Our Bread.
Our Brand.
Our Story.
We’ve been baking bread from the finest ingredients for over 130 years. Our range may have changed and evolved over the years, but our exceptionally high standards of care and expertise never will.
Discover the history of Hovis® and the part it’s played in the history of our nation.
1886-1899
In The Beginning
1886
Richard ‘Stoney’ Smith finds a way to separate the wheatgerm from the flour
Richard 'Stoney' Smith finds a way to separate the wheatgerm from the flour Richard changed the way flour was milled, separating the wheatgerm from the flour without losing any of the vitamins or minerals found in the wheatgerm.
Richard ‘Stoney’ Smith & Richard Smith's microscope
1887
Smith patents the process
The process was registered as “Smiths’ Patent Process Germ Flour” and more and more bakers began to use it.
Germ Flour Process Report
1890
But what shall we call it?
In 1890, a national competition was held to replace the rather clumsy “Smith’s Patent Process Germ Flour” name. A prize of £25 was offered to the winner. The winner was Herbert Grime, suggesting the name “Hovis”, from the Latin “Hominis Vis” meaning “Strength of Man”
1896
Hovis® supplies bread to the Royal family
The people at Hovis® were particularly proud of this and made sure the whole country knew. Well... can you blame us?
1899
The Hovis® Cycle Road Maps
Hovis® launched eight cycle maps covering England and Wales, showing all the guest houses that served Hovis® bread.
1886
Richard ‘Stoney’ Smith finds a way to separate the wheatgerm from the flour
Richard 'Stoney' Smith finds a way to separate the wheatgerm from the flour Richard changed the way flour was milled, separating the wheatgerm from the flour without losing any of the vitamins or minerals found in the wheatgerm.
Richard ‘Stoney’ Smith & Richard Smith's microscope
1890
But what shall we call it?
In 1890, a national competition was held to replace the rather clumsy “Smith’s Patent Process Germ Flour” name. A prize of £25 was offered to the winner. The winner was Herbert Grime, suggesting the name “Hovis”, from the Latin “Hominis Vis” meaning “Strength of Man”
1899
The Hovis® Cycle Road Maps
Hovis® launched eight cycle maps covering England and Wales, showing all the guest houses that served Hovis® bread.
“Radically changing the way flour was made”
1887
Smith patents the process
The process was registered as “Smiths’ Patent Process Germ Flour” and more and more bakers began to use it.
Germ Flour Process Report
1896
Hovis® supplies bread to the Royal family
The people at Hovis® were particularly proud of this and made sure the whole country knew. Well... can you blame us?
1900-1925
Becoming A Staple
1900
Annual competitions for bakers
Quality remains as important today as it was in 1900. As sales of Hovis® rose, an annual competition was organised amongst bakers to maintain the high quality of Hovis® baking.
1912
Delivering Innovation
Horses and carts are replaced by innovative petrol-driven trucks.
1924
High levels of Vitamin B discovered in Wheatgerm
Scientists discover high levels of vitamin B in wheatgerm, confirming Richard’s belief that there was goodness in wheatgerm.
1912
Delivering Innovation
Horses and carts are replaced by innovative petrol-driven trucks.
1900
Annual competitions for bakers
Quality remains as important today as it was in 1900. As sales of Hovis® rose, an annual competition was organised amongst bakers to maintain the high quality of Hovis® baking.
1924
High levels of Vitamin B discovered in Wheatgerm
Scientists discover high levels of vitamin B in wheatgerm, confirming Richard’s belief that there was goodness in wheatgerm.
1926-1954
Before And After The War
1926
Hovis® recipe booklets first published
The first of many recipe booklets were published. Later editions included A Book of Sandwich Delights and, during World War II, Sandwich Suggestions for the Shelter.
1930s
‘Teas With Hovis®’
Hovis® matches the nation’s favourite bread with its favourite beverage. Pubs, hotels and tea shops across the UK put up signs, encouraging customers to come in and enjoy this perfect pairing.
1941
Hovis® donates a Spitfire to the RAF
The spitfire was called “Hominis Vis”, very apt since the “Strength of Man” was vital in the Battle of Britain.
1926
Hovis® recipe booklets first published
The first of many recipe booklets were published. Later editions included A Book of Sandwich Delights and, during World War II, Sandwich Suggestions for the Shelter.
1941
Hovis® donates a Spitfire to the RAF
The spitfire was called “Hominis Vis”, very apt since the “Strength of Man” was vital in the Battle of Britain.