Today, shoppers not only want high-quality, flavorful products, but many of them want to know that what they are adding to their baskets will not have a negative impact on the environment. To give consumers peace of mind, McCormick & Company has announced the advancement of its Grown for Good third-party verified sustainability standard for suppliers in the herbs and spices industry.
"At McCormick, we're committed to Purpose-led Performance which means doing what's right for people, communities and the planet we share. Sustainable sourcing is a top priority and a 2025 commitment for McCormick,” said Lawrence E. Kurzius, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. “Our teams have been actively working to advance our McCormick Grown for Good sustainability standard, and I'm excited about our progress to date. We are working with our suppliers and partners to showcase our shared dedication to advancing industry-wide accountability and performance in sustainability sourcing.”
The Grown for Good standard was designed to impact three key areas, according to a press release: ethical and safe supply chains, regenerative production systems, and resilient communities. Not only does the program meet environmental standards around water and waste management as well as biodiversity and traceability, the standard goes beyond that to create a holistic approach.
This farm-to-facility program includes additional requirements to increase resilience and empower women in the communities from which the company sources its raw materials, starting with McCormick’s top five products—black pepper, red pepper, vanilla, oregano, and cinnamon. The Grown for Good standard will extend to the rest of its herbs and spices portfolio and other ingredients over time.
McCormick’s framework helps ensure an ethical and sustainable supply chain, including supplier factories, by mandating all suppliers follow the company’s Supplier Code of Conduct, become members of the Supplier Ethical Data Exchange (SEDEX), and undergo a third-party verified social compliance audit.
Grown for Good also equips farming communities with regenerative production systems intended to create a long-lasting supply while safeguarding farm resources through education on soil health, water management, and biodiversity. All suppliers are annually evaluated to ensure that they a continuing to meet the requirements.
Currently, Grown for Good standards are being leveraged in Vietnam, Indonesia, India, and Brazil, and will soon be available in other countries.
McCormick's Grown for Good standard has been vetted and verified by leading third parties within the industry and utilizes a global network of auditors to independently confirm the application of the standard at the farm and supplier levels. The standard has also been benchmarked by the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Platform.
To learn more about McCormick's approach to sustainability, please refer to the company's Purpose-led Performance Report, which outlines its 2025 goals and commitments around people, communities, and the planet, or its Grown for Good standard.
How will McCormick continue to evolve this expansive strategy? Deli Market News will keep you updated with the latest information.
