Bee Honey Products, and Lawry's. The Lawry's transaction required the sale of Season-All to Morton Salt for regulatory clearance. McCormick also expanded in Poland, India, and China through Kamis, a stake in Kohinoor Speciality Foods India, and Wuhan Asia-Pacific Condiments. The company added Stubb's in 2015, Enrico Giotti in 2016, and RB Foods in 2017. RB Foods brought French's and Frank's RedHot into the portfolio and represented a major transformation of McCormick's global branded-food position. Later additions included Cholula Hot Sauce and FONA, a North American flavor manufacturer. McCormick also explored the acquisition of Premier Foods but withdrew its proposal in 2016 after deciding that the requested price would not serve shareholders. McCormick's recent development has combined portfolio expansion with technology-led innovation. In 2019 it announced IBM-assisted artificial-intelligence work intended to identify new flavor combinations, leading to the One seasoning range. The company moved its global headquarters from Sparks to Hunt Valley, Maryland, in 2018. Its present business serves consumers, food-service customers, restaurants, and food manufacturers across a global network, with products sold in more than 170 countries and territories.
- 2026
Mexico transaction completed
[5]McCormick announced that it had completed the transaction and increased its ownership of McCormick de Mexico to 75 percent.
- 2025
Agreement to raise Mexico ownership
[4]McCormick agreed to purchase an additional 25 percent of McCormick de Mexico from Grupo Herdez.
- 2020
Cholula and FONA acquisitions
[1]McCormick agreed to acquire Cholula Hot Sauce and acquired FONA, a North American flavor manufacturer.
- 2020
At-home cooking marketing response
[6]McCormick launched digital cooking advice and demonstrations as consumers prepared more meals at home during the pandemic.
- 2019
AI-assisted flavor development
[1]McCormick and IBM developed a data-driven system for creating flavor combinations and seasoning mixes.
- 2018
Global headquarters returned to Hunt Valley
[1]McCormick moved its global headquarters from Sparks, Maryland, to Hunt Valley.
- 2017
RB Foods acquired
[1]The deal brought French's and Frank's RedHot into McCormick's global brand portfolio.
- 2017
Frank’s RedHot acquired
[10]McCormick acquired Frank’s RedHot and related food brands from Reckitt Benckiser, expanding its presence in hot sauce and condiments.
- 2013
Wuhan Asia-Pacific Condiments acquisition
[1]The transaction expanded McCormick's Chinese seasoning business through Daqiao and ChuShiLe products.
- 2011
Expansion in stocks, Eastern Europe, and India
[1]The company acquired Kitchen Basics, Kamis, and an 85 percent stake in Kohinoor Speciality Foods India.
Products and positioning
A global flavor company combining trusted household spice and condiment brands with food-service products and industrial flavor solutions. A trusted, mass-market culinary flavor authority that makes global flavors and everyday cooking more accessible.
Retail spices and seasonings
McCormick spices and seasonings
The core McCormick range includes individual herbs and spices, seasoning blends, recipe mixes, extracts, and related cooking ingredients. It is sold through grocery and other retail channels and represents the company's primary household-facing brand identity.
Condiments and seasonings
French's
French's is a major condiment and seasoning brand added through McCormick's acquisition of RB Foods. Its portfolio is associated with mustard, fried-onion products, seasonings, and other cooking and meal-accompaniment products. French’s is a condiment brand known especially for prepared mustard and fried onions, with products spanning sauces, toppings and other grocery categories. It forms one of McCormick’s major consumer-brand pillars.
Hot sauce · 1918
Frank's RedHot
Frank's RedHot is a hot-sauce brand that became part of McCormick through the RB Foods acquisition. It extends McCormick's reach in spicy condiments and is marketed for cooking, dipping, marinating, and meal finishing. Frank’s RedHot is a hot-sauce brand widely used as a condiment and cooking ingredient. Its association with Buffalo-style wings and its strong cultural recognition made it a strategically important addition to McCormick’s sauces portfolio.
Seasoning blend
Old Bay
Old Bay is a regional American seasoning brand associated particularly with seafood, shellfish, fries and snack foods. It is one of McCormick’s best-known portfolio brands and has expanded into multiple formats and related products.
Seasonings and marinades
Lawry's
Lawry's provides seasoned salts, marinades, mixes, and related flavor products. McCormick acquired the brand in 2008, significantly expanding its presence in meat seasoning and prepared flavor solutions.
Regional foods and seasonings
Zatarain's
Zatarain’s offers seasonings, rice mixes, meal products and other foods associated with New Orleans and Louisiana-inspired cooking. The brand gives McCormick a substantial presence in prepared regional foods as well as spices.
