Bernard Matthews Ltd

Bernard Matthews Ltd is a British farming and food products business, best known for its turkey products. The company was founded by Bernard Matthews in 1950 and has since grown to become one of the largest turkey producers in the United Kingdom.

History

Bernard Matthews Ltd was established in 1950 when Bernard Matthews bought 20 turkey eggs and an incubator for £2.50. The business initially operated from a small farm in Norfolk, England. Over the years, the company expanded its operations, acquiring more farms and processing facilities.

In the 1980s, Bernard Matthews Ltd became a household name in the UK, thanks to its successful advertising campaigns and the introduction of popular products such as Turkey Drummers and Turkey Twizzlers. The company continued to grow, diversifying its product range and expanding into new markets.

Products

Bernard Matthews Ltd offers a wide range of turkey-based products, including:

• Whole turkeys
• Turkey breasts
• Turkey slices
• Turkey sausages
• Turkey burgers
• Processed turkey products such as Turkey Drummers and Turkey Twizzlers

The company is committed to high standards of animal welfare and sustainable farming practices. It operates several farms across the UK, where turkeys are reared in accordance with strict welfare guidelines.

Controversies

Over the years, Bernard Matthews Ltd has faced several controversies, particularly related to animal welfare and food safety. In 2007, the company was at the center of a major avian influenza outbreak, which led to the culling of thousands of turkeys. The incident raised concerns about biosecurity measures and the conditions in which the birds were kept.

Acquisition

In 2016, Bernard Matthews Ltd was acquired by Ranjit Singh Boparan, the owner of 2 Sisters Food Group. The acquisition aimed to strengthen the company's position in the UK poultry market and ensure its long-term sustainability.

See Also

• Bernard Matthews
• Turkey Drummers
• Turkey Twizzlers
• 2 Sisters Food Group
• Avian influenza