Australia’s supermarket industry has undergone a remarkable transformation over the decades. From humble beginnings to becoming a multi-billion-dollar sector, supermarkets have become an integral part of Australian life. In 2025, the landscape is more competitive than ever, with a mix of established giants and innovative newcomers vying for consumer attention. Whether you’re a savvy shopper, a business enthusiast, or simply curious about the history and evolution of supermarkets in Australia, this article will take you on an engaging journey through the top 15 supermarkets in the country. We’ll explore their history, growth, and what makes them stand out in a crowded market.
History of Supermarkets in Australia
The history of supermarkets in Australia is a fascinating tale of innovation, competition, and adaptation. The concept of self-service grocery stores was introduced in the 1950s, revolutionizing the way Australians shopped for food. Before this, customers would hand over a shopping list to a store clerk, who would then gather the items. The arrival of supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths changed everything, offering a wide range of products under one roof and allowing customers to browse and select items themselves.
By the 1970s, supermarkets had become a staple of Australian life, with chains expanding rapidly across the country. The 1980s and 1990s saw the rise of discount supermarkets like Aldi, which entered the Australian market in 2001 and disrupted the duopoly of Coles and Woolworths. Today, the supermarket industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving sector, with a focus on sustainability, technology, and customer experience.
How Many Supermarkets Are There in Australia?
As of 2025, Australia is home to over 5,000 supermarkets, ranging from small local stores to massive hypermarkets. These supermarkets are spread across the country, serving urban, suburban, and rural communities. Below is a list of Top 50 supermarkets operating in Australia:
- Coles
- Woolworths
- Aldi
- IGA (Independent Grocers of Australia)
- Costco
- Foodland
- Harris Farm Markets
- Drakes Supermarkets
- SPAR Australia
- Ritchies IGA
- Supabarn
- Friendly Grocer
- Fresco Supermarkets
- Romeo’s Retail Group
- Thomas Dux Grocer
- About Life
- Wholefoods House
- The Fresh Collective
- NQR (Not Quite Right)
- The Grocery Clearance Outlet
- The Market Grocer
- The Source Bulk Foods
- The Vegan Grocery Store
- The Health Emporium
- The Organic Market
- The Natural Grocer
- The Green Grocer
- The Local Grocer
- The Village Grocer
- The Corner Store
- The Pantry
- The Larder
- The Foodstore
- The Foodworks
- The Friendly Grocer
- The Superbarn
- The Supa IGA
- The Supa Value
- The Supa Save
- The Supa Cheap
- The Supa Fresh
- The Supa Local
- The Supa Mart
- The Supa Express
- The Supa Plus
- The Supa Discount
- The Supa Clearance
- The Supa Organic
- The Supa Health
- The Supa Vegan
This list highlights the diversity of supermarkets in Australia, catering to a wide range of consumer needs and preferences.
The 15 Largest Supermarkets in Australia by Revenue
In 2025, the Australian supermarket industry is dominated by a mix of established players and emerging brands. Here’s a detailed look at the top 15 supermarkets by revenue, including their annual revenue, number of stores, states and cities they operate in, and employee count.
1. Woolworths
- Annual Revenue: $65 billion
- Number of Stores: 1,200
- States Present In: All states and territories
- Cities Present In: Over 500 cities
- Number of Employees: 200,000
Woolworths, often referred to as “Woolies,” is Australia’s largest supermarket chain. Known for its extensive range of products, competitive pricing, and loyalty programs, Woolworths continues to lead the market in 2025.
2. Coles
- Annual Revenue: $55 billion
- Number of Stores: 1,000
- States Present In: All states and territories
- Cities Present In: Over 450 cities
- Number of Employees: 180,000
Coles is Woolworths’ closest competitor, offering a similar range of products and services. The brand has invested heavily in technology and sustainability, making it a favorite among environmentally conscious shoppers.
3. Aldi
- Annual Revenue: $15 billion
- Number of Stores: 600
- States Present In: NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, ACT
- Cities Present In: Over 200 cities
- Number of Employees: 50,000
Aldi’s no-frills approach and focus on private-label products have made it a popular choice for budget-conscious shoppers. The German retailer has steadily expanded its footprint in Australia since its arrival in 2001.
4. IGA (Independent Grocers of Australia)
- Annual Revenue: $10 billion
- Number of Stores: 1,400
- States Present In: All states and territories
- Cities Present In: Over 300 cities
- Number of Employees: 40,000
IGA is a network of independently owned supermarkets that offer a localized shopping experience. Each store is tailored to the needs of its community, making IGA a unique player in the market.
5. Costco
- Annual Revenue: $8 billion
- Number of Stores: 20
- States Present In: NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, ACT
- Cities Present In: 15 cities
- Number of Employees: 15,000
Costco’s membership-based model and bulk-buying options have attracted a loyal customer base. The American retailer continues to expand its presence in Australia, offering everything from groceries to electronics.
6. Foodland
- Annual Revenue: $3 billion
- Number of Stores: 100
- States Present In: SA, WA
- Cities Present In: 50 cities
- Number of Employees: 10,000
Foodland is a South Australian institution, known for its fresh produce and community-focused approach. The brand has also expanded into Western Australia, offering a unique shopping experience.
7. Harris Farm Markets
- Annual Revenue: $2.5 billion
- Number of Stores: 50
- States Present In: NSW, QLD
- Cities Present In: 30 cities
- Number of Employees: 5,000
Harris Farm Markets is a premium supermarket chain that specializes in fresh, locally sourced produce. The brand has a strong focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing.
