Bread makers Hovis have returned to using 100 percent British wheat, the company announced earlier this week.

Hovis, which is part owned by food giant Premier Foods, was formerly made with wheat from British farms, but the poor harvest in 2012, when one of the wettest summers on record affected yields and quality, led to the company switching to imports from elsewhere in Europe. From next month, the company will return to using British wheat in its bread.

In a bid to draw attention to the return to its British sourcing policy (prompted by a better harvest last year), three of the company's range of loaves will carry distinctive union flag packaging, though they will not explicitly state that flour is from 100 percent British wheat, as was the case before 2012.

A company spokesperson explained that Hovis could not guarantee that it would continue to source wheat exclusively from the UK should another disastrous year affect British supplies. However, the spokesperson did say that the company is "delighted" to return to its original sourcing policy this year, as Hovis believes this is a USP which contributes to its status as an iconic British brand.

Hovis was exclusively owned by Premier Foods but the brand was partially floated off in a bid to improve sales earlier this year; the US-based Gores Group agreed to invest in the brand and has gained part ownership.