Bernard Matthews blasts off with Thunderbirds range

By Matt Atherton

- Last updated on GMT

Bernard Matthews agrees deal with ITV for Thunderbirds Are Go products
Bernard Matthews agrees deal with ITV for Thunderbirds Are Go products

Related tags Bernard matthews License

Bernard Matthews has agreed to a licensing deal with ITV to produce Thunderbirds Are Go turkey products, as the turkey producer blasts off it’s first-ever licensed 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.

bernard matthews thunderbirds full

Thunderbirds Are Go and Bernard Matthews – at a glance

Bernard Matthews
  • Agreed licensing deal for Thunderbirds Are Go turkey products
  • First-ever licensed range
  • Breaded turkey shaped as Thunderbirds' rockets
Thunderbirds Are Go
  • Animated series based on 1960s Thunderbirds TV show
  • First aired April 2015
  • Second season planned for October 2016

Related topics Meat, poultry & seafood

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