2 Sisters Food Group is already very active in the poultry industry, and Mr Singh has been nicknamed the 'chicken king'. Meanwhile, Bernard Matthews has reportedly been struggling financially for several years.

The National Farmers Union (NFU) chief poultry adviser Gary Ford commented: “Bernard Matthews is an iconic name in the turkey sector and has been for the past 66 years. It is now important for staff and customers, as we approach the busy Christmas period, that this key supplier of great British turkey meat continues to trade.

"Given that part of the business involves the ongoing rearing of turkeys, we recognise that a quick sale of the business was expedient. However, we also recognise that as a result of this arrangement, a number of suppliers – some of which will be NFU members – will have lost out financially."

He advised any NFU members who are affected to contact the organisation for initial advice.