McCormick has unveiled further details of the future operating model for its planned combination with Unilever Foods, outlining a new global structure designed to accelerate growth, strengthen customer relationships and create one of the world’s largest flavour-focused food businesses.
Once the transaction is completed, the combined company will bring together a portfolio of globally recognised brands, including McCormick, Knorr, Hellmann’s, French’s, Frank’s RedHot, Cholula and Maille, creating a business with approximately US$20 billion in annual revenue based on 2025 financial data.
The new organisation will operate through four commercial divisions: Americas Consumer, International Consumer, Global Food Service, and Global Flavour. McCormick said the structure is intended to improve accountability, simplify decision-making and better serve consumers, foodservice operators and industrial customers across international markets.
Leadership of the combined company will draw talent from both organisations. Brendan Foley will continue as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, while Marcos Gabriel will remain Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Senior leadership appointments include executives from both McCormick and Unilever Foods, reflecting the global nature of the new business and its ambition to combine expertise across marketing, research and development, supply chain, digital technology, legal affairs and human resources.
As part of its long-term strategy, McCormick also confirmed that the combined company intends to establish a secondary listing on the London Stock Exchange, complementing its primary US listing. In addition, the business plans to establish its international headquarters in the Netherlands while maintaining Unilever Foods’ research and development facilities at Hive, reinforcing its commitment to the European market.
The transaction represents a major strategic shift for both companies. For McCormick, it significantly expands its scale, brand portfolio and international reach, particularly in condiments, seasonings and foodservice. For Unilever, the separation of its Foods division will allow the company to focus exclusively on its higher-growth businesses in Beauty, Wellbeing, Personal Care and Home Care, creating a more focused consumer goods portfolio.
Industry analysts view the combination as one of the most significant developments in the global food sector in recent years. By bringing together complementary brands, extensive research capabilities and worldwide distribution networks, the new organisation aims to strengthen its position with retailers, foodservice operators and consumers while responding to growing demand for flavour innovation, premium condiments and convenient meal solutions.
Subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, the transaction is expected to reshape the competitive landscape of the global food industry, creating a market-leading flavour company with an expanded international footprint and significant opportunities for future growth.