Our Journey... We Are Innovating

Innovation is vital – 10% of our sales in 2006 came from products that we have introduced since 2004.

     Our extensive databases on consumer trends and grocery store sales, and our collaborative work with top culinary chefs on product and recipe development give us an unmatched expertise. One way we use that expertise is to create and publish our Flavor Forecast, which we share with customers, consumers and food editors. It can be found on our web site at www.mccormick.com.

     Current trends driving what consumers purchase and prepare include freshness, convenience, ethnic and wellness. Our new product platforms reflect these trends and include authentic Hispanic products, organic herbs and spices, wet sauces and pastes, and lower sodium items.

     We pursue innovation – opportunities for growth – through product development, as well as through the acquisition of complementary brands and businesses. In 2006, we acquired the Thai Kitchen® and Simply Asia® brands, extending our array of flavors for the U.S. consumer. Thai Kitchen is the No.1 brand in the Thai food category. Simply Asia extends our offerings into Szechuan and other varieties. These are the fastest-growing brands in the Asian category.

     We are a global leader in providing flavor to the entire food industry. We plan to maintain and strengthen that leadership through continuous innovation made possible by our unique ability to expand our flavor platform.

Whether it's in a kitchen in Europe, a restaurant in Asia or on-the-go in North America – we are experimenting with bold and zesty flavors. Across our consumer and industrial businesses, our flavor reaches all sectors of the global food industry.