effective February 2016. Kurzius was a leader at McCormick for 12 years before the announcement and previously held positions at Uncle Ben's, Mars Inc., and the Quaker Oats Co. The company dropped its bid to acquire Premier Foods in April 2016 after determining that Premier's asking price would not benefit shareholders. Late in 2016, the company acquired Enrico Giotti SpA, a private Italian flavorings company, in a $127 million deal. In 2017, McCormick purchased Reckitt Benckiser's Food Division ("RB Foods"). At over four billion dollars, it topped the Lawry's acquisition a decade earlier, to become the largest acquisition in the company's history. The addition of French's and Frank's RedHot to McCormick's global portfolio represent the second and third largest brands, respectively, behind the McCormick brand. In November 2020, McCormick agreed to buy Cholula Hot Sauce from L Catterton. In December 2020, McCormick acquired FONA, a leading North American manufacturer of flavors. Research and development In February 2019, McCormick announced that it worked with IBM to build an artificial intelligence (AI) system to analyze decades of data to develop new flavor combinations and seasoning mixes. The company brought its first AI-developed line of seasoning mixes to market in 2019, which were called "One" for making one-dish meals. TV sponsorship In December 2021, McCormick announced their sponsorship of Elinor Wonders Why on PBS Kids, and the PBS sponsorship group noted Let's Go Luna as another such series; this is the first PBS programming to be funded by McCormick. Headquarters In 1970, McCormick moved its manufacturing and corporate offices from Baltimore's Inner Harbor to Hunt Valley, Maryland. In 1991, McCormick corporate offices were moved to Sparks, Maryland. In 2018, the company's 1,100-employee global headquarters moved from Sparks to nearby Hunt Valley, Maryland with a grand opening held on October 2, 2018. McCormick's consumer segment has brands in approximately 170 countries and territories. The retail range includes spices and herbs, recipe mixes, extracts, condiments, marinades, stocks, broths, bouillons, sauces, toppings, homemade desserts, rice mixes, salad dressings and breadings. McCormick makes flavorings, branded food services products, condiments, coating systems and ingredients for food manufacturers, food service operators and restaurants around the world. Brands McCormick & Company brands reach consumers in more than 170 countries and territories. Its brands include: References External links Companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange Food and drink companies established in 1889 Companies based in Hunt Valley, Maryland Food and