March 25 (Reuters) - McCormick ( MKC ) missed

first-quarter profit estimates on Tuesday, as higher promotional

expenses and price cuts for its spices, sauces and seasonings

fell short of boosting demand.

Shares of Hunt Valley, Maryland-based company were down

about 3% in premarket trading.

McCormick ( MKC ), like its peer General Mills ( GIS ), has been

cutting prices and ramping up brand marketing and promotional

investments to bring back lost customers.

But expectations of inflation due to U.S. President Donald

Trump's import tariffs and subsequent trade war have made

consumers more cautious about purchasing branded items, even in

essential categories such as packaged food.

Quarterly volumes in McCormick's ( MKC ) consumer segment, a

major revenue contributor, rose only 2.6% from a year ago,

although the prices were down 1.4% compared with a 3% increase

the previous year.

McCormick ( MKC ) reported adjusted profit of 60 cents per share

for the first quarter, compared with analysts' estimates of 64

cents per share, according to data compiled by LSEG.

For the quarter, its net sales of $1.61 billion came in line

with analysts' estimates.

The Cholula hot sauce maker said it has maintained its

annual forecasts, reflecting plans to offset costs related to

the U.S. import tariffs on China with targeted price cuts and

other cost savings efforts.

The outlook does not include additional impact from tariff

actions in 2025 due to uncertainty regarding their

implementation, the company said in a statement.

Among peers, Kraft Heinz forecast weak profit after

consecutive declines in quarterly sales, while International

Flavors & Fragrances ( IFF ) saw steady improvement to demand

and volume.