QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 4, 2007

Registration No. 333-            

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

McCormick & Company, Incorporated
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Maryland
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)		   52-0408290
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

18 Loveton Circle, P.O. Box 6000
Sparks, Maryland
21152-6000
(410) 771-7563
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)

Robert W. Skelton
McCormick & Company, Incorporated
18 Loveton Circle
Sparks, Maryland 21152
(410) 771-7563
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

Copies to:
Alan L. Dye
John B. Beckman
Hogan & Hartson LLP
555 Thirteenth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20004-1109
(202) 637-5600

        Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after this registration statement becomes effective.

        If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box.    o

        If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box.    ý

        If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

        If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

        If this form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box.    ý

        If this form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box.    o

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

Title of each class of
securities to be registered
   Amount to
be registered
   Amount of
Registration Fee (1)
Debt Securities   (1)   $0
(1)
The registrant is registering hereby an unspecified amount of securities which may be offered from time to time at unspecified prices. Pursuant to Rule 457(p), $23,540 of the registration fee previously paid with respect to the registrant's Registration Statement No. 333-122366, filed on January 28, 2005, relate to securities that remain unsold as of this date and are being used to offset against any registration fees that may become due under all offerings that may hereinafter be made under this registration statement. In accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r), the registrant is deferring payment of all other registration fees which may subsequently be payable following application of the above-referenced pre-paid filing fees.


PROSPECTUS

         GRAPHIC

        McCormick & Company, Incorporated

        Debt Securities

        We may from time to time issue Debt Securities. This prospectus may not be used to sell Debt Securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement. The accompanying prospectus supplement will specify the terms of the Debt Securities.

        We may sell these Debt Securities through agents designated from time to time, through underwriters or dealers or we may sell them directly ourselves. The names of the underwriters or agents will be set forth in the accompanying prospectus supplement.

        See "Risk Factors" on page 3 herein and, if applicable, in the accompanying prospectus supplement for risks relating to an investment in our Debt Securities.

        Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

Prospectus dated December 4, 2007


ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

        This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") utilizing a "shelf" registration process. Under this process, we may offer and sell Debt Securities in one or more offerings.

        We have not authorized anyone to give any information or to make any representations concerning the Debt Securities we may offer except those which are in this prospectus, the prospectus supplement which is delivered with this prospectus or any free writing prospectus which may be incorporated by reference into this prospectus or such prospectus supplement. If anyone gives any other information or representation, you should not rely on it. This prospectus is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the Debt Securities which are referred to in the prospectus supplement. This prospectus is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy Debt Securities in any circumstances in which the offer or solicitation is unlawful. You should not interpret the delivery of this prospectus, or any sale of Debt Securities, as an indication that there has been no change in our affairs since the date of this prospectus.

        This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus which we have authorized, or which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus or such prospectus supplement, do not contain all of the information included in the registration statement. We have omitted parts of the registration statement as permitted by the SEC's rules and regulations. For further information, we refer you to the registration statement on Form S-3 filed on December 4, 2007, which can be read at the SEC web site or at the SEC offices mentioned under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information and Incorporation by Reference." The registration statement also includes exhibits. Statements contained in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus which we have authorized, or which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus or such prospectus supplement, about the provisions or contents of any agreement or other document are not necessarily complete. If SEC rules and regulations require that any agreement or document be filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, you should refer to that agreement or document for a complete description of these matters.

        This prospectus provides you with a general description of the Debt Securities we may offer. Each time we sell any of the Debt Securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering and the securities being offered. The prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus may also add, update or change any information contained in this prospectus, and any statement in this prospectus will be modified or superseded by any inconsistent statement in a prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus together with the additional information described under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information and Incorporation by Reference."

        When we refer to "McCormick," "we," "us" or "our" in this prospectus, we mean McCormick & Company, Incorporated and its subsidiaries or, as the context may require, McCormick & Company, Incorporated only.


CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This prospectus and the information incorporated by reference in it include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act. We intend the forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in these sections.

