About Hovis
Hovis is one of Britain's most iconic bread brands, with a heritage dating back to 1886 when miller Richard "Stoney" Smith created the original Hovis process at his mill in Stone, Staffordshire—patented on 6 October 1887. The distinctive name was coined in 1890 by London student Herbert Grime, who won £25 in a national competition by deriving it from the Latin phrase 'hominis vis' meaning "the strength of man." The brand's ownership has evolved through various corporate hands: becoming part of Rank Hovis McDougall (RHM) in 1962, acquired by Tomkins plc in 1992, sold to Doughty Hanson in 2000, then taken over by Premier Foods in 2007 for £1.2 billion. In 2014, Premier Foods formed a joint venture with The Gores Group before both sold their stakes to Leeds-based private equity firm Endless LLP in 2020. In 2025, Associated British Foods (parent of Kingsmill) announced plans to acquire Hovis for approximately £75 million, subject to CMA review. The Hovis range caters to every bread preference: classic white loaves, Tasty Wholemeal (high in fibre, source of vitamin B1), the popular Best of Both (equal white and wholemeal blend with added calcium), and Nimble (just 50 calories per slice). Recent 2024 launches include Farmhouse Batch White and Wholemeal with Oats, White n' Fibre (50% more fibre than standard white), and premium Signature White with sourdough. The Live Good range offers healthier options across the portfolio. Famous for its nostalgic "Boy on a Bike" TV advert set on Gold Hill in Shaftesbury, Hovis remains a staple on British tables. Compare Hovis prices across Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda and other UK supermarkets with Grocefully.


