Is Hovis up for sale?

Yes, Hovis was sold to Associated British Foods (ABF), the owner of Kingsmill, in a deal announced in August 2025 for around £75 million, creating the UK's largest bread brand, though the acquisition is currently undergoing review by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) for final approval. The sale aims to create a more profitable and efficient UK bread business by merging Hovis with ABF's Allied Bakeries.

Who owns Hovis UK?

Hovis® Limited is a baking business owned by Endless LLP. We're based in High Wycombe and employ 2,800 people in eight bakeries, one flourmill and three distribution centres across the UK.

Who is the owner of Kingsmill?

Kingsmill owner Associated British Foods (ABF) is set to acquire Hovis Group in a move designed to create a 'profitable UK bread business'.

How much did ABF pay for Hovis?

The owner of Kingsmill has agreed to buy its rival Hovis in a deal worth an estimated £75m that could create the UK's biggest bread brand if the competition regulator approves it, but also put jobs at risk.

Why is there no Hovis bread at Tesco?

by Sylvia Macdonald In an unprecedented move, Tesco has delisted approximately 11 Hovis breads. According to British Baker sources, the retailer refused to accept a price increase from the baker, leaving Hovis with no choice but to walk away.

The Two Ronnies - their classic 1978 'Hovis' Advert

Is Kingsmill taking over Hovis?

Four firms take slice of the action as Kingsmill owner buys Hovis for £75m - Legal Business.

Why is Asda not selling Hovis bread?

Asda and Tesco, two of the UK's largest supermarket chains, have rebuffed Hovis' new premium “Best of Both” loaf. Asda believes the product, which claims to have all the nutritional and health qualities of brown bread (even though it is actually a white loaf), is too expensive.

Why does ABF own Primark?

Arthur Ryan had a vision to open an affordable clothing store after running the clothing department of food and clothing retailer, Dunne's. This vision, combined with ABF's financing and retail expertise, set Primark on the path to become one of the world's foremost discount chains.

How many Hovis factories are there?

Hovis is a baking business owned by Endless LLP. We employ 2,800 people in eight bakeries, one flour mill and three distribution centres across the UK.

Why did Amazon and Whole Foods merger fail?

Amazon's acquisition of Whole Foods seemed a Wall Street dream come true. But then Amazon's data-driven efficiency met the customer-driven culture at Whole Foods—and the shelves began to empty.

Who is the biggest bread company in the UK?

Baking bread since 1876

All those years on and Warburtons is now the largest bakery business in the country but still remains a private family-owned business, actively managed by the fifth generation, Jonathan, Ross and Brett.

What is the most popular British dish?

While there's no single official most popular dish, Fish and Chips, the Sunday Roast, and Chicken Tikka Masala consistently rank as top contenders for the UK's favorite meal, alongside staples like Bangers and Mash, reflecting a blend of traditional pub grub and beloved curries. YouGov surveys often show high appreciation for simple items like chips, roast chicken, and mashed potatoes, while studies tracking online searches crown the Yorkshire Pudding as the most searched traditional food.
 

Why does Tesco not sell Kingsmill bread?

Tesco has delisted Kingsmill bread from its 3,000 British stores as the retailer tries to cut costs by reducing the number of products it stocks. The supermarket chain is instead focusing on rival brands Hovis and Warburtons.

What is the most popular bread brand in the UK?

The Most Popular UK Bread Brands

Warburtons remains the most popular, known for its soft white loaves, wholemeal, and crumpets, while Hovis is recognised for its wholemeal, granary, and high-fibre offerings, appealing to health-conscious buyers.

Why is Hovis called Hovis?

Hovis®: A Bread Legacy

Fitton & Sons Ltd developed the brand, milling the flour and selling it along with Hovis-branded baking tins to other bakers. The name "Hovis®" is derived from the Latin word "hominis vis" (meaning "strength of man"), reflecting our commitment to providing delicious bread for all.

What is the oldest bread company in the UK?

Hovis is one of the oldest brands of bread in the UK, dating back to 1886 when it was called “Smith's Patent Germ Bread” because it maintained the germ and steam cooked it in such a way as to maintain the nutritive value. The name was not catchy, so in 1890 a competition was held to change it.

Why is 13 called a Baker's Dozen?

A baker's dozen is 13 because, in medieval England, strict laws punished bakers for selling underweight loaves, so they added a 13th item (the "vantage loaf") to a standard dozen (12) to ensure they met the legal minimum weight and avoided fines or flogging, turning a potential loss into customer goodwill.
 

Where are Mr Kipling cakes made?

Lovingly baked in Britain

Our Mr Kipling cakes and pies are made in two of our UK bakeries, in Stoke-on-Trent and Carlton, near Barnsley.

Can I buy a Primark franchise?

The only licensed franchise partner to Primark is in the Middle East, operated exclusively by Alshaya Group. If you have been approached by anyone trying to sell you a franchise to the Primark brand please contact our Customer Services team.

Is Primark selling greggs clothing?

Freshly Baked Loungewear

Staying on trend can be hungry work so we've made it easy with our mix and match range of super-soft Greggs X Primark separates. Take your pick from logo tees, sweatshirts, hoodies and Greggs joggers to showcase your love of the tasty treat purveyors with pride.

Why is Asda failing?

Asda is struggling due to massive debt from its 2021 private equity takeover, leading to asset sales, high interest payments, and cost-cutting that hurts store standards, alongside increased competition, a clunky new IT system causing stock issues, and a lack of consistent leadership, resulting in falling sales and market share despite efforts to cut prices. The company faces a cycle of debt pressure, operational disruptions, and declining customer confidence as it tries to compete with discounters and other big grocers. 

Why does Hovis bread taste different?

We've been making it since 1886. It's made with a mix of white flour and wheatgerm, which gives the loaf a nice golden brown colour. Wheatgerm adds a distinctive nutty taste to some of our loaves.