        All statements regarding our expected financial position and operating results, our business strategy, our financing plans, our future capital requirements, forecasted demographic and economic

2


trends relating to our industry, our ability to complete acquisitions, to realize anticipated cost savings and other benefits from acquisitions and to recover acquisition-related costs, and similar matters are forward-looking statements.

        These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the statements. The forward-looking information is based on various factors and was derived using numerous assumptions.

        In some cases, you can identify these statements by our use of forward-looking words such as "may," "will," "would," "should," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "plan," "believe," "predict," "project," "potential" or "intend." You should be aware that these statements only reflect our predictions. Actual events or results may differ substantially.

        Important factors that could cause our actual results to be materially different from our expectations include:

        We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


RISK FACTORS

        An investment in our Debt Securities involves a high degree of risk. We urge you to carefully consider the risks incorporated by reference in this prospectus and, if applicable, in any accompanying prospectus supplement used in connection with an offering of Debt Securities, before making an investment decision, including those risks identified under "Risk Factors" in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended May 31, 2007, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus and which may be amended, supplemented or superseded from time to time by other reports we file with the SEC in the future. Additional risks, including those that related to any particular Debt Securities we offer, may be included in the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus which we have authorized, or which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus or such prospectus supplement.

        Our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. The market or trading price of our Debt Securities could decline due to any of these risks. In addition, please read "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in this prospectus, where we describe additional uncertainties associated with our business and the forward-looking statements included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or in any prospectus supplement used in connection with an offering of Debt Securities. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business and operations or cause the price of our Debt Securities to decline.

3


OUR COMPANY

        We are a diversified specialty food company and a global leader in the manufacture, marketing and distribution of spices, herbs, seasoning blends and other flavors to the entire food industry. Our major sales, distribution and production facilities are located in North America and Europe. Additional facilities are located in Mexico, Central America, Australia, China, Singapore, Thailand and South Africa.

        We operate in two business segments: consumer and industrial. The consumer segment sells spices, herbs, extracts, seasoning blends, sauces, marinades and specialty foods to the consumer food market under a variety of brands, including "McCormick," "Zatarain's," "Simply Asia" and "Thai Kitchens" in the US, "Ducros," "Vahine" and "Silvo" in continental Europe, "Club House" in Canada and "Schwartz" in the U.K. The industrial segment sells seasoning blends, natural spices and herbs, wet flavors, coating systems and compound flavors to food manufacturers and the food service industry, served both directly and indirectly through distributors.

        We have a worldwide workforce of approximately 7,400 employees as of the date of this prospectus and our principal executive offices are located at 18 Loveton Circle, Sparks, Maryland 21152 (telephone: 410-771-7301).


RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

        Our ratios of earnings to fixed charges were 4.81 for the nine months ended August 31, 2007 and 4.90, 6.53, 6.86, 6.89 and 5.94 for the fiscal years ended November 30, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. For the purpose of this ratio, "earnings" consist of income from consolidated operations before income taxes, plus fixed charges (net of capitalized interest), amortization of capitalized interest and dividends from unconsolidated subsidiaries. "Fixed charges" consist of interest, whether expensed or capitalized (including amortization of debt discount), and that portion of rental expense that is representative of interest.


USE OF PROCEEDS

        Except as may be described otherwise in a prospectus supplement, we expect to use the net proceeds from the sale of the Debt Securities under this prospectus for general corporate purposes, including refinancing existing indebtedness, future acquisitions, capital expenditures and working capital. Until we apply the net proceeds for specific purposes, we may invest such net proceeds in short-term or marketable securities.

4


DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

        The following description of the terms of the Debt Securities sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the Debt Securities to which any prospectus supplement may relate. The Debt Securities are to be issued under an Indenture (the "Indenture"), to be entered into between McCormick and The Bank of New York, as trustee (the "Trustee"), a copy of which has been filed with the SEC as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. We will include in a supplement to this prospectus and/or in a free writing prospectus or pricing supplement authorized by us, or which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus or such prospectus supplement, the specific terms of each series of Debt Securities being offered. The following summaries of certain provisions of the Indenture and the Debt Securities do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all provisions of the Indenture (including any amendments or supplements we may enter into from time to time) and the Debt Securities. Capitalized terms are defined in the Indenture unless otherwise defined herein. Wherever particular provisions or defined terms of the Indenture are referred to, such provisions or defined terms are incorporated herein by reference.


