Two national institutions with substantial influence over the lives of ordinary Britons clashed on Monday, when the Conservative party attempted to cash in on the popularity of Love Island by producing knock-off merchandise inspired by the show.

Theresa May’s party announced on Monday afternoon it had produced special “Love Island water bottles” in the style of those used by contestants on the dating reality TV show, offering them as a competition prize. Unlike the merchandise used by stars of the ITV2 series, which feature contestants’ names, the Tory versions carry slogans such as: “Don’t let Corbyn mug you off”.

“Yeah that’s right – we’re giving away Love Island water bottles for the final (obviously),” the party said on its website, announcing the competition before the programme’s highly anticipated Monday night finale.

The Conservative party’s Love Island-themed water bottle appeared on its Instagram story. Photograph: BBC

“Some with a political twist, some not so much. Either way you’re going to be staying hydrated. With just a limited number available, winners will be chosen at random. So don’t miss your chance to get yours,” it said.

Following media inquiries about potential trademark infringement the Conservatives removed all references to Love Island from the competition. The contest appeared designed to collect the contact details of young people for future campaign purposes.

An ITV spokesperson did not say whether the Tory party had been asked to stop associating itself with the show, but made clear that “official Love Island water bottles are only available via the Love Island app and shop”.

The Conservatives have struggled to attract younger voters in recent years and have been attempting to revamp the party’s online campaign efforts.

Responding to the merchandise, the Labour-supporting campaign group Momentum said: “Dear Tories, no matter how hard you graft, young people won’t want to couple up with you. All the best, Younger voters.”

Love Island merchandise and brands associated with it have proved to be highly lucrative for producers of the show, which has attracted millions of loyal younger viewers who tend to ignore traditional TV channels. It has also created a cottage industry of products trying to piggyback on its popularity.

Monday’s finale will reveal which couple wins the show and a nominal £50,000 prize, but the real business will start afterwards as Love Island’s stars attempt to capitalise on their newfound fame in the hope of earning hundreds of thousands of pounds from personal appearances and social media endorsements.