Mr Kipling Products

Mr Kipling stands as the United Kingdom's number one cake brand, renowned for creating "exceedingly good cakes" since 1967. From Cherry Bakewells to French Fancies, Battenberg to Angel Slices, Mr Kipling has become synonymous with quality British cakes, bringing baker's standard treats to supermarket shelves nationwide. Owned by Premier Foods, this iconic brand has been the market leader since 1976 and continues to hold that position over five decades later. The Mr Kipling story began in the 1960s when Rank Hovis McDougall sought to boost cake sales and utilise a new bakery facility. At a time when cakes were predominantly purchased from local bakers, the company identified an opportunity to bring premium-quality cakes to supermarket shoppers. The brand launched in May 1967 with 20 products sold in distinctive premium packaging. The name "Mr Kipling" was invented purely for marketing purposes - there was never a real Mr Kipling. This fictional character represented the trusted local baker whose craft and quality consumers could rely upon. The marketing genius lay in creating a personal connection with shoppers through this imaginary expert baker, making mass-produced cakes feel handcrafted and special. The iconic advertising phrase "exceedingly good cakes" became one of British advertising's most memorable taglines. Television adverts originally featured the distinctive voice of actor James Hayter, whose warm tones perfectly captured the brand's comforting, quality positioning. This advertising campaign established Mr Kipling as the premium choice in supermarket cakes. By 1976, just nine years after launch, Mr Kipling had become the market leader in UK cakes - a position the brand has maintained for over forty years. This remarkable success demonstrates how effectively the brand captured the British appetite for quality cakes and sweet treats. The brand is now owned by Premier Foods plc, the British food manufacturer headquartered in St Albans, Hertfordshire. Premier Foods acquired Mr Kipling through its 2007 acquisition of RHM (Ranks Hovis McDougall). Premier Foods also owns other beloved British brands including Ambrosia, Bird's Custard, Angel Delight, Homepride, Bisto, and Oxo. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange as a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index. Mr Kipling cakes are manufactured at two Premier Foods bakeries in the UK: Stoke-on-Trent and Carlton near Barnsley in South Yorkshire. This British manufacturing maintains the quality and authenticity that has defined the brand since its 1967 launch. The Yorkshire factory in particular has become an important local employer. Cherry Bakewells represent one of Mr Kipling's most iconic products and remain bestsellers decades after their introduction. These light pastry cases feature a layer of fruity jam, frangipane almond sponge, soft icing, and a hand-placed cherry on top. Mr Kipling Cherry Bakewells are the number one bestselling Cherry Bakewells in the UK, demonstrating continued consumer love for this classic treat. French Fancies were among the original 20 products launched in 1967 and have become party-table favourites across Britain. These small sponge cakes feature a hemisphere of buttercream topping, coated with fondant icing and drizzled with contrasting colours. The standard varieties include pink vanilla with white drizzle, yellow lemon with brown drizzle, and chocolate brown with dark brown drizzle. Battenberg cake showcases the distinctive checkered pattern that has made it a British tea-time classic. Pink and yellow sponge squares are encased in marzipan, creating both visual appeal and delicious taste. Mr Kipling offers both full-sized Battenberg cakes and convenient mini Battenberg options for individual portions. Angel Slices feature a double layer of pink and yellow sponge with vanilla filling, topped with sweet icing. These treats have become lunchbox favourites, particularly since they come in individual packets perfect for on-the-go enjoyment. Variations include lemon, chocolate, and even unicorn varieties to appeal to different tastes and occasions. Bakewell Slices deliver the classic Bakewell flavour in a convenient slice format. The delicate almond-flavoured sponge and cherry jam combination captures the essence of the traditional Bakewell tart. Country Slices, Lemon Slices, and other varieties extend the slice range for different flavour preferences. Viennese Whirls bring Continental elegance to the Mr Kipling range. These butter-rich biscuits sandwiched with jam and cream offer a more refined option for afternoon tea occasions. The distinctive swirled shape and melt-in-the-mouth texture distinguish them from other products in the range. Fruit pies including Bramley Apple Pies represent the brand's savoury-sweet crossover. These individual pies bring traditional British flavours in convenient, perfectly portioned packages. Jam Tarts provide another nostalgic favourite that evokes childhood treats. Manor House Cake and other whole cakes suit larger gatherings and celebrations. Treacle Tart delivers another British classic. Sponge puddings extend the range into dessert territory, perfect for serving warm with custard. Recent years have seen Mr Kipling expand with products inspired by global trends and seasonal occasions. Halloween and Christmas ranges provide festive treats. Limited editions and new flavour combinations keep the brand fresh while respecting its heritage. Premier Foods' Sweet Treats division, which includes Mr Kipling alongside Cadbury Cakes and own-label products, achieved sales of £124.6 million in the first half of the 2024/25 financial year, rising 2.2% as consumers continued seeking sweet treats. This performance demonstrates the enduring appeal of Mr Kipling products. Mr Kipling products are available across all major UK supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose, and Ocado. The brand's wide distribution ensures that "exceedingly good cakes" are accessible to consumers wherever they shop. Comparing Mr Kipling to competitors like supermarket own-brand cakes and other branded options, Mr Kipling offers the combination of consistent quality, trusted heritage, and comprehensive range. Own-brand alternatives provide budget options. Specialist bakeries offer artisan alternatives. Mr Kipling occupies the premium supermarket position with five decades of proven quality. For UK consumers seeking quality cakes from Britain's number one cake brand, Mr Kipling delivers the exceedingly good taste that has made it a household name for over fifty years. Whether enjoying classic Cherry Bakewells with afternoon tea, bringing French Fancies to parties, or treating the family to Battenberg, Mr Kipling brings baker's quality to every occasion. Using Grocefully to compare Mr Kipling prices across UK retailers ensures you find the best deals on Britain's favourite cakes.