General

        The Indenture does not limit the amount of Debt Securities which can be issued thereunder and provides that Debt Securities may be issued thereunder up to the aggregate principal amount which may be authorized from time to time by us. The Debt Securities will be unsecured and will rank on a parity with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of McCormick.

        Reference is hereby made to the prospectus supplement relating to the applicable series of Debt Securities for the terms of such Debt Securities, including where applicable:

5

        The Debt Securities may be issued in one or more series with the same or various maturities and will be issued only in full registered form without coupons.

        The terms of the Debt Securities do not afford holders of the Debt Securities protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction involving McCormick that may adversely affect holders of the Debt Securities.


Transfer and Exchange

        The Debt Securities of a series may be issued in either registered form ("Registered Securities") or global form. See "Book-Entry Securities." Registered Securities may be separated into smaller denominations or combined into larger denominations, as long as the total principal amount is not changed. (Section 3.5 of the Indenture). This is called an "exchange."

        You may transfer Registered Securities of a series and you may exchange Debt Securities of a series at the office of the Trustee. The Trustee will act as our agent for registering Registered Securities in the names of holders and transferring Debt Securities. We may designate someone else to perform this function. Whoever maintains the list of registered holders is called the "Security Registrar." The Security Registrar also will perform transfers. (Section 3.5 of the Indenture)

        You will not be required to pay a service charge to transfer or exchange Debt Securities, but you may be required to pay for any tax or other governmental charge associated with the exchange or transfer. The transfer or exchange will be made only if the Security Registrar is satisfied with your proof of ownership. (Section 3.5 of the Indenture)

6


        If we designate additional transfer agents, we will name them in the accompanying prospectus supplement. We may cancel the designation of any particular transfer agent. We may also approve a change in the office through which any transfer agent acts.

        If we redeem less than all of the Debt Securities of a redeemable series, we may block the transfer or exchange of Registered Securities during the period beginning 15 days before the day of the selection for redemption of such Registered Securities and ending on the day of the mailing of the relevant notice of redemption in order to freeze the list of holders to prepare the mailing. We may also decline to register transfers or exchanges of Debt Securities selected for redemption, except that we will continue to permit transfers and exchanges of the unredeemed portion of any Debt Security being partially redeemed. (Section 3.5 of the Indenture)

        If the offered Debt Securities are redeemable, we will describe the procedures for redemption in the accompanying prospectus supplement.

        In this "Transfer and Exchange" section of this prospectus, "you" means direct holders and not indirect holders of Debt Securities.


Book-Entry Securities

        The Debt Securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities (the "Global Securities") which will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York (the "Depositary") and registered in the name of the Depositary's nominee. Except as set forth below, the Global Securities may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only to another nominee of the Depositary or to a successor of the Depositary or its nominee.

        The Depositary has advised us that it is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. The Depositary was created to hold securities for its participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among its participants in such securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. The Depositary's participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations, some of which (and/or their representatives) own the Depositary. Access to the Depositary's book-entry system is also available to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly. Persons who are not participants may beneficially own securities held by the Depositary only through participants.

        Upon the issuance of Debt Securities by us represented by the Global Securities, the Depositary will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the respective principal amounts of the Debt Securities represented by such Global Securities to the accounts of participants. The accounts credited shall be initially designated by the underwriters or agents.

        If the Depositary is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary, or if at any time there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default under the Indenture with respect to the Debt Securities, we will issue Debt Securities in certificated form in exchange for the Global Securities. In addition, we may at any time determine not to have Debt Securities represented by the Global Securities, and, in such event will issue Debt Securities in certificated form in exchange for the Global Securities representing such Debt Securities. In any such instance, an owner of a beneficial interest in the Global Securities will be entitled to physical delivery in certificated form of Debt

7


Securities equal in principal amount to such beneficial interest and to have such Debt Securities registered in its name.


