EXHIBIT 23.1

               Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-4) and related Prospectus of The J. M. Smucker
Company for the registration of shares of its common stock and to the
incorporation by reference therein of our report dated June 6, 2001, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements of The J. M. Smucker Company
incorporated by reference in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
April 30, 2001 and our report dated July 19, 2001, with respect to the related
financial statement schedule included therein, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.

                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Akron, Ohio
November 16, 2001