Read about the milestones, landmarks, and notable events that have comprised McCormick history and allowed us to become the world's leading flavor experts.
1889 McCormick & Company was started in Baltimore, in one room and a cellar by 25-year-old Willoughby M. McCormick. First products were root beer, flavoring extracts, and fruit syrups and juices, sold under "Bee Brand" and "Silver Medal" trademarks; "Iron Glue" (Sticks Everything But the Buyer) and "Uncle Sam's Nerve and Bone Liniment" (For Man Or Beast). Products were sold door-to-door and the motto was "Make the Best - Someone Will Buy It."
1896 McCormick bought F. G. Emmett Spice Company of Philadelphia. All machinery was shipped to Baltimore, as the firm prepared to enter the spice field.
1900 Export office opened in New York City. Products were shipped to South and Central America, South Africa, East and West Indies, and Europe.
1902 "Banquet Brand" established for spices and mustard.
1903 Incorporated in Maine, the firm now enjoyed a wide reputation as Manufacturing Chemist, Drug & Spice Millers, Importers and Exporters.
1904 All material assets and records lost in Great Baltimore Fire. Within 10 months, a new five-story building was erected on the old site.
1905 "Bee Brand" Tea added to product line.
1910 McCormick became one of the first producers of tea in gauze pouches, thereby introducing "tea bags."
1912 Charles P. McCormick began working as shipping department clerk in summer.
1915 McCormick & Company was re-incorporated, in Maryland.
1921 A new home for the "House of McCormick" was built at the Baltimore harbor.
1925 C. P. McCormick was elected to Board of Directors.
1926 McCormick stock offered to wholesale grocers for first time.