Barbecue sauces and marinades · 2015
Stubb's
Stubb's specializes in barbecue sauces, marinades, and dry rubs. McCormick purchased the brand in 2015 to strengthen its position in barbecue-oriented cooking and outdoor grilling products.
Hot sauce · 2020
Cholula
Cholula is a hot-sauce brand acquired by McCormick in 2020. It complements Frank's RedHot and gives the company another established offering in hot sauces and Mexican-inspired flavor products.
International foods and seasonings · 2006
Thai Kitchen and Simply Asia
Thai Kitchen and Simply Asia offer sauces, pastes, seasonings, noodles, meal components, and other products based on Asian cuisines. McCormick added the brands through its acquisition of Epicurean International in 2006.
Seasoning mixes · 2019
One seasoning mixes
One was a line of seasoning mixes developed with assistance from an IBM artificial-intelligence system. The products were designed around convenient one-dish meals and demonstrated McCormick's use of data analysis in flavor innovation.
Spices and herbs · 1889
McCormick spices and herbs
The core consumer range includes packaged dried herbs, ground spices, whole spices and specialty seasonings. It is sold through grocery, mass retail, club, e-commerce and food-service channels, with products designed for routine cooking and recipe-based use.
Seasonings
McCormick seasoning blends
Blended seasonings combine multiple herbs, spices and sometimes salt or other ingredients for particular dishes, cuisines or cooking methods. The range helps consumers achieve repeatable flavor with less measuring and preparation.
Grilling seasonings and marinades
Grill Mates
Grill Mates is a line of rubs, marinades, seasoning mixes and related products aimed at grilling and outdoor cooking. McCormick has promoted the line through weather-responsive advertising, recipes and seasonal grilling guidance.
Baking ingredients
McCormick extracts and food colors
The brand’s baking assortment includes flavor extracts and food-coloring products used in cakes, cookies, frostings and other home-baking applications. These products extend McCormick beyond savory cooking into dessert preparation.
Food ingredients
McCormick flavor solutions
McCormick’s commercial business develops flavor systems, seasonings, herbs, spices and related ingredients for food manufacturers, restaurants and food-service customers. This business connects the company’s consumer expertise with industrial product development.
Controversies
2021
McCormick recalls four seasoning products over possible Salmonella contamination
McCormick & Co. issued a voluntary recall of four seasoning products after routine testing revealed they might contain Salmonella. The affected products were shipped to locations in 32 U.S. states, Bermuda, and Canada. The company said no illnesses had been linked to the possible contamination.
2021
McCormick recalls seasoning products over possible Salmonella contamination
McCormick announced a voluntary recall of specified McCormick and Frank’s RedHot seasoning products because of possible Salmonella contamination. The company said no illnesses had been reported in connection with the issue.
2021
McCormick recalls Italian seasoning and Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Ranch Seasoning over possible Salmonella contamination
McCormick & Company initiated a voluntary recall of specified McCormick Italian Seasoning products and Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Ranch Seasoning due to possible Salmonella contamination. The notice said no illnesses had been reported in connection with the issue. McCormick alerted customers and grocery outlets to remove affected products from shelves and distribution centers; consumers were advised to dispose of recalled products and could contact the company for a replacement or full refund.
2020
McCormick and Primal Palate settle Old Bay–New Bae lawsuit
McCormick, owner of the Old Bay Seasoning brand, and Primal Palate, which sells New Bae seasoning, reached a private settlement in McCormick’s federal lawsuit. A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit on January 21 after both companies informed the court that they had reached the agreement.
1916
Black-pepper adulteration case
Federal authorities investigated a McCormick ground-black-pepper product. The resulting case required a fine and labeling that disclosed the presence of added pepper shells.
Marketing campaigns
- 2025Everyday / Make Your Best
United States
McCormick introduced a refreshed masterbrand platform called “Everyday” with the tagline “Make Your Best.” The creative framed flavor as a form of personal expression and connected the brand’s heritage with contemporary cultural and food references.
Outcome. The campaign aimed to reposition McCormick from a conventional pantry staple toward a source of daily inspiration for younger and culturally curious cooks.
- 2021PBS Kids sponsorship
United States
McCormick sponsored PBS Kids programming including Elinor Wonders Why, with the related sponsorship material also identifying Let's Go Luna.
Outcome. Brand-funded children's television sponsorship.
- 2020At-home cooking Q&A and cooking shows
United States
McCormick responded to pandemic-era changes in cooking behavior with a consumer Q&A series and step-by-step social video programs featuring members of its culinary and food-styling teams.
Outcome. The activity provided practical assistance to people cooking more frequently at home and gave the brand a direct social engagement channel.
- 2018Flavor Makers and expanded digital communications
United States
McCormick expanded digital communications and cooking-video content, including how-to material intended to engage younger home cooks and support the wider spice portfolio.
