Cadbury sponsors `Coronation Street' Sweet TV deal for chocolate- maker Britain's top soap Street'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.MARIANNE MACDONALD
Media Correspondent
Cadbury, the confectionery and drinks group, has struck a pounds 10m sponsorship deal with Coronation Street, Granada's flagship show, which enables the Cadbury name to appear with the opening and closing credits. It also includes off-air promotion using the show's stars.
The on-air sponsorship will start in September, to coincide with the introduction of a fourth episode of Coronation Street. The deal concludes months of negotiation by Cadbury for the right to be associated with the 35-year-old soap.
Last August Granada had appeared to come close to a deal with Pedigree Petfoods. It has also been talking to drinks firm Allied Domecq.
"We see the association as very much bringing together two of the nation's favourites," Cadbury's marketing director, Alan Palmer, said.
Yesterday Cadbury declined to specify what the extra duties of the cast would be, although discussions with Granada are expected to centre on photo-opportunities and advertising promotions for competitions.
Yesterday actor Bill Roach, who plays Ken Barlow, posed with Barbara Knox, who plays Rita, beside a huge bar of white Cadbury's chocolate in the shape of the Coronation Street sign.
Andrea Wonfor, Granada's joint managing director, said viewers would not be seeing gratuitous close-ups of Cadbury products in Rita's Kabin.
Granada's new boss, page 20
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments