![Growing Forward](images/growing-forward.jpg)
First and foremost, we are a global leader in the profitable and growing spice and seasonings retail product category. Within that category, we have the broadest line of products – from economy-priced store brands to premium gourmet items. As a result, we enjoy strong category share in our major geographic markets.
Second, on the industrial side of our business, we provide a broad range of flavor solutions to the leading and most recognizable multinational restaurant businesses and many of the large multinational packaged food manufacturers. All of these customers rely on us for safe, consistent and innovative products.
![The category share of McCormick’s spice and seasoning brands in our top four geographic markets far exceeds that of the next largest branded competitor.](images/market-share.gif)
These characteristics, coupled with a disciplined approach to managing our financial resources, have allowed the Company to achieve a double-digit increase in earnings per share in each of the past four years when measured on a comparable basis. This is particularly remarkable in light of unprecedented spikes in raw material costs in 2007, a severe economic downturn in the global economy in 2008 and currency market headwinds over the past 12 months.
Shareholder return is further enhanced by our strong dividend track record. In November 2009, your Board of Directors approved the Company’s 24th consecutive year of dividend increase, and we have paid dividends every year since 1925.
Underlying this performance is our strategy for growth: continuous margin improvement, further investment in the business and steadily increasing sales and profit. This strategy has served us well during these extreme economic conditions. We fully expect it to continue to deliver solid financial results as we move forward.
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