McCormick Hits 100% Sustainable Sourcing for Top Ingredients

McCormick has published its 2025 Purpose-led Performance Report, which details the completion of the company's 2025 commitments and outlines progress in responsible sourcing, climate action, operational resilience and employee wellbeing.

The flavour manufacturer and distributor was founded in 1889. Since its inception, it has expanded from a small Baltimore spice company into a global operation.

Sourcing across farming communities

According to the report, McCormick achieved 100% sustainably sourced volumes for its top five ingredients. These are black pepper, cinnamon, oregano, red pepper and vanilla.

The company also achieved the same for clove and sage. This could show enhanced supply reliability and quality consistency.

McCormick has been investing in farming communities to build resilience. The aim is to secure access to ingredients over the long term.

The company is also working to reduce environmental impact across its operations and value chain. This could drive efficiency gains.

Brendan M. Foley, Chairman, President & 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."

Supply chain risk assessment

McCormick launched its 'Grown for good' certification in 2019. Through this programme, the company has collaborated with suppliers across 23 commodities in 11 countries.

The focus has been on building farmer resilience and providing climate-smart agricultural training. According to the report, 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. These programmes abated approximately 50,000 metric tons of CO₂e.

Nearly 60,000 acres were placed into regenerative practices. This could advance the company's transition towards a more regenerative food system.

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

Human rights, environmental and governance risk indicators were integrated directly into the procurement governance model. In-depth participatory impact assessments were conducted in eight priority countries.

These assessments inform targeted supplier engagement, as well as helping to develop tailored action plans for responsible labour and environmental practices.

Emissions and packaging targets

McCormick 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.

This is measured against a 2020 baseline. McCormick achieved a near 90% response rate from more than 100 suppliers.

These suppliers represent over half of its Scope 3 emissions. Enhanced primary data helps the procurement team understand and report value chain emissions.

McCormick is working on capabilities to map out the specific emission factors of raw materials. 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."

Kathy adds: "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."

Circularity in packaging operations

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

McCormick increased its PCR materials usage to 6% of total plastic packaging, up from 3% in the year prior.

In the EMEA region, procurement and supply chain teams invested in sachet production line modifications. These changes adapt to evolving sustainability regulations.

The modifications also test circular formats over the long term. This could support the company's packaging targets.