Tesco Finest partners with Downton Abbey in its first ever TV sponsorship

ITV Commercial has announced that Tesco Finest is to partner the nation's most popular drama, Downton Abbey, in its first ever TV sponsorship.

David Wood, UK Marketing Director at Tesco, said: "We are really excited to be working with Britain's best loved drama. Downton Abbey is a great brand fit for Tesco Finest. The show is well crafted, authentic and inspiring. The partnership will build on these fundamental elements, bringing them to life across multiple platforms as we gear up for an exciting few months for Finest".

Tesco Finest first launched in 1998 as a selection of ready meals and has since grown into one of the biggest food brands in the UK. Tesco now sells over 1,400 different Finest products across all its food categories – including fruit and vegetables, meat, pasta, cheeses, deli, sauces, desserts and lots more. Its Finest wine range is award-winning and offers customers a choice of classics and new varieties.

The Tesco Finest prepared meal range is now one of the most comprehensive ranges in the market with cuisines from British classics to Italian favourites and exotic flavours.

Downton Abbey returns to screens this year for its fourth series. The third series of the multi award-winning drama consolidated with 12 million viewers and a 40% share of the audience.

The programme is made by Carnival Films, part of NBCUniversal International Television Production, for ITV.

Mark Trinder, Sales Director ITV Commercial and Online, said: "The coming together of two of the UK's most high profile brands this Autumn in Tesco Finest and Downton Abbey makes for a high-impact partnership. The package is a great example of how partnering with ITV can enhance a brand's appeal to the benefit of our customers and viewers".

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