McCormick & Company

The story of flavor giant McCormick & Company began in a Baltimore basement in 1889. At 25 years old, founder Willoughby M. McCormick didn't start with the spices that would make his company a household name, but with products like root beer, fruit syrups, and flavoring extracts, which he sold door-to-door. A pivotal moment came in 1896 when McCormick acquired the F.G. Emmett Spice Company, steering the business firmly into the spice industry. This strategic shift proved successful, and the company was incorporated a few years later. A major test of resilience arrived in 1904 when the Great Baltimore Fire destroyed most of the company's assets. However, McCormick rebuilt, and growth continued. A key figure in this era was Willoughby's nephew, Charles P. McCormick, who joined in 1912 and eventually took the helm in 1932, leading the company for decades. A significant step toward national dominance occurred in 1947 with the acquisition of A. Schilling & Company of San Francisco, giving McCormick coast-to-coast distribution. The company went public on April 3, 1972, and later moved to the New York Stock Exchange in 1999. Throughout its history, McCormick's growth has been fueled by strategic acquisitions. In 2017, it made its largest purchase ever, acquiring the food division of Reckitt Benckiser for $4.2 billion. This deal brought iconic brands like French's Mustard and Frank's RedHot into its portfolio, solidifying its position as a leader in the condiment and flavor market. Subsequent acquisitions, including Cholula Hot Sauce in 2020 and FONA International, have further expanded its reach.