The Jenks business was founded in 1961 by Dennis Jenks who identified an opportunity in the UK for three North American brands, Schwartz herbs and spices, Ralston Purina petfoods and Bick's pickles and relishes.

In 1974, the Jenks business merged with R. Paterson & Sons, a Scottish manufacturer famous for its Camp chicory and coffee essence, to form Paterson Jenks plc.

During the 1970's, Jenks built the Schwartz business to brand leader position in the UK herbs and spices market and this led to Paterson Jenks being acquired by McCormick Inc., the global market leader in herbs and spices, in 1984.

Jenks remained a part of McCormick for almost 20 years until the business was acquired by Jenks management in July 2003.