6 June 2025: Global flavour leader McCormick has officially opened its upgraded sustainability-focused facility at its Sunshine Coast site, making a major step forward in reducing waste while supporting the global growth of its Gourmet Garden brand.
The state-of-the-art trade waste treatment facility was unveiled today after seven months of construction, reinforcing Gourmet Garden’s commitment to long-term operational excellence and sustainable growth. Its primary purpose is to manage liquid waste generated by manufacturing activities. The facility is located at McCormick’s Sunshine Coast Hinterland base in Palmwoods which is also the production hub for the award-winning Gourmet Garden herb and spice range – an essential favourite among Aussies in mainstream supermarket aisles.
Paris Golden, Managing Director of McCormick Australia, said, “At McCormick, we are guided by our Purpose-led Performance (PLP) principles to deliver industry-leading financial performance while doing what’s right for people, communities, and the planet. This upgraded facility reinforces our commitment to reducing our environmental impact and delivers lasting value to our communities and stakeholders.
The upgraded facility is estimated to realise about AU$27.93 million in total economic impact in the Sunshine Coast region, and create about 90 local jobs, directly and indirectly.
“As we continue to expand our international presence, we’re investing in smart infrastructure to uphold our high standards in trade waste management,” added Golden.
The upgraded facility, developed in collaboration with Aerofloat and McNab, is designed to support Gourmet Garden’s expanding production capacity both locally and internationally. With the ability to process 25 – 40 cubic metres of wastewater per hour and a 500-kilolitre holding capacity, this advanced system strengthens sustainable and efficient operations, enabling increased output while maintaining environmental and regulatory standards. By reducing waste disposal costs and mitigating overflow risks, the facility enhances the brand’s ability to scale and meet growing market demands.
Housed within a 650 square metre building, it is complemented by landscaped outdoor areas featuring 731 native plants, thoughtfully designed to enhance the site’s environmental footprint and promote local biodiversity.
Tim Cooney, Operational Project Manager at McCormick Australia, said: “The success of this project was driven by strong collaboration with Aerofloat and McNab, and closely supported by Unity Water and the Sunshine Coast Council. Together, we have delivered a facility that strengthens our operational capabilities and positions us for long-term sustainable growth in the Sunshine Coast region.”
As a key supporter of both Gourmet Garden and McCormick Australia, the Sunshine Coast Council has played a pivotal role in this project by providing McCormick Australia with development assistance and commercial growth initiatives by championing their innovation journey.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli celebrated the opening of the Palmwoods facility with a tour and ribbon-cutting said, “Sunshine Coast Council applauds McCormick Australia for its contribution to the local economy, its focus on sustainability and the unwavering commitment to remain a vital part of the region’s growth and prosperity,” said Mayor Natoli.
“The facility also supports McCormick’s continued focus on enhancing its sustainable practices, which aligns with being located in one of only five UNESCO biosphere reserves in Australia.
Here on the Sunshine Coast, we are proud of our sustainability goals and of the businesses that help make those ideals a reality.”
ENDS
About McCormick
McCormick & Company, Incorporated is a global leader in flavour. With over US$6.7 billion in annual sales across 150 countries and territories, we manufacture, market, and distribute herbs, spices, seasonings, condiments and flavours to the entire food and beverage industry including retailers, food manufacturers and foodservice businesses. Our most popular brands with trademark registrations include McCormick, French’s, Frank’s RedHot, Stubb’s, OLD BAY, Lawry’s, Zatarain’s, Ducros, Vahiné, Cholula, Schwartz, Kamis, DaQiao, Club House, Aeroplane, Gourmet Garden, FONA and Giotti. The breadth and reach of our portfolio uniquely position us to capitalise on the consumer demand for flavour in every sip and bite, through our products and our customers’ products. We operate in two segments, Consumer and Flavour Solutions, which complement each other and reinforce our differentiation. The scale, insights, and technology that we leverage from both segments are meaningful in driving sustainable growth.
Founded in 1889 and headquartered in Hunt Valley, Maryland USA, McCormick is guided by our principles and committed to our Purpose – To Stand Together for the Future of Flavour. McCormick envisions A World United by Flavour where healthy, sustainable, and delicious go hand in hand.
To learn more, visit: www.mccormickcorporation.com or follow McCormick & Company on Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Gourmet Garden
Gourmet Garden, an Australian household brand proudly owned by McCormick, is renowned for its premium range of fresh and convenient flavour-packed herbs and spices. Crafted with innovation, quality and convenience in mind, Gourmet Garden Lightly Dried herbs and Cold Blended pastes are designed to bring the authentic taste of fresh herbs to kitchens everywhere – making high-quality home cooking effortless. In the last 25 years, the Australian homegrown brand has elevated to become a global brand in the fresh herbs and spices category and was in recent years named as America’s #1 fresh convenient herb and spice brand. Sustainably sourced and expertly manufactured in Palmwoods, Sunshine Coast, Australia, Gourmet Garden remains committed to delivering natural, high-quality ingredients that elevate everyday meals.
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