$788 million in sales! Why this small chain is winning where Coles and Woolies aren’t
By
Maan
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Harris Farm pulled off an upset that few expected in the ongoing supermarket battle.
Against bigger players with national reach, the family-owned chain clinched several top titles in a highly competitive field.
Shoppers have spoken—and their verdict was surprising.
Thousands of consumers took part in Finder’s Customer Satisfaction Awards, ranking Australia’s leading supermarkets.
Harris Farm emerged as the standout, claiming the titles of ‘Most Loved’, ‘Most Recommended’, ‘Most Trusted’ and ‘Top Rated Supermarket Produce’.
The grocer’s win came despite its reputation for higher prices, with shoppers still ranking it above ALDI, Coles and Woolworths in key categories.
ALDI held on to its ‘Top Value’ crown for the second year running, while Ritchies was awarded ‘Legendary Service’.
Woolworths took out ‘Top Rated Supermarket Rewards Program’ for its Everyday Rewards, the only program linked to Qantas points.
Coles was recognised as the best for home convenience, winning ‘Top Rated Grocery Delivery’.
Finder’s head of consumer research Graham Cooke described the market as ‘fiercely competitive’, noting that each brand excelled in different areas.
‘Harris Farm took the top gong in half of all the categories this year, and was the most recommended supermarket in Australia,’ he said.
‘For those looking for a bargain though, ALDI came out on top again. Their range, however, is smaller than their competitors.
‘Coles has been upping their game in delivery, and the Woolies rewards program is the highest rated in Australia, and the one only one which awards Qantas points.’
Harris Farm remains a smaller player in the industry, with just 33 stores across New South Wales, Queensland and Canberra.
The grocer recorded a $22 million loss in the 2024 financial year, more than triple the previous year, blaming issues linked to a new software rollout.
Despite the setback, sales rose 5.6 per cent to $788 million.
The business was founded in 1971 by David and Cathy Harris in Villawood, Sydney.
Today, it is still run by the Harris family, with brothers Angus, Tristan and Luke taking over as co-CEOs in 2013.
Tristan stepped back from an executive role two years ago but remains on the board as a director.
Finder’s data also revealed that the average household now spends $209 a week on groceries, up from $190 last year.
If Harris Farm’s surprise win showed how a smaller chain can punch above its weight, it isn’t the only grocer making waves.
Another budget-friendly store has been winning hearts not just for its prices, but for the way it connects with shoppers.
Here’s a look at why customers are flocking to this local favourite.
Read more: It’s not just the prices: Shoppers reveal why they really love this budget grocer
Do you think family-run supermarkets can continue to challenge the dominance of the big chains?
Against bigger players with national reach, the family-owned chain clinched several top titles in a highly competitive field.
Shoppers have spoken—and their verdict was surprising.
Thousands of consumers took part in Finder’s Customer Satisfaction Awards, ranking Australia’s leading supermarkets.
Harris Farm emerged as the standout, claiming the titles of ‘Most Loved’, ‘Most Recommended’, ‘Most Trusted’ and ‘Top Rated Supermarket Produce’.
The grocer’s win came despite its reputation for higher prices, with shoppers still ranking it above ALDI, Coles and Woolworths in key categories.
ALDI held on to its ‘Top Value’ crown for the second year running, while Ritchies was awarded ‘Legendary Service’.
Woolworths took out ‘Top Rated Supermarket Rewards Program’ for its Everyday Rewards, the only program linked to Qantas points.
Coles was recognised as the best for home convenience, winning ‘Top Rated Grocery Delivery’.
Finder’s head of consumer research Graham Cooke described the market as ‘fiercely competitive’, noting that each brand excelled in different areas.
‘Harris Farm took the top gong in half of all the categories this year, and was the most recommended supermarket in Australia,’ he said.
‘For those looking for a bargain though, ALDI came out on top again. Their range, however, is smaller than their competitors.
‘Coles has been upping their game in delivery, and the Woolies rewards program is the highest rated in Australia, and the one only one which awards Qantas points.’
Harris Farm remains a smaller player in the industry, with just 33 stores across New South Wales, Queensland and Canberra.
The grocer recorded a $22 million loss in the 2024 financial year, more than triple the previous year, blaming issues linked to a new software rollout.
Despite the setback, sales rose 5.6 per cent to $788 million.
The business was founded in 1971 by David and Cathy Harris in Villawood, Sydney.
Today, it is still run by the Harris family, with brothers Angus, Tristan and Luke taking over as co-CEOs in 2013.
Tristan stepped back from an executive role two years ago but remains on the board as a director.
Finder’s data also revealed that the average household now spends $209 a week on groceries, up from $190 last year.
If Harris Farm’s surprise win showed how a smaller chain can punch above its weight, it isn’t the only grocer making waves.
Another budget-friendly store has been winning hearts not just for its prices, but for the way it connects with shoppers.
Here’s a look at why customers are flocking to this local favourite.
Read more: It’s not just the prices: Shoppers reveal why they really love this budget grocer
Key Takeaways
- Harris Farm was voted ‘Most Loved’, ‘Most Recommended’, ‘Most Trusted’ and ‘Top Rated Supermarket Produce’.
- ALDI was awarded ‘Top Value’ while Ritchies won ‘Legendary Service’.
- Woolworths received recognition for its rewards program, and Coles for delivery.
- Harris Farm has 33 stores and remains family-run despite recent financial losses.
Do you think family-run supermarkets can continue to challenge the dominance of the big chains?