The Rising Influence of Rising Affluence

[DewDiligence]

Here’s MKC’s PR that accompanied the Investor Day webcast on
4/17/12—note the emphasis on emerging markets. On the webcast,
they connected the dots for investors by noting that increasing affluence
leads to higher protein consumption, and most protein foods require
the kind of seasoning that MKC specializes in. It’s an obvious point,
but one I had never previously contemplated!

http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/63754/000119312512165580/d335559dex991.htm

›McCormick Outlines Key Growth Initiatives, Financial Outlook

SPARKS, MD, APRIL 17, 2012 – McCormick & Company, Inc. (NYSE: MKC), a global leader in flavor, today will discuss plans to drive continued sales and earnings growth at their investor conference titled “A World of Flavor.” Through acquisitions, the expansion of leading brands and customized flavor solutions for industrial customers, the company is increasing its global footprint to meet the growing demand for flavor by consumers worldwide.

In the U.S., consumption of spices has grown almost three times as fast as population growth. Today, 87% of consumers say taste is the most important driver of food selection, and 69% like to try new flavors, an increase of 5% in the past two years according to the Institute of Food Technologists. Outside of the U.S., similar forces are driving consumer demand for flavor. The company has a particular interest in emerging markets and expects 20% of sales to come from these markets by 2015. With a growing middle class, consumers in emerging markets have an increased interest in the quality and convenience of branded packaged spices and seasonings.

Alan Wilson, Chairman, President & CEO and other McCormick executives will present the key initiatives that are driving sales performance across the company. With a globally coordinated set of growth strategies, the company is improving its effectiveness in serving a broad range of customers that include local grocery chains, multi-national retailers, quick service restaurants and leading food manufacturers. This breadth of customers, along with a vast and customizable portfolio of flavors, allows McCormick to share its passion for flavor every day, no matter where or what consumers eat.

McCormick is investing in its business with brand marketing support and acquisitions, and fueling this growth with productivity improvements through its Comprehensive Continuous Improvement program. Long-term, the company expects to achieve annual growth of 4-6% in sales, 7-9% operating income and 9-11% earnings per share. Along with a commitment to annual dividend increases, these financial objectives should lead to a double-digit increase in total shareholder return for McCormick investors.

Mr. Wilson plans to conclude the conference with comments on McCormick’s strong foundation, effective strategy and exciting future. The company anticipates an increased demand for flavor worldwide and is taking a global approach to meeting this demand with investments, growth initiatives and superior resources. Company leaders have a strategy to deliver high performance, and a talented team committed to success and building value for McCormick shareholders.

Live Webcast

As previously announced, McCormick will have a live webcast of the investor conference beginning today at 1:00 pm Eastern Time. Go to ir.mccormick.com and follow directions to listen to the presentation and view the accompanying presentation materials. A replay of the presentation, available following the event, past press releases and other information can also be found at this address.‹