Bernard Matthews blasts off with Thunderbirds range

The firm will produce a range of rocket-shaped breaded turkey products, under license from TV’s animated children’s TV show. Bernard Matthews said the deal with ITV was a perfect fit.

Bernard Matthew assistant brand manager said: “We are extremely excited to be working with ITV to launch our first licensed product in our frozen children’s range of breaded turkey products. The iconic and recognisable vehicles in ‘Thunderbirds Are Go’ are ideal shapes to create into delicious turkey products, and to make mealtimes more fun.

‘A perfect combination for success’

“We believe the huge popularity of Thunderbirds Are Go married with our decades of expertise in producing tasty shaped products, is the perfect combination for success.”

The first Thunderbird turkey shapes will be available to buy from Asda this month, ITV confirmed. It said other major retailers would follow shortly after.

ITV Studios Global Entertainment senior vice-president of global merchandising Trudi Hayward said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Bernard Matthews and significantly boosting Thunderbirds Are Go’s FMCG [Fast-Moving Consumer Goods] offering.

‘Tea-time treat’

“Bernard Matthews is a trusted and family favourite brand and the fact they have selected Thunderbirds Are Go as its first ever license, is testament to the brand’s popularity and commercial appeal. We’re looking forward to seeing the iconic Thunderbirds vehicles becoming a tea-time treat for families across the UK.”

Thunderbirds Are Go is expected to air its second season this month, after the first series began in April 2015. It was a continuation of the 1960’s Thunderbirds TV show, and is set in the year 2060.

Meanwhile, the deal is the first news come from Bernard Matthews since it was bought by 2 Sisters’ owner Ranjit Singh Boparan, last month. The company’s new owner – The Boparan Private Office – said it wanted to build on the turkey firm’s British heritage.