Co-op has partnered with ESS Defence, a provider of foodservice and facilities management for military establishments, to open its first store on the UK Defence estate.
The convenience store at HMS Collingwood, the Royal Navy’s largest training base, is part of a new purpose-built retail facility in the Junior Ranks Mess. The product range has been tailored to reflect the population on site, which includes military personnel, civil servants, and contractors.
The store operates as a Co-op franchise and provides a range of hot and cold food-to-go options and food-for-later, alongside fresh and healthy grocery lines. Costa hot beverages are available via self-serve machines, complemented by Co-op’s bakery range. There are also non-food items, including household essentials.
The move forms part of Co-op’s growth ambitions for its franchise operation. Martin Rogers, the society’s director of partnership development, commented: “We are really proud to launch a Co-op serving the HMS Collingwood community; it’s an exciting development and hopefully the first of many together.
“We enjoy working closely with quality partners and look forward to sharing our convenience expertise, own brand and membership across a range of new and diverse sectors as part of our growth plan.”
Bob Gray, Managing Director – ESS Defence, Marine & Aerospace, added: “Retail innovation is one of our primary focus points for clients and customers, and we’re delighted to have opened the first Co-op on the UK Defence estate.
“We’re committed to giving our customers access to retail offers that align with what they see on the high street, and what better way than by partnering with such a well-established brand.
“Co-op brings with it specific associations around quality, value and community, and we’re looking forward to bringing these to life for our customers at HMS Collingwood.”
