Costa Coffee and Co-op store facades will be seen on screen on April 27th
The event marked the ribbon cuttings of both brands’ store facades as they open at Weatherfield.
The event was attended by senior stakeholders from both businesses, including Costa Coffee’s Managing Director for the UK and Ireland, Jason Cotta, Commercial Marketing Director, Eric Tavoukdjian; Head of Operations, John Kerslake and UK Construction Director, Steve Challis. From Co-op, attendees included: Retail CEO, Jo Whitfield; Chief Operating Officer, Chris Whitfield; MD Co-op Property, David Roberts; Customer Director, Ali Jones; Director of Format, Mark Pettigrew and Director of Marketing Communications, Amanda Jennings.
The landmark deal with Coronation Street will see Costa Coffee and Co-op store fronts appear on screens from 27th April as part of the new extended Weatherfield set. As well as the shop fronts, viewers will see other branded assets such as posters, bags and cups integrated across the soap.
Eric Tavoukdjian, Commercial Marketing Director at Costa Coffee, said, “This innovative partnership with ITV has been in the making for some time and we are thrilled to see the shop front looking fantastic on the iconic cobbles of Coronation Street. As the nation’s favourite coffee shop with a presence on the UK high street for more than 40 years, it’s a great fit to have a place on one of Britain’s favourite and most iconic soap.”
Alison Jones, Customer Director at Co-op, said, “Our partnership with ITV has been an exciting time for the whole team and we are delighted to officially unveil our Weatherfield Co-op store. Coronation Street is all about community life and the Co-op is a retailer at the heart of local life and being close to the customer and we are delighted to be able to serve the residents of this iconic street.”
Mark Trinder, ITV Sales Director, said, "This is the biggest product placement partnership ever on British TV and I'm really excited for it to be unveiled on screen to viewers as part of Coronation Street's new set extension. The storefronts look incredible thanks to the work of both Costa and Co-op and Coronation Street's fantastic prop and production teams."
John Whiston, ITV Managing Director of Continuing Drama, said, "We're delighted to be welcoming Costa and Co-op to Weatherfield, though in fictional terms they've probably been there for a good few years. It's just that now we can actually see our characters wander down Victoria Street and do some shopping at the Co-op and pick up a coffee at Costa. Very handy! Having the presence of such iconic brands in Weatherfield will add to the credibility of the show and will be a great back drop for some great drama in years to come."
