The debate between McCormick & Company and Watkins Inc. over pepper packaging may seem like a trivial matter at first, but it has sparked a much larger conversation about transparency, marketing strategies, and consumer trust in the spice industry. What began as a dispute over container size has evolved into a discussion about how brands influence consumer perceptions well before shoppers even read a label.

The issue first emerged when reports revealed that McCormick’s classic pepper tins — long a staple in American kitchens — appeared to be holding less product than before. For years, consumers were used to seeing around 8 ounces of pepper inside those recognizable red-and-white tins. Recently, however, that amount had dropped closer to 6 ounces. In an industry where packaging rarely changes visibly, this shift drew attention not only from customers but also from competitors.

Watkins Inc., a well-regarded spice company known for its emphasis on clear packaging and minimalist design, publicly raised concerns. Their issue wasn’t just with the quantity; it was also with how the product was presented. Watkins argued that McCormick’s redesigned tins could create the illusion of unchanged volume, despite the reduced amount. Since McCormick uses opaque tins, shoppers can’t actually see the pepper inside and must rely entirely on the container’s shape and the printed weight on the label.

McCormick responded by standing firm, asserting that all of their containers display the net weight clearly and meet all regulatory requirements. From their perspective, no deception was involved since the necessary information was provided — clearly marked, in accordance with industry standards, and legally compliant. As long as the label shows the correct weight, McCormick believes consumers have everything they need to make an informed choice.