December 9, 2002 at 12:21 PM EST

McCormick(R) Grill Mates(R) of the Year Revealed; Grilling Gurus From Across the Country Shine in 2003 Calendar

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HUNT VALLEY, Md., Dec. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- All eyes are on Kevin Harrison of Charleston, S.C., grand prizewinner in the first-ever search for the McCormick(R) Grill Mates(R) of the Year. His photo fired up the judges and smoked the competition, landing him $10,000.

This past summer, barbecue buffs from across the country struck a pose and submitted an action photograph of themselves grilling using a McCormick(R) Grill Mates(R) product, as well as a brief essay on why they felt they should be voted Grill Mates(R) of the Year. The 12 finalists' photographs were then posted on the McCormick web site. People nationwide logged onto www.mccormick.com to choose their favorite.

All 12 finalists are featured in a 2003 Grill Mates(R) of the Year calendar, which is now available for purchase. The calendar also contains coupons and grill tips and retails for $4.99 plus tax (includes shipping and handling). To order the calendar, call 1-800-MEAL-TIP (1-800-632-5847) or visit www.mccormick.com.

"McCormick Grill Mates Grilling Sauces go perfectly with anything I make on the grill!" said Mr. Harrison, whose grand prizewinning photo shows him in front of his local movie theater with his barbecue grill. "Instead of popcorn and candy, I prefer to tailgate movies with the best barbecue in town."

"Adding Grill Mates spice blends, marinades and grilling sauces to your foods is a delicious way to savor grilled foods," said Laurie Harrsen, Grill Mates spokesperson. "The Grill Mates(R) of the Year Contest, along with the 2003 calendar, is a fun way to celebrate the people who are as passionate about grilling as we are."

Each of the 11 runners-up won a $250 cash prize and is featured in the 2003 calendar. Grill Mates(R) of the Year finalists included: Matt Bagley, Dallas, Texas; Terry Baker, Woodlake, Calif.; Annamaria Geary, Blue Bell, Pa.; Jack Herzog, Woodinville, Wash.; Jason Howell, Methuen, Mass.; Jerome Jenkins, Delmar, Md.; Scott Lacy, Houston, Texas; Henry Stanko, Lebanon, Ore.; Nate Stenfors, St. Petersburg, Fla; Lynn Taylor, Austin, Texas; J.H. and Judge Damon Tison, San Antonio, Texas.

McCormick & Company, Inc. was founded in 1889 in Baltimore, Maryland and today is the largest spice company in the world. McCormick sources the finest ingredients from around the globe to bring the highest quality flavors to consumers.

SOURCE McCormick & Company, Inc.

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CONTACT: Laurie Harrsen of McCormick & Company, Inc., +1-410-527-8753 or laurie_harrsen@mccormick.com; or Amanda Hirschhorn of Hunter Public Relations, +1-212-679-6600, ext. 239 or ahirschhorn@hunterpr.com, for McCormick & Company, Inc.

Web site: http://www.mccormick.com