Definitions

        "Attributable Debt" with respect to any sale leaseback transaction that is subject to the restrictions described under "Certain of our Covenants—Limitation On Sale and Leaseback" means the lesser of:

        "Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" means the total assets of McCormick and its consolidated subsidiaries, including the investment in (at equity) and the net amount of advances to and accounts receivable from corporations which are not consolidated subsidiaries less the following:


        Consolidated Net Tangible Assets shall be determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

        "Funded Debt" means any indebtedness of McCormick or a Restricted Subsidiary for borrowed money having a maturity of more than 12 months from the date such indebtedness was incurred or having a maturity of less than 12 months but by its terms being renewable or extendable beyond 12 months from the date such indebtedness was incurred at the option of the obligor.

        "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

        "Principal Property" means any manufacturing or processing plant or warehouse, together with the land upon which it is erected and any fixtures and equipment comprising a part thereof, owned by McCormick or any Restricted Subsidiary and located in the United States, the book value (net of

8


depreciation) of which on the date as of which the determination is being made is an amount which exceeds 1% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets, other than any such manufacturing or processing plant or warehouse or any portion thereof or any such fixture or equipment (together with the land upon which it is erected and any fixtures and equipment comprising a part thereof) (i) which is financed by Industrial Development Bonds or (ii) which, in the opinion of our board of directors, is not of material importance to the total business conducted by us and our Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

        "Restricted Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary that owns, operates or leases one or more Principal Properties.

        "Subsidiary" means each corporation of which we, or we and one or more Subsidiaries, or any one or more Subsidiaries, directly or indirectly own securities entitling the holders thereof to elect a majority of the directors, either at all times or so long as there is no default or contingency that permits the holders of any other class or classes of securities to vote for the election of one or more directors.


Certain of Our Covenants

Limitations on Liens

        Except as described below under "—Exempted Indebtedness", we covenant that we will not, nor will we permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, create, assume or suffer to exist any mortgage, security interest, pledge or lien ("Lien") of or upon any Principal Property or any shares of capital stock or evidences of indebtedness for borrowed money issued by any Restricted Subsidiary and owned by us or any Restricted Subsidiary, without providing that the Debt Securities shall be secured equally and ratably by such Lien with any and all other indebtedness or obligations thereby secured, so long as such indebtedness or obligations shall be so secured.

        This restriction does not apply to:

9


Limitation on Sale and Leaseback

        Except as described below under "—Exempted Indebtedness," we will not, nor will we permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into any arrangement with any Person providing for the leasing (as lessee) by us or any Restricted Subsidiary of any Principal Property (except for temporary leases for a term, including any renewal, of not more than three years and except for leases between us and a Restricted Subsidiary or between Restricted Subsidiaries) which property has been or is to be sold or transferred by us or a Restricted Subsidiary to such Person unless either:

Exempted Indebtedness

        Notwithstanding the limitations on Liens and sale and leaseback transactions outlined above, we or any Restricted Subsidiary may create, assume or suffer to exist Liens or enter into sale and leaseback transactions not otherwise permitted as described above provided that at the time of such event, and after giving effect thereto, the sum of outstanding indebtedness for borrowed money of McCormick and its Restricted Subsidiaries incurred after the date of the Indenture and secured by Liens not otherwise permitted as set forth above plus the Attributable Debt in respect of such sale and leaseback transactions entered into by McCormick and its Restricted Subsidiaries after the date of the Indenture not otherwise permitted as set forth above does not exceed 15% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets properly appearing on a consolidated balance sheet of McCormick. (Sections 1.1, 10.7(b) and 10.8(b) of the Indenture).

Merger and Consolidation

        We covenant that we will not merge, consolidate or convey, transfer or lease our properties and assets substantially as an entirety and we will not permit any Person (as defined in the Indenture) to consolidate with or merge into us or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to us unless, among other things:

10

        Except as described above, the Indenture does not contain any provisions that would afford holders of the Debt Securities protection in the event of:

        In addition, subject to the limitations set forth above, we may, in the future, enter into certain transactions such as the sale of our properties and assets substantially as an entirety or a merger or consolidation with another entity that could increase the amount of our indebtedness or otherwise adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations, which may have an adverse effect on our ability to service our indebtedness, including the Debt Securities. We have no present intention of engaging in a highly leveraged or similar transaction involving us.


