The Top 17 Supermarkets in Australia in 2024

Key Takeaways: The 17 largest supermarket chains in Australia by revenue

Competitive landscape in of Australia’s grocery retail sector

The Australian grocery retail market was estimated to be worth AUD 199 billion (US$ 131.7 billion) in 2024 and is dominated by four main players: Woolworths, Coles, ALDI, and Metcash (IGA). These four retailers control over 80% of the market, with Woolworths and Coles alone holding around 65%.

This duopoly significantly impacts the sector, making it challenging for new competitors to enter and thrive. The last large player to enter the bricks and mortar retail space was Costco, which entered the country in 2009. The concentration of market power in the hands of a few has led to concerns about pricing and competitive practices. In fact, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission has even launched inquiries into these issues, in a bid to ensure fairer competition and better pricing for consumers.

Market share of grocery retailers in Australia, 2023

Retail formats in Australia are diverse, including large supermarket chains, discount stores like ALDI, and independent grocers under the IGA banner. YouGov data shows that Australians see ALDI as the supermarket chain that offers the best value compared to the other chains.This has seen the chain eating into the market share of the top two players.

Independent grocers

Independent grocers play a crucial role in providing personalized services and supporting local communities. Chains like Drakes and Harris Farm Markets offer unique products and maintain a strong regional presence – South Australia & Queensland and New South Wales & Queensland, respectively. This is vital for consumer choice and local economies. Independent grocers are also crucial for premium food and beverage producers. They have lower entry barriers than Woolworths and Coles, allowing easier market access. These stores also help businesses build brand visibility in Australia before targeting the major grocery chains.

Emergence of boutique grocery stores

Over the last few years, the major players have also been investing in smaller-format convenience stores, specifically aimed at addressing the needs of urban consumers. These boutique grocery stores are emerging in the country’s urban centers, driven by changing consumer preferences and industry competition. Factors such as the demand for convenience, quality products, and higher urban land prices contribute to this trend.

These stores often feature upscale items and pre-prepared foods, resembling farmer's markets. Such boutique grocery stores are expected to continue to grow, especially in high-traffic urban areas where land availability is limited. This shift reflects a strategic move by retailers to cater to urban lifestyles and evolving consumer needs. An example of this is ALDI’s convenience-focused format called “Corner Store”.

Online grocery shopping is growing

Online grocery shopping in Australia is expected to generate US$8.95 billion in revenue in 2024, growing annually at 9.25% to reach US$13.93 billion by 2029, according to data from Statista. On the heels of the pandemic online grocery shopping received a significant boost, but there has been a bit of a decline as consumers return to physical stores post-pandemic. Despite that, online grocery shopping is now said to have grown 4X from pre-pandemic levels, going from 1-2% of retail sales for supermarkets to 8-12% now, according to data quoted in ABC News.

Investments in online grocery channels have increased as well given its potential with consumers. Coles has partnered with Ocado for automated distribution centers, while Woolworths is developing micro-fulfillment centers. Metcash launched IGA Shop Online in 2020, and ALDI plans to enter the online market within the next five years. Amazon too offers groceries through Amazon Pantry and anticipated Amazon Fresh. The pandemic has permanently changed shopping habits, ensuring online grocery sales remain an essential and growing sector in Australia's retail landscape.

Retailers in other parts of the world are expanding their online presence in different ways. Check out what Indian online retailers are doing.

Doing business in Australia

Australia is a significant producer of diverse agricultural and food products, emphasizing “Made/Grown in Australia” labeling. Imported products need strong unique selling points due to local preference. Portion sizes, informative and eco-friendly packaging, and innovative products are crucial for market entry in this competitive sector.

Logistics and distribution are key due to Australia’s vast size and varying market conditions. Thus, nationwide distribution networks and partnerships are essential. Strict quarantine regulations for fresh produce, meat, and dairy require thorough understanding. Australia’s commercial environment is attractive and open to new products, with few barriers to entry aside from quarantine rules.

Read our comprehensive guide to help find the ideal distribution partner, understand the Australian market, and unlock high growth potential.

Our methodology for the ranking Australia supermarkets

This list of the 17 largest supermarket chains in Australia was compiled in conjunction with on-the-ground GourmetPro experts who offered their insights on this sector. The criteria considered were annual revenue for each chain and the number of stores. The information was then compiled, compared, and ranked by revenue to reflect the market position and financial performance of each chain​.

The top 17 supermarket retail chains by revenue are:

17. NQR Grocery Clearance Store

• Annual Revenue: AUD 150 million
• Number of Stores: Over 20
• Number of States Present In: 2 states (Victoria and Queensland)
• Number of Cities Present In: Multiple cities and towns across Victoria and Queensland
• Number of Employees: Approximately 400

NQR Grocery Clearance Store specializes in offering discounted and clearance groceries. The chain is known for providing significant savings on a variety of products, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers.

