It had its heyday in the 1980s. Now the makers of Um Bongo are hoping Heston Blumenthal drums up fresh interest - and sales - when he creates a giant carton of it for TV.

The juice drink - remembered for its “Um Bongo, Um Bongo, they drink it in the Congo” advertising strapline - is getting the Heston treatment on the episode of Channel 4 show Heston’s Fantastical Food airing 11 December.

In the show, the celebrity chef builds a giant carton of Hest’Um Bongo, which adults can put their heads into to experience a jungle scene. He also makes a super-sized sandwich, the world’s biggest packet of Hula Hoops and a huge Kit Kat.

Brand owner Gerber Juice Company predicted that the show would boost Um Bongo’s profile and sales.

“We are delighted we were able to help him create his own enormous version,” said commercial director James Logan. “We feel sure its appearance on his show will spark a renewed interest in the brand.”

The company plans to launch two new flavours into Tesco next year. Currently, the only supermarkets carrying the brand are Asda and Ocado, which stock multipacks of 200ml lunchbox cartons.

From January, Tesco will be stocking one-litre packs of new blends Orange and Tropical (rsp: £1.29), in about 700 stores, supported by marketing that includes promotions and Clubcard activity.

Um Bongo, which is licensed by Gerber from US business Libby’s, first went on sale in the UK in 1983.

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