Events of Default

        An Event of Default with respect to the Debt Securities is defined in the Indenture as being:


        The Indenture provides that if an Event of Default under clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above shall have occurred and be continuing, either the Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Debt Securities may declare the principal of all the Debt Securities, together with any accrued interest, to be due and payable immediately. (Section 5.2 of the Indenture).

        If an Event of Default under clause (iv) above shall have occurred and be continuing, then the principal of all the Debt Securities, together with any accrued interest, will be due and payable immediately without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any holder of a Debt Security. Upon certain conditions such declaration (including a declaration caused by a default in the payment of principal or interest, the payment for which has subsequently been provided) may be annulled by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Debt Securities. (Sections 5.2 and 5.13 of the Indenture).

        In addition, prior to the declaration of the acceleration of the maturity of the Debt Securities, past defaults may be waived by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Debt Securities, except a default in the payment of principal of or interest on any Debt Security or in respect of a covenant or

11


provision of the Indenture which cannot be modified or amended without the approval of the holder of each Debt Security. (Sections 5.2 and 5.13 of the Indenture).

        The Indenture contains a provision entitling the Trustee, subject to the duty of the Trustee during default to act with the required standard of care, to be indemnified by the holders of Debt Securities issued thereunder before proceeding to exercise any right or power under the Indenture at the request of the holders of such Debt Securities. (Section 6.3 of the Indenture).

        The Indenture also provides that the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of a particular series issued thereunder and affected (each series voting as a separate class) may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee, with respect to the Debt Securities of such series. (Section 5.12 of the Indenture).

        The Indenture contains a covenant that McCormick will file annually with the Trustee a certificate as to the absence of any default or specifying any default that exists. (Section 10.9 of the Indenture).


Satisfaction and Discharge

        The Indenture will cease to be of further effect (except as to surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of Debt Securities, as expressly provided for in the Indenture) as to all Debt Securities when:


Covenant Defeasance

        The terms of the Debt Securities provide that McCormick need not comply with certain restrictive covenants of the Indenture (including those described under "—Certain of our Covenants" above) if:

12


Modification And Waiver

        Without the consent of any holder of the Debt Securities, McCormick and the Trustee may modify or amend the Indenture to clarify or to make certain other changes that would not adversely affect the legal rights of any holder. (Section 9.1 of the Indenture)

        With the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of the particular series affected, McCormick and the Trustee may modify or amend the Indenture; provided, however, that no such modification or amendment may, without the consent of the holder of each Debt Security:


PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

        We may sell Debt Securities to or through underwriters and also may sell Debt Securities directly to other purchasers or through agents.

        The distribution of the Debt Securities offered under the prospectus may occur from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, or at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.

        In connection with the sale of Debt Securities, underwriters may receive compensation from us or from purchasers of Debt Securities for whom they may act as agents in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions.

        Underwriters may sell Debt Securities to or through dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agents. Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of Debt Securities offered under the prospectus may be "underwriters" as defined in the Securities Act. Any underwriters or agents will be identified and their compensation (including underwriting discount) will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement will also describe the other terms of the offering, including any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers and any securities exchanges on which the offered securities may be listed.

        We may have agreements with the underwriters, dealers and agents to indemnify them against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute with respect to

13


payments which the underwriters, dealers or agents may be required to make as a result of those certain liabilities.

        If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, we may authorize dealers or agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase Debt Securities from us pursuant to contracts that provide for payment and delivery on a future date. We must approve all institutions, but they may include, among others:

        The institutional purchaser's obligation under the contract is subject to the condition that the purchase of the offered Debt Securities at the time of delivery is allowed by the laws that govern the purchaser. The dealers and the agents will not be responsible for the validity or performance of the contracts.


EXPERTS

        The consolidated financial statements of McCormick & Company, Incorporated and subsidiaries incorporated by reference in McCormick & Company, Incorporated's Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended November 30, 2006 (including the schedule appearing therein), and management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of November 30, 2006 included therein, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon, included and incorporated by reference therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements and management's assessment are, and audited financial statements and management's assessments of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting to be included in subsequently filed documents will be, incorporated herein in reliance upon the reports of Ernst & Young LLP pertaining to such financial statements and management's assessments (to the extent covered by consents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission) given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.


LEGAL MATTERS

        Certain legal matters in connection with the Debt Securities will be passed upon for McCormick by Hogan & Hartson LLP, Washington, D.C.


WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION AND INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

        We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the SEC's Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Our SEC filings are also available to the public from the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov. Our SEC filings are also available through our website at www.mccormick.com. Information on our website does not constitute a part of this prospectus.

        The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" into this prospectus information contained in the documents we file with them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by

14

referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (1) after the date of the filing of this registration statement and (2) until our offering of securities has been completed:

        You may obtain a copy of these filings at no cost, by writing to or telephoning us at the following address:

McCormick & Company, Incorporated
Attn: Office of the Treasurer
18 Loveton Circle, P.O. Box 6000
Sparks, Maryland 21152
(telephone: 410-771-7301)

        This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the SEC and does not contain all of the information in the registration statement. You will find additional information about us in the registration statement. Any statement made in this prospectus concerning a contract, agreement or other document of ours is only a summary and is not necessarily complete, and you should read the documents that are filed as exhibits to the registration statement or otherwise filed with the SEC for a more complete understanding of the document or matter involved. You may obtain copies of the registration statement, including exhibits, as noted in the first paragraph above

        You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus or any supplement. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. This prospectus is an offer to sell or buy only the Debt Securities described in this document, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained in this prospectus is current only as of the date of this prospectus.

15


PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

        The following table is an estimate, subject to future contingencies, of the expenses to be incurred by the registrant in connection with the issuance and distribution of Debt Securities being registered.

SEC Registration Fee   $ (* )
Rating Agency Fees     (** )
Legal Fees and Expenses     (** )
Accounting Fees and Expenses     (** )
Printing and Engraving Expenses     (** )
Trustee's Fees     (** )
Miscellaneous     (** )
   
 
  Total   $ (** )
   
 
(*)
To be deferred pursuant to Rule 456(b) and calculated in connection with the offering of securities under this registration statement pursuant to Rule 457(r). Pursuant to Rule 457(p), $23,540 of the filing fees previously paid with respect to the registrant's Registration Statement No. 333-122366, filed on January 28, 2005, relate to securities that remain unsold as of this date, and are being used to offset against any registration fees that may become due under all offerings that may hereinafter be made under this registration statement. In accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r), the registrant is deferring payment of all other registration fees which may subsequently be payable following application of the above-referenced pre-paid filing fees.

(**)
The aggregate amount of these expenses will be reflected in the applicable prospectus supplement.


Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

        Under the registrant's by-laws and the Maryland General Corporation Law, the directors and officers of the registrant may be entitled to indemnification in respect of threatened, pending or completed actions, suits or proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative ("proceedings"), to which they are made a party by reason of their position as a director or officer of the registrant. In the case of conduct in their official capacity with the registrant, directors and officers will be entitled to indemnification unless the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and was committed in bad faith or was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty or the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services. In the case of criminal proceedings the director or the officer also must have had no reasonable cause to believe that the conduct was unlawful.

        If the director or officer is successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any proceeding, the director or officer will be entitled to indemnification against reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceedings regardless of whether the foregoing standards are met. In addition, a court of appropriate jurisdiction may order indemnification if it determines that the director or officer has met the foregoing standards, or if it determines that the director or officer is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification in view of all the relevant circumstances.

        Any indemnification required or permitted by the registrant's by-laws and the Maryland General Corporation Law may be against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by the director or officer in connection with the proceeding. However, if the proceeding is by or in the right of the registrant, indemnification may be made only against expenses

II-1


and may not be made in respect of any proceeding in which the director or officer is adjudged to be liable to the registrant.

