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Hovis bread sliced

Hovis: Britain’s Favourite Bakery Since 1886



Hovis famously started in 1886 with Richard ‘Stoney’ Smith’s great milling innovation. A strong believer in the goodness of wheatgerm before it was confirmed by science, it was Richard who found a way to separate it from the flour without losing its vitamins or minerals. The process was patented to him under the catchy name ‘Smith’s Patent Process Germ Flour.’ Four years later, he hosted a competition to find a new name, and Hovis was picked as the winner, derived from the Latin ‘Hominin Vis,’ meaning ‘Strength of Man.’

Hovis’ dedication to perfection in quality and flavour made their wholesome loaves unstoppably popular over the years that followed, and they were delivered to the Royal Family as well as doorsteps up and down the country.


Much like the milkman, Hovis stood strong as a comforting and dependable presence through the turbulence of the wars, publishing now famous recipe books with titles such as ‘Sandwich Suggestions for the Shelter.’ In 1941, such was the strength of the name Hovis, they famously donated a Spitfire to the RAF, aptly named Hominis Vis.

Although a wholesome brand in British nostalgia with their long history and beloved adverts, including the nation's favourite ‘boy on the bike,’ Hovis never lost the innovation that started it all. They’re the proud inventors of such favourites as Granary, Best of Both and Invisible Crust. One thing never changes – their passion for quality that makes their loaves so unwaveringly loved and a staple in every British home.


Hovis boy on the bike