Epicurean International, Inc. Brands Acquired By Global Spice Leader McCormick & Company, Inc.

Purchase of Thai Kitchen and Simply Asia Brands Ensures Ongoing Category Leadership

Union City, CA - Epicurean International, Inc. announced the acquisition of its assets for $97 million by McCormick & Company, Inc. With the new purchase, the Thai Kitchen and Simply Asia brands of authentic Thai ingredients and Asian convenience foods are poised for dramatic new growth in the maturing ethnic convenience foods sector.

Seth Jacobson, founder and president of Epicurean International, will continue to lead the company. "Our commitment to providing the finest authentic products remains as strong as when I founded the company 17 years ago," he said. "I look forward to working with the McCormick team, which has a wealth of experience in importing spices from distant lands and in creating quality food flavors that appeal to a broad range of tastes."

Epicurean International's Chief Financial Officer David Sakamoto adds, "McCormick's expertise will provide opportunities for our brands to mature and take advantage of the growing Asian food category. The synergy between McCormick's product development, marketing and logistics teams and Epicurean will enhance our ability to expand our leadership in the North American ethnic convenience foods market." David will continue in his current role overseeing operations.

SOURCE: Epicurean International, Inc.