Coca-Cola has recognised the importance of retail shops as it plans to take advantage of opportunities to expand in the sector, following its acquisition of coffee chain Costa from Whitbread. 

James Quincey, president and chief executive officer at The Coca-Cola Company, said in a statement online: “Retail shops are important sales, but they’re also pivotal in building a brand. There are more than 8,000 Costa Express machines in the market. We see opportunities to expand this system in immediate consumption channels.”

David Ramsey, of Best-one Byram Park Road in Knottingley, said he welcomed the move as long as it doesn’t hinder the brand’s soft drinks business in any way. 

“We do operate a Costa machine, but we use Espresso Essential products instead of Costa’s own. Perhaps this is why we haven’t heard from them. The acquisition won’t affect us as long as it doesn’t hinder Coca-Cola’s soft drinks business.”

Mr Quincey added that the company aims to capitalise in the growing hot beverages category with the acquisition. 

Read similar: Coca-Cola steps up fight against illicit trade