Outcome. The campaign activity supported McCormick’s effort to combine heritage-based brand trust with contemporary digital cooking inspiration.
- 2007Old spice package replacement campaign
United States
McCormick encouraged consumers to check the address printed on their spice packages and replace products bearing an older Baltimore address, highlighting that such packages could be more than 15 years old.
Outcome. Consumer education and package-refresh campaign.
- Grill Mates weather-responsive grilling campaign
United States
McCormick used weather data and digital placements to reach consumers when warm conditions were likely to stimulate grilling interest, promoting Grill Mates seasonings, rubs and recipes.
Outcome. The campaign was designed to increase awareness and household penetration for Grill Mates by connecting advertising with real-time outdoor-cooking occasions.
Brand decisions
2026
Proposed combination with Unilever’s food businessM&ABackground
The reported transaction was presented as a way to combine McCormick’s flavor portfolio with Unilever food brands such as Knorr and Hellmann’s.
Action taken
McCormick and Unilever announced a proposed combination structured through a corporate separation and merger transaction. Completion was reported to depend on regulatory approvals and other conditions.
Aftermath
The proposal prompted investor and market scrutiny. Its final effect on McCormick’s ownership, leadership and brand portfolio remained contingent on closing.
Reported transaction value. (Reported March 31, 2026)
2025
Increase ownership of McCormick de MexicoM&ABackground
McCormick identified Mexico and Latin America as markets for growth in condiments, sauces and adjacent categories.
Action taken
McCormick signed an agreement to acquire an additional 25 percent of McCormick de Mexico from Grupo Herdez, raising its intended ownership to 75 percent.
Aftermath
The transaction was announced as completed in January 2026 and positioned McCormick for greater control and expansion in Mexico and Latin America.
Purchase price. 750 million USD (Announced August 21, 2025; completed January 2, 2026)
2019
AI-assisted One seasoning lineProduct launchBackground
McCormick and IBM analyzed historical flavor data to identify possible combinations for convenient meal products.
Action taken
McCormick launched One seasoning mixes for one-dish meals.
Aftermath
The launch publicized the company's use of artificial intelligence in consumer product development.
2017
RB Foods acquisitionM&ABackground
McCormick sought to expand its global consumer portfolio beyond traditional spices.
Action taken
McCormick purchased Reckitt Benckiser's food division, adding French's and Frank's RedHot.
Aftermath
The transaction became the company's largest acquisition at the time and materially strengthened its condiment and hot-sauce categories.
2017
Acquire Frank’s RedHot and related food brandsM&ABackground
McCormick sought to strengthen its position in sauces, condiments and high-recognition consumer food brands.
Action taken
The company acquired Frank’s RedHot and related food brands from Reckitt Benckiser.
Aftermath
The transaction broadened McCormick’s portfolio beyond spices and added a major hot-sauce platform.
2016
Withdrawal from Premier Foods bidM&ABackground
McCormick evaluated a potential acquisition of Premier Foods in the United Kingdom.
Action taken
The company withdrew its proposal after concluding that Premier Foods' asking price would not benefit McCormick shareholders.
Aftermath
McCormick did not proceed with the transaction.
2008
Lawry's acquisition and Season-All divestitureM&ABackground
McCormick pursued Lawry's to expand its seasonings and marinades portfolio, but regulatory approval required a remedy.
Action taken
McCormick acquired Lawry's and agreed to sell Season-All to Morton Salt.
Aftermath
Lawry's became part of McCormick's branded consumer portfolio.
1980
Challenge to Sandoz's attempted takeoverM&ABackground
Sandoz announced an intention to purchase McCormick and acquired shares during its effort.
Action taken
McCormick sued Sandoz. Sandoz subsequently abandoned the attempt and sold the shares it had acquired.
Aftermath
McCormick remained independent.
Recent events
- 2026
McCormick completes acquisition of controlling interest in McCormick de Mexico[5]
M&A
The company reported completing the purchase of an additional 25 percent interest in McCormick de Mexico, increasing its ownership to 75 percent.
- 2026
McCormick and Unilever announce proposed food-business combination[9]
Regulation · M&A
Reports described a proposed transaction combining McCormick with Unilever’s food business, including brands such as Knorr and Hellmann’s. The reported transaction was subject to regulatory review and closing conditions.
- 2025
McCormick announces agreement to increase ownership of McCormick de Mexico[4]
M&A
McCormick announced an agreement to acquire an additional 25 percent of its Mexican joint venture from Grupo Herdez, which would raise its ownership to 75 percent and support expansion in condiments, sauces and Latin American markets.