16. YourGrocer

• Annual Revenue: AUD 200 million
• Number of Stores: Operates primarily as an online delivery service
• Number of States Present In: 1 state (Victoria)
• Number of Cities Present In: Multiple cities and towns across Victoria
• Number of Employees: Approximately 250

YourGrocer operates as an online delivery service, connecting customers with local stores and specialty shops in Victoria. The service focuses on offering convenient and reliable delivery options for busy consumers in Victoria.

15. Victorian Farmers Direct

• Annual Revenue: AUD 250 million
• Number of Stores: Primarily operates as an online delivery service
• Number of States Present In: 1 state (Victoria)
• Number of Cities Present In: Multiple cities and towns across Victoria
• Number of Employees: Approximately 300

Victorian Farmers Direct delivers fresh farm produce directly to consumers in Victoria. The service supports local farmers and emphasizes quality and convenience.

14. Friendly Grocer

• Annual Revenue: AUD 300 million
• Number of Stores: Over 450
• Number of States Present In: All 6 states and 2 territories
• Number of Cities Present In: Over 200 cities and towns across Australia
• Number of Employees: Approximately 2,500

Friendly Grocer is known for strong customer service standards and local community support.

13. Farmer Jack's

• Annual Revenue: AUD 400 million
• Number of Stores: Over 10
• Number of States Present In: 1 state (Western Australia)
• Number of Cities Present In: Primarily in Perth and surrounding areas
• Number of Employees: Approximately 800

Farmer Jack's is known for its focus on fresh produce and competitive pricing. It caters to the needs of Western Australian consumers with a focus on local sourcing and affordability.

12. SPAR

• Annual Revenue: AUD 500 million
• Number of Stores: Over 150
• Number of States Present In: All 6 states and 2 territories
• Number of Cities Present In: Over 100 cities and towns across Australia
• Number of Employees: Approximately 1,800

SPAR offers a mix of local and international products and is known for its community-focused approach and diverse product range.

11. Romeo's Retail Group

• Annual Revenue: AUD 700 million
• Number of Stores: Over 40
• Number of States Present In: 2 states (South Australia and New South Wales)
• Number of Cities Present In: Over 20 cities and towns across South Australia and New South Wales
• Number of Employees: Approximately 2,000

Romeo's Retail Group is part of the IGA network. It is best known for its focus on fresh produce and specialty items.

10. Ritchies Supermarkets

• Annual Revenue: AUD 750 million
• Number of Stores: Over 70
• Number of States Present In: All 6 states and 2 territories
• Number of Cities Present In: Over 50 cities and towns across Australia
• Number of Employees: Approximately 6,000

Ritchies Supermarkets is part of the IGA network. It is known for its strong community focus and extensive charity support programs. Ritchies offers a personalized shopping experience, with an emphasis on quality and local sourcing.

9. Foodland

• Annual Revenue: AUD 930 million
• Number of Stores: Over 90
• Number of States Present In: Primarily South Australia
• Number of Cities Present In: Over 50 cities and towns in South Australia
• Number of Employees: Approximately 4,000

Foodland is known for supporting local producers and offering competitive prices.

8. Harris Farm Markets

• Annual Revenue: AUD 1 billion
• Number of Stores: 27
• Number of States Present In: 2 states (New South Wales and Queensland)
• Number of Cities Present In: Over 20 cities and towns across New South Wales and Queensland
• Number of Employees: Approximately 2,000

Harris Farm Markets specializes in fresh produce, focusing on organic and specialty items. The chain supports local farmers and producers, providing a diverse range of high-quality food items. Harris Farm Markets' commitment to sustainability and support for local agriculture make it a valued destination for health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers.

7. Drake Supermarkets

• Annual Revenue: AUD 1.1 billion
• Number of Stores: Over 60
• Number of States Present In: 2 states (Queensland and South Australia)
• Number of Cities Present In: Over 30 cities and towns across Queensland and South Australia
• Number of Employees: Approximately 6,000

Drake Supermarkets is known for its innovative store layouts and strong community focus, providing a unique and engaging shopping experience.

6. FoodWorks

• Annual Revenue: AUD 1.8 billion
• Number of Stores: Over 700
• Number of States Present In: All 6 states and 2 territories
• Number of Cities Present In: Over 300 cities and towns across Australia
• Number of Employees: Approximately 4,500

FoodWorks is owned by Australian United Retailers Limited and comprises a mix of company-owned and independently operated stores. FoodWorks offers a number of different store formats that are tailored to the needs of the local communities they operate in.

