Read about the milestones, landmarks, and notable events that have comprised McCormick history and allowed us to become the world's leading flavor experts.
2000 The Company acquires Ducros of France, the largest spice company in Europe. The Company opens the new Culinary Center, part of Research & Development at the Technical Innovation Center in Hunt Valley, Maryland. The Culinary Center is to become a forum for McCormick's creative technical talent to work with customers to develop new product innovations and solutions. Barry Beracha, then Chairman and CEO of Earthgrains, presently Executive Vice President, Sara Lee Corporation, CEO Sara Lee Bakery Group, is elected to the McCormick Board of Directors.
2001 Michael Fitzpatrick, President & Chief Operating Officer of Rohm and Haas Company, was elected to the McCormick Board of Directors.
2002 McCormick announces two-for-one split of common stock. The Company opens the new Sensory Center adjacent to the Culinary Center at the Technical Innovation Center in Hunt Valley, Maryland.
2003 McCormick is added to the Standard and Poor's 500 Index. The Company acquires the UK condiment business, Uniqsauces. The Company acquires Zatarain's, the leading New Orleans-style food brand in the US. The Company sold its packaging businesses, Setco and Tubed Products Inc., to Kerr Group, Inc. The Company sold the assets of Jenks Sales Brokers, a brokerage business in the United Kingdom, to Jenks' senior management. Margaret M.V. Preston, Executive Vice President of Mercantile Safe Deposit & Trust of Baltimore, is elected to the Company Board of Directors.
2004 The Company officially opened a new headquarters for its French subsidiary in Agroparc near Avignon. Previously known as Ducros SAS, the business was renamed McCormick France. The Company acquires C.M. van Sillevoldt B.V. of the Netherlands, which sells spices, herbs and seasonings under the Silvo brand in The Netherlands and the India brand in Belgium.
2005 John P. Bilbrey, Senior Vice President of The Hershey Company and President of Hershey International is elected to the Company Board of Directors.
2006 The Company completed the acquisition of the remaining 49% share of Dessert Products International, S.A.S. (DPI) from Hero A.G. in exchange for its 50% interest in Signature Brands, LLC joint venture. McCormick purchased the assets of Epicurean International for $97 million. This included the Thai Kitchen® and Simply Asia® brands. The business has been renamed Simply Asia Foods, Inc. Alan D. Wilson appointed President and COO.
2007 Michael D. Mangan, Sr. Vice President & CFO of the Black and Decker Corporation is elected to the Board of Directors. George A. Roche, former Chairman and President of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., is elected to the Board of Directors. The CreateIT Center within the Technical Innovation Center in Hunt Valley, MD is opened. The Company launched the McCormick Science Institute to support scientific research and disseminate information on the health benefits of culinary spices and herbs. Alan D. Wilson, President and COO, was appointed President and CEO succeeding Robert J. Lawless who announced his intention to retire at the end of 2007 but will remain Chairman of the Board of Directors. Joseph W. McGrath, President & CEO of the Unisys Corporation, was appointed to the Board of Directors. Announced agreement with Unilever to purchase assets of Lawry's for $605 million. Company celebrates 75th anniversary of Multiple Management.
2008 Acquired Billy Bee Honey Products Ltd. of Canada for $75 million. The Company acquired the well-known Lawry's brand of seasoning blends and marinades for $604 million in the biggest acquisition in our history.
