In a crowded marketplace, shoppers often rely on packaging and visual cues rather than close analysis.
A legal dispute between McCormick and Company and rival Watkins Incorporated highlights how this can mislead consumers.
McCormick reduced the amount of pepper in a container from “roughly eight ounces to closer to six,” a cut of about 25%, while keeping the package size nearly the same.
Watkins argues this creates the impression customers are buying the same amount as before.
Watkins claims McCormick’s “opaque containers prevent consumers from seeing the actual amount of pepper inside,” unlike Watkins’ clear packaging.
Although McCormick says the net weight is clearly labeled, critics argue companies know shoppers equate bigger packaging with better value.
The case, now facing class action lawsuits, shows that “transparency, not just legality,” is key to maintaining consumer trust.
