SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 ------------------------- FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 ------------------------- Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): February 14, 2002 THE J. M. SMUCKER COMPANY ------------------------- (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter) Ohio 1-05111 34-0538550 ------ --------- ------------ (State or Other Jurisdiction (Commission (IRS Employer of Incorporation) File Number) Identification No.) Strawberry Lane, Orrville, Ohio 44667 ---------------------------------------- ----- (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (330) 682-3000 -------------- N/A ------------------------------------------------------------------- (Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report) ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS On February 14, 2002, The J. M. Smucker Company, an Ohio corporation, issued a press release to announce its earnings for the third quarter of its fiscal year. A copy of this press release is filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS (c) Exhibits. Exhibit Number Exhibit ------ ------- 99.1 Press release, dated February 14, 2002 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. THE J. M. SMUCKER COMPANY By: /s/ Steven J. Ellcessor ------------------------------------------------------ Name: Steven J. Ellcessor Title: Vice President - Finance and Administration, Secretary, and General Counsel Date: February 27, 2002 EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit Number Exhibit ------ ------- 99.1 Press release, dated February 14, 2002