How McCormick Has Reached its Sustainable Sourcing Milestone

McCormick has published its 2025 Purpose-led Performance Report. The flavour manufacturer says it has completed its 2025 commitments and made progress across sourcing practices, climate measures, operational systems and employee support.

The company was founded in 1889 as a Baltimore spice business. McCormick operates under the purpose to "make life more flavorful" and aims to be the world's most trusted source of flavour.

Sustainability in operations

McCormick is integrating sustainability into its strategy and daily operations. This approach could reinforce accountability, protect brand trust and support long-term growth.

The company completed its 2025 Purpose-led Performance goals. It achieved 100% sustainably sourced volumes for its top five ingredients: black pepper, cinnamon, oregano, red pepper and vanilla.

McCormick also reached this target for clove and sage. This could enhance supply reliability and quality consistency.

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The company has been investing in farming communities to build resilience and secure long-term access to ingredients. It has also been working to reduce environmental impact across its operations and value chain to improve efficiency.

Brendan M Foley, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of McCormick & Company, says: "In a year marked by continued change and global complexity, I am proud of the meaningful progress we have made in advancing our Purpose-led Performance commitments.

"Our teams have remained focused and resilient, strengthening how we operate while delivering lasting value for our people, communities and the planet."

Kathy Rostkowski, Chief Sustainability Officer at McCormick & Company, says: "As I've stepped into the role of Chief Sustainability Officer, I am proud to build on the strong foundation we have established.

"We are closing out our 2025 PLP commitments with encouraging progress and a clear view of where to go next.

"We are demonstrating that trust is earned when sustainability is practised, not promised."

Sourcing and supply chain

McCormick launched its Grown for Good certification in 2019. Through this programme, the company has worked with suppliers across 23 commodities in 11 countries to build farmer resilience and provide climate-smart agricultural training.

According to McCormick, the company has impacted more than 57,000 farmers to strengthen livelihoods and resilience in key sourcing regions.

In 2024, McCormick launched programmes with nearly 100 US farmers. According to the company, these programmes abated approximately 50,000 metric tons of CO₂e and placed nearly 60,000 acres into regenerative practices.

McCormick completed a risk assessment covering 100% of its global agricultural spend. The assessment aligns with the UN Guiding Principles and OECD Guidelines.

The company integrated human rights, environmental and governance risk indicators into its procurement governance model. It conducted on-the-ground participatory impact assessments in eight countries to inform supplier engagement and develop action plans for labour and environmental practices.

Emissions and packaging

According to McCormick, it reduced its Scope 3 GHG emissions by 9% in 2025. The company is on track to reach its target of 40% absolute reduction by 2030, measured against a 2020 baseline.

McCormick achieved a near 90% response rate from more than 100 suppliers. These suppliers represent more than half of its Scope 3 emissions.

This data could help its procurement team understand and report value chain emissions. McCormick is also working on capabilities to map out and understand the emission factors of raw materials.

In 2025, McCormick sustained 80% circular packaging for a second year. It aims for 100% by 2030.

The company increased its PCR materials usage to 6% of total plastic packaging, up from 3% in the prior year. In the EMEA region, McCormick's procurement and supply chain teams invested in sachet production line modifications to adapt to changing sustainability regulations and test longer-term circular formats.