Ovaltine has been available in the UK since just after the start of the 20th century. Described in marketing literature, according to the Guardian newspaper almost a century later on November 13, 2000, as “a delicious blend of barley, malt and cocoa fortified with eight vitamins and minerals” it has been the favourite bedtime beverage of many people ever since.
Swiss Invented Ovaltine Malted Milk Drink Came to UK in 1909
The brainchild of Dr George Wander from Switzerland, Ovaltine was first mentioned in The Times newspaper on April 14, 1909 on a report of some of the side stalls that formed part of the Nursing and Midwifery Conference and Exhibition held at Grafton Street, London where it was described as a breakfast dish with a composition of malt extract, fresh Swiss cows’ milk, fresh eggs and converted cocoa.
By 1913, Ovaltine was selling well enough in the UK for George’s son Albert (who ran the UK operation under the company name of A Wander Ltd) to set up a production factory at King’s Langley in Hertfordshire. Within a few short years, model farms were created to produce the milk and eggs required in the manufacture of the drink.
Ovaltine was Official Sports Drink of 1948 British Olympics
By 1917, during the thick of WWII, the clever marketing personnel from A Wander Ltd were urging people to “… send a tin of Ovaltine to your soldier or sailor friend…” because “… as a restorative to fatigue there is nothing to equal it.” It described the drink as “… a light, nourishing, quickly prepared and easily digested tonic food-beverage…” that “…builds up brain, nerve and body...” which was “…available at all chemists and stores.”
By the time the 1948 Olympics had come to Wembley, London, Ovaltine had named as an official sports drink with some 25,000 cups being served up to the competitors according to the Guardian newspaper of November 13, 2000. But, by the start of the 21st century, sales had begun to decline and in April 2001, the factory in Hertfordshire closed when production was transferred back to Switzerland.
Less than half a year later, the brand was brought by Associated British Foods as part of their Twining trading arm which still owns it today. The original version of the drink can be purchased at most supermarkets and food stores, along with other versions which include Ovaltine Chocolate, Ovaltine White Malt as well as “Light” versions of the chocolate and original flavours for the weight conscious.
Other sources:
- The Times Digital Archive [subscription only]
Elaine Findlay - An expert cook, Findlay's passion for food is evidenced by the size of her kitchen and her library of old recipe books
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