Hovis

How ethical is Hovis?

Hovis is a brand of bread which has a below-benchmark score on The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Bread Ratings Table. Although Hovis has not yet met our ethical benchmark, we hope to see the brand make progress in the future.

Find out more about the ethical issues facing the Ethical Bread sector.

What does Hovis do?

Hovis is a brand of bread launched in 1890, the name replaced ‘Smith’s Patent Process Germ Flour’ and comes from the Latin ‘homini vis’ which means ‘strength of man’. Hovis is now owned Associated British Foods, a subsidiary of Wittington Investments, following its acquisition of the brand in June 2026.

In which areas does Hovis perform poorly?

Hovis was marked down under our Public Record Criticisms category, due to numerous unethical activities that its parent company, Associated British Foods (ABF), is involved in. This includes human rights issues linked to Primark, another ABF subsidiary.

Find out more about how we rate by exploring our ethical criteria.

In which areas does Hovis score well for its ethics?

Hovis receives a top rating in the Fossil Fuels category, as neither the brand nor its owners were found to have any links to the coal, oil, or gas industries.

How can Hovis improve its ethical rating?

The below-benchmark score that Hovis is awarded with on The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Bread Ratings Table is the result of an evaluation of multiple ethical criteria.

To reach our minimum ethical benchmark and qualify for Ethical Accreditation, Hovis has some issues to resolve, primarily relating to the activities of its parent company. ABF. If it applies for Ethical Accreditation, The Good Shopping Guide will be able to give Hovis some guidance to improve on these areas.

Were you aware that your brand could benefit from Ethical Accreditation? Brands accredited by The Good Shopping Guide can display our Ethical Mark, showcasing to consumers that it is an ethical and sustainable brand. If you’re interested in learning more, please contact us or complete a Free Initial Assessment form.