The unique taste of Bovril
Bovril is a British brand of beef extract which began in 1886. It has been exported to countries around the world for many years. As well as expatriates looking for a taste of home in countries like France and Spain, Bovril is extremely popular in Malaysia, Singapore, and China where generations have grown up with this iconic British drink.
A rich history
Way back in 1871, Napoleon ordered a million cans of beef for his hungry army. A Scot, John Lawson Johnston, rose to the challenge with his invention “Johnston’s Fluid Beef”. This was renamed Bovril back in 1886, and so the beefy drink we know and love was born.
By 1909, it wasn’t just explorers and soldiers that took strength from Bovril - hundreds and thousands of football supporters up and down the country were gulping down steaming hot cups of Bovril. In fact, by this time, Bovril was so popular with Brits that an electric advertising sign was erected in London’s Piccadilly Circus.
By 1968, the Bovril empire owned Argentinean beef ranches that totalled the equivalent of half the size of England. Production was also moved from London to its current home in Burton on Trent.
Today, Bovril is as popular as ever, providing three and a half million jars of strength every year to Brits in need.
Image from the Unilever Archives: 'Rule for Britannia - Flavour with Bovril' [c.1945]
Contact Unilever about Bovril
If you have any questions or comments about Bovril, please visit our contact page.