GO:0035802

The process that gives rise to the adrenal cortex. This process pertains to the initial formation of a structure from unspecified parts. The adrenogonadal primordium from which the adrenal cortex is formed derives from a condensation of coelomic epithelial cells (the urogenital ridge; the same structure from which gonads and kidney also originate). [PMID:12185666, PMID:21115154]