        Under the registrant's charter, the monetary liability of directors and officers to the registrant or its stockholders is eliminated except for, and to the extent of, actual receipt of any improper benefit in money, property or services, or in respect of an adjudication based upon a finding of active and deliberate dishonesty material to the cause of action adjudicated.

        The registrant also maintains for the benefit of its directors and officers insurance covering certain liabilities asserted against or incurred by such persons in their capacity as, or as a result of their position as, director or officer of the registrant. This insurance may afford protection for liabilities not subject to indemnification under the registrant's by-laws and the Maryland General Corporation Law.


Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

        The following exhibits are filed as part of this Registration Statement:

Exhibit Number
   Exhibit Description
  1*   Underwriting Agreement for Debt Securities.
  4.1**   Form of Indenture for Debt Securities.
  4.2*   Form of Note.
  5**   Opinion of Hogan & Hartson LLP
12**   Computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges.
23.1**   Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Public Registered Accounting Firm.
23.2   Consent of Hogan & Hartson LLP (included in Exhibit 5).
24   Powers of attorney (included in signature page).
25**   Statement on Form T-1 of eligibility of trustee.
*
To be filed by amendment or incorporated by reference in connection with the offering of specific Debt Securities.

**
Filed herewith.


Item 17. Undertakings

        The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

II-2

provided, however, that paragraphs (i), (ii) and (iii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement;

II-3

II-4


SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Sparks, State of Maryland on this 4th day of December, 2007.

    MCCORMICK & COMPANY, INCORPORATED

 
 
By:
/s/  ROBERT J. LAWLESS      
Robert J. Lawless
 Chairman, Chief Executive
Officer & Director

        KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Robert J. Lawless, Gordon M. Stetz, Kenneth A. Kelly, Jr., Paul C. Beard and Robert W. Skelton, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons, in the capacities indicated below, on this 4th day of December, 2007.

Signature
   Title

/s/  ROBERT J. LAWLESS      
Robert J. Lawless
 

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer & Director

/s/  GORDON M. STETZ, JR.      
Gordon M. Stetz, Jr.
 

Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

/s/  KENNETH A. KELLY, JR.      
Kenneth A. Kelly, Jr.
 

Vice President & Controller

/s/  JOHN P. BILBREY      
John P. Bilbrey
 

Director

/s/  JAMES T. BRADY      
James T. Brady
 

Director
     

II-5


/s/  FRANCIS A. CONTINO      
Francis A. Contino
 

Director

/s/  J. MICHAEL FITZPATRICK      
J. Michael Fitzpatrick
 

Director

/s/  FREEMAN A. HRABOWSKI, III      
Freeman A. Hrabowski, III
 

Director

/s/  MICHAEL D. MANGAN      
Michael D. Mangan
 

Director

/s/  JOSEPH W. MCGRATH      
Joseph W. McGrath
 

Director

/s/  MARGARET M. V. PRESTON      
Margaret M. V. Preston
 

Director

/s/  GEORGE A. ROCHE      
George A. Roche
 

Director

/s/  WILLIAM F. STEVENS      
William F. Stevens
 

Director

/s/  ALAN D. WILSON      
Alan D. Wilson
 

Director

II-6


INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number
   Exhibit Description
  1*   Underwriting Agreement for Debt Securities.
  4.1**   Form of Indenture for Debt Securities.
  4.2*   Form of Note.
  5**   Opinion of Hogan & Hartson LLP
12**   Computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges.
23.1**   Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Public Registered Accounting Firm.
23.2   Consent of Hogan & Hartson LLP (included in Exhibit 5).
24   Powers of attorney (included in signature page).
25**   Statement on Form T-1 of eligibility of trustee.
*
To be filed by amendment or incorporated by reference in connection with the offering of specific Debt Securities.

**
Filed herewith.



QuickLinks

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
RISK FACTORS
OUR COMPANY
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
USE OF PROCEEDS
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
EXPERTS
LEGAL MATTERS
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION AND INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
SIGNATURES
INDEX TO EXHIBITS