Earnings per share in 2008 included apreannounced 0

On acomparable basis, excluding restructuring charges and unusual items, earningsper share increased 11. Fourth quarter earnings per share was $0.62 versus$0.67 in 2007. On a comparable basis, earnings per share rose 12 in the fourthquarter of 2008. For fiscal year 2009, projecting sales growth of 2 to 4, a 9 to 11 increasein local currency. Earnings per share expected to increase 7 to 9 on acomparable basis with 2008.McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC), today reported record results forthe fourth quarter and fiscal year ended November 30, 2008. Acquisitions,product innovation and increased marketing behind the Companys leading brandsdrove these results. During the year, the Company effectively offset higherinput costs with a combination of pricing, productivity measures and a morefavorable product mix Alan D.

Wilson, President and CEO, commented, "Our 2008 financial resultsdemonstrate the resiliency of our business in a tough environment and theability of our employees to adapt. Despite the economic downturn we grew salesof our consumer products 11, driven in part by the acquisition of Lawrys andBilly Bee honey products, increased marketing support, new products, improvedmerchandising and expanded distribution. In ourindustrial business, we have supported the growth of our strategic customerswith innovative products, and collaborated with them to manage through a periodof volatile costs. We achieved a 6 increase in operating income for ourindustrial business on a comparable basis, excluding restructuring charges,despite weakness in the restaurant industry. This exceeded the Companys initial projection of4 to 6 sales growth.

In the third yearof this program, the total annual savings have reached $56 million. Higher salesand actions to offset increased costs, led to an 8 increase in gross profit anda 6 increase in operating income, which rose 9 on a comparable basis,excluding restructuring and impairment charges. The operating income resultincludes a 13 increase in marketing support for the consumer and industrialbusinesses combined. Earnings per share in 2008 included apre-announced $0.15 non-cash impairment charge, $0.09 of restructuring chargesand a $0.04 credit for items related to the acquisition of assets of the Lawrysbusiness which included a gain on the sale of the Season-All business. Earningsper share in 2007 included $0.18 of restructuring charges.