- 2023
Brendan Foley appointed president and chief executive officer[17]
Leadership change
Brendan Foley succeeded Lawrence Kurzius as president and CEO, while Kurzius became executive chairman.
- 2023
McCormick consolidates global media business with Dentsu X[18]
Campaign · Other
Following a competitive review, McCormick selected Dentsu X for a consolidated global media role; Dentsu had previously handled U.S. and Canadian duties.
- 2021
McCormick announced a PBS Kids sponsorship[1]
Campaign
The company announced sponsorship of Elinor Wonders Why on PBS Kids; the reference material also identifies Let's Go Luna as part of the related PBS sponsorship activity.
- 2020
McCormick adapts marketing for increased at-home cooking[6]
Campaign · Other
During the coronavirus pandemic, McCormick introduced consumer question-and-answer content and home-kitchen cooking demonstrations through its website and social channels.
- 2019
McCormick introduced an AI-developed seasoning line[1]
Product launch · Other
Following a collaboration with IBM, McCormick brought the One range of seasoning mixes to market using artificial-intelligence-assisted flavor development.
- 2018
Grey appointed advertising agency of record for McCormick portfolio[11]
Campaign · Other
McCormick appointed Grey to lead advertising for its U.S. McCormick spice portfolio and Frank’s RedHot, with a brief spanning digital and multiplatform communications.
- 2008
McCormick acquired Lawry's and sold Season-All for regulatory approval[1]
M&A · Regulation
McCormick purchased the Lawry's seasonings and marinades brand. To obtain approval, it agreed to divest its Season-All business to Morton Salt.
Showing the 10 most recent.
Sources35 sources
- 1McCormick & Companyen.wikipedia.org
- 2McCormick & Company, Inc.britannica.com
- 3McCormick corporate management and investor relationsir.mccormick.com
- 4McCormick Advances Flavor Leadership in Mexicoir.mccormick.com
- 5McCormick Completes Acquisition of Controlling Interest in McCormick de Mexicoir.mccormick.com
- 6McCormick Is Adjusting Its Marketing to Embrace This Moment of At-Home Mealsadweek.com
- 7McCormick: Make Your Bestadsoftheworld.com
- 8McCormick & Company case study: weather-responsive grilling campaignweathercompany.com
- 9Unilever, McCormick strike deal to create food companyreuters.com
- 10Frank’s RedHot acquiredtracxn.com
- 11Flavor Makers and expanded digital communicationsmediapost.com
- 12McCormick recalls four seasoning products over possible Salmonella contaminationpowderbulksolids.com
- 13McCormick recalls seasoning products over possible Salmonella contaminationklkntv.com
- 14McCormick recalls seasoning products over possible Salmonella contaminationwgrd.com
- 15McCormick recalls Italian seasoning and Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Ranch Seasoning over possible Salmonella contaminationprnewswire.com
- 16McCormick and Primal Palate settle Old Bay–New Bae lawsuit1027jackfm.iheart.com
- 17Brendan Foley appointed president and chief executive officerfoodbusinessnews.net
- 18McCormick consolidates global media business with Dentsu Xadage.com
- 19IFC partners with McCormick & Company, Citithepaypers.com
- 20McCormick & Company completes acquisition of majority stake in McCormick de Mexico | FoodBev Mediafoodbev.com
- 21McCormick acquires flavor manufacturer FONA Internationalbeveragedaily.com
- 22McCormick Acquires FONA Int'l For $710 Mln In Cashfinanznachrichten.de
- 23McCormick acquires natural flavorings company FONA International for $710 millionbaltimoresun.com
- 24McCormick Adds Nordstom’s Anne Bramman to Boardconsumergoods.com
- 25McCormick Appoints Anne Bramman to Board of Directorsprnewswire.com
- 26McCormick beats quarterly sales estimates on steady demand - Reutersnews.google.com
- 27McCormick Completes Acquisition of Cholula Hot Sauceprnewswire.com
- 28McCormick Completes Acquisition of Controlling Interest in McCormick de Mexicoprnewswire.com
- 29McCormick recalls 3 products for possible Salmonella contamination | WBAL Baltimore Newswbal.com
- 30McCormick Recalls Seasoning Products Over Potential Salmonella Contamination; Here is the List of Items to Avoidhngn.com
- 31McCormick Reports 2019 Financial Results And Provides Outlook For 2020prnewswire.com
- 32McCormick Reports Strong 2020 Financial Results And Provides Outlook For 2021prnewswire.com
- 33McCormick To Acquire Drogheria & Alimentari In Italyfinanznachrichten.de
- 34McCormick To Acquire Drogheria & Alimentari In Italy - Quick Factsrttnews.com
- 35McCormick to acquire Italian spices and seasonings companyfoodbusinessnews.net
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