5. Costco

• Annual Revenue: AUD 2 billion
• Number of Stores: 12
• Number of States Present In: 5 states and 2 territories
• Number of Cities Present In: 12 cities across Australia
• Number of Employees: Approximately 4,000

Costco is a membership-based warehouse club that is best known for offering bulk goods at competitive prices. Costco provides a unique shopping experience focused on value and variety. The chain caters to both individual consumers and businesses. Costco's presence in major cities and its unique membership model make it a popular choice for consumers looking for bulk purchasing options and significant savings.

4. Metcash (IGA)

• Annual Revenue: AUD 9.8 billion
• Number of Stores: Approximately 1,455
• Number of States Present In: All 6 states and 2 territories
• Number of Cities Present In: Over 600 cities and towns across Australia
• Number of Employees: Approximately 6,000

Metcash operates the Independent Grocers of Australia (IGA) network. IGA stores are known for their community focus and personalized shopping experiences. Each store tailors its product offerings to meet local community needs, supporting local suppliers and producers. IGA provides a comprehensive range of groceries, fresh produce, and household items. It has a number of store formats, including IGA, Supa IGA, and IGA X-press.

IGA stores offer a diverse array of food items, including fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy products, bakery goods, and pantry staples. The chain also includes specialty and gourmet products to cater to various consumer preferences. IGA's strong regional presence and commitment to local communities make it a vital part of the Australian grocery landscape.

3. ALDI

• Annual Revenue: AUD 10 billion
• Number of Stores: Approximately 570
• Number of States Present In: All 6 states and 2 territories
• Number of Cities Present In: Over 200 cities and towns across Australia
• Number of Employees: Approximately 12,000

ALDI is a German discount supermarket, known for its low prices and high-quality private-label products. ALDI has quickly gained a loyal customer base in Australia because it focuses on simplicity and efficiency, which translates into cost savings for consumers. ALDI stores are designed for quick and easy shopping experiences, offering a curated selection of essential items.

2. Coles Group

• Annual Revenue: AUD 39.4 billion
• Number of Stores: Approximately 833
• Number of States Present In: All 6 states and 2 territories
• Number of Cities Present In: Over 300 cities and towns across Australia
• Number of Employees: Approximately 120,000

Coles Group owns the second largest supermarket chain in Australia. It is known for its competitive pricing and extensive product range. Its popular Flybuys loyalty program enhances customer engagement and retention.

1. Woolworths Group

• Annual Revenue: AUD 63.7 billion
• Number of Stores: Approximately 995
• Number of States Present In: All 6 states and 2 territories
• Number of Cities Present In: Over 300 cities and towns across Australia
• Number of Employees: Approximately 200,000

Woolworths Group is the largest supermarket chain in Australia. Woolworths' strong presence across all states and territories ensures accessibility for a vast majority of Australians.

Woolworths stands out for its wide range of food items, including fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy products, bakery goods, and pantry staples. The chain also offers a variety of organic and health-focused products, catering to diverse consumer needs. The chain emphasizes a strong loyalty program, Everyday Rewards, which enhances customer retention. Woolworths is committed to sustainability, local sourcing, and innovative shopping experiences. It is one of the leading employers in the country.

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FAQs

1. How big is the grocery industry in Australia?

The Australian grocery retail market was estimated to be worth AUD 199 billion (US$ 131.7 billion) in 2024 and is dominated by four main players: Woolworths, Coles, ALDI, and Metcash (IGA). These retailers control over 80% of the market, with Woolworths and Coles alone holding around 65%.

2. Which is The Biggest Supermarket in Australia?

The biggest supermarket in Australia is Woolworths Group. With an annual revenue of AUD 63.7 billion and approximately 995 stores, it has a significant presence across all states and territories, serving millions of customers nationwide. Woolworths is known for its extensive product range and strong loyalty program.

3. What are the Big 4 supermarkets in Australia?

The Big 4 supermarkets in Australia: Woolworths Group, Coles Group, ALDI, and Metcash (IGA). Together, these retailers control over 80% of the Australian supermarket sector.

• Woolworths Group
• Annual Revenue: AUD 63.7 billion
• Number of Stores: Approximately 995
• Coles Group
• Annual Revenue: AUD 39.4 billion
• Number of Stores: Approximately 833
• ALDI
• Annual Revenue: AUD 10 billion
• Number of Stores: Approximately 570
• Metcash (IGA)
• Annual Revenue: AUD 9.8 billion
• Number of Stores: Approximately 1,455

4. Who is bigger, Woolworths or Coles?

Woolworths is bigger than Coles. Woolworths has an annual revenue of AUD 63.7 billion and operates approximately 995 stores. In contrast, Coles has an annual revenue of AUD 39.4 billion and operates around 833 stores. Woolworths has a larger market share (37%) and a more extensive presence across Australia compared to Coles (28%).

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