8. Drakes Supermarkets
- Annual Revenue: $2 billion
- Number of Stores: 60
- States Present In: SA, QLD
- Cities Present In: 40 cities
- Number of Employees: 8,000
Drakes Supermarkets is a family-owned chain that prides itself on customer service and community involvement. The brand has a loyal following in South Australia and Queensland.
9. SPAR Australia
- Annual Revenue: $1.5 billion
- Number of Stores: 300
- States Present In: All states and territories
- Cities Present In: Over 100 cities
- Number of Employees: 12,000
SPAR Australia is part of the global SPAR network, offering a wide range of products and services. The brand is known for its convenience and localized approach.
10. Ritchies IGA
- Annual Revenue: $1.2 billion
- Number of Stores: 80
- States Present In: VIC, NSW, QLD
- Cities Present In: 60 cities
- Number of Employees: 6,000
Ritchies IGA is one of the largest independent supermarket chains in Australia. The brand is known for its competitive pricing and community-focused initiatives.
11. Supabarn
- Annual Revenue: $1 billion
- Number of Stores: 20
- States Present In: NSW, ACT
- Cities Present In: 10 cities
- Number of Employees: 3,000
Supabarn is a premium supermarket chain that offers a curated selection of products. The brand is popular among discerning shoppers who value quality over quantity.
12. Friendly Grocer
- Annual Revenue: $900 million
- Number of Stores: 150
- States Present In: NSW, VIC, QLD
- Cities Present In: 80 cities
- Number of Employees: 4,000
Friendly Grocer is a network of independently owned supermarkets that offer a personalized shopping experience. The brand is known for its friendly service and competitive pricing.
13. Fresco Supermarkets
- Annual Revenue: $800 million
- Number of Stores: 30
- States Present In: VIC
- Cities Present In: 20 cities
- Number of Employees: 2,000
Fresco Supermarkets is a Victorian-based chain that specializes in fresh produce and gourmet products. The brand has a strong focus on quality and customer satisfaction.
14. Romeo’s Retail Group
- Annual Revenue: $700 million
- Number of Stores: 40
- States Present In: VIC, NSW
- Cities Present In: 25 cities
- Number of Employees: 2,500
Romeo’s Retail Group is a family-owned chain that offers a wide range of products and services. The brand is known for its community involvement and customer-centric approach.
15. Thomas Dux Grocer
- Annual Revenue: $600 million
- Number of Stores: 10
- States Present In: NSW, VIC
- Cities Present In: 8 cities
- Number of Employees: 1,000
Thomas Dux Grocer is a premium supermarket chain that offers a curated selection of products. The brand is popular among discerning shoppers who value quality and exclusivity.
Biggest Supermarkets in Australia
When it comes to size, Woolworths and Coles are the undisputed leaders. These two giants account for the majority of the market share, with thousands of stores across the country. Aldi, despite having fewer stores, is also considered one of the biggest supermarkets due to its significant revenue and widespread presence.
Old Supermarkets in Australia
Some of the oldest supermarkets in Australia include Coles and Woolworths, both of which have been operating since the early 20th century. These brands have stood the test of time, adapting to changing consumer preferences and market trends.
Main Supermarkets in Australia
The main supermarkets in Australia are Woolworths, Coles, and Aldi. These three brands dominate the market, offering a wide range of products and services to meet the needs of Australian consumers.
Best Supermarkets in Australia
The best supermarkets in Australia are those that offer a combination of quality, value, and customer service. Woolworths, Coles, and Aldi are consistently ranked as the top choices, but smaller chains like Harris Farm Markets and Supabarn also have a loyal following.
Key Points to Remember
- The history of supermarkets in Australia dates back to the 1950s, with Coles and Woolworths leading the way.
- There are over 5,000 supermarkets in Australia, catering to a wide range of consumer needs.
- The 15 largest supermarkets by revenue include Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, IGA, and Costco.
- Woolworths and Coles are the biggest and oldest supermarkets in Australia.
- The main supermarkets in Australia are Woolworths, Coles, and Aldi.
- The best supermarkets in Australia offer a combination of quality, value, and customer service.
Top 5 FAQs
- What is the history of supermarkets in Australia?
Supermarkets in Australia began in the 1950s with the introduction of self-service stores like Coles and Woolworths. These brands revolutionized the way Australians shopped for groceries. - How many supermarkets are there in Australia?
As of 2025, there are over 5,000 supermarkets in Australia, ranging from small local stores to large hypermarkets. - What are the 15 largest supermarkets in Australia by revenue?
The top 15 supermarkets by revenue include Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, IGA, Costco, Foodland, Harris Farm Markets, Drakes Supermarkets, SPAR Australia, Ritchies IGA, Supabarn, Friendly Grocer, Fresco Supermarkets, Romeo’s Retail Group, and Thomas Dux Grocer. - What are the biggest supermarkets in Australia?
Woolworths and Coles are the biggest supermarkets in Australia, with thousands of stores across the country. - What are the main supermarkets in Australia?
The main supermarkets in Australia are Woolworths, Coles, and Aldi, which dominate the market in terms of revenue and store count.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the top 15 supermarkets in Australia in 2025, covering their history, growth, and what makes them stand out. Whether you’re a shopper or a business enthusiast, this guide offers valuable insights into one of Australia’s most dynamic industries.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to keep the content accurate and up-to-date, the data regarding annual revenue, number of stores, employee counts, and other details are based on estimates and publicly available information as of 2025. The supermarket industry is dynamic, and figures may change over time. Readers are encouraged to verify specific details directly with the respective supermarkets or consult official sources for the most current information. The inclusion of any supermarket in this article does not constitute an endorsement, and the opinions expressed are based on market trends and consumer feedback.
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