The New Zealand supermarket industry is among the most competitive in the world and the sixth most expensive grocery market in the world.
That’s why it’s so important to get maximum bang for your buck.
In this article about New Zealand grocery stores, we cover your best options for grocery shopping in New Zealand.
13 New Zealand Supermarkets and Grocery Stores
Table of Contents
The country’s largest chains are Foodstuffs and Progressive Enterprises and this duopoly controls the largest market share by far.
Several smaller independent grocery retailers operate either as niche stores or regional supermarkets.
1. Pak’n Save
Pak’n Save is a New Zealand supermarket chain owned by Foodstuffs.
There are 57 Pak’n Save stores across the country, making it one of the largest grocery retailers in New Zealand.
Pak’n Save stores are known for their low prices and wide range of products.
They offer a wide variety of food, including fresh produce, meat, seafood, and baked goods, as well as non-food items such as health and beauty products and household goods.
Pak’n Save does not have a loyalty program. They used to have a program called the Sticky Club but it was closed in December of 2021.
2. Countdown
Countdown is a New Zealand supermarket chain owned by Woolworths Group (formerly Progressive Enterprises).
It has 181 stores across the country, employing over 18,000 people.
The company was founded in 1983 and has been a subsidiary of the Australian Woolworths Group since 2008.
Countdown offers a wide range of products, including groceries, hot food, and general merchandise.
Countdown also runs a loyalty program called OneCard, which offers discounts and exclusive deals to members.
Whether you’re looking for Pantry staples or ready-made meals, Countdown is the perfect place to do your shopping.
For a creative and fun way to pay for your groceries, Opinion World allows you to redeem points for Countdown gift cards.
3. SuperValue
SuperValue has 39 stores across New Zealand, many of them servicing smaller towns and regions.
Whilst they are linked to Countdown and Fresh Choice with similar brands on offer, they are franchises. This means local owner-operators and a more local product offering.
4. FreshChoice
FreshChoice is a supermarket chain with 32 stores across New Zealand.
The company was founded in Christchurch in 1995, and is currently owned by Foodstuffs.
FreshChoice offers a wide range of products, including fresh produce, meat, seafood, and baked goods.
5. New World
New World is a New Zealand supermarket chain owned by Foodstuffs.
It has 140 stores across the country, and its head office is in Auckland.
New World offers a wide range of products, including fresh food, groceries, household items, and more.
The supermarket also has a loyalty program called “Clubcard,” which offers discounts and special deals to members.
New World prides itself on providing excellent customer service and offering quality products at competitive prices.
In addition, the supermarket is committed to sustainability and supporting local farmers and producers.
As a result, New World is a great option for those looking for a one-stop-shop for all their grocery needs.
6. Four Square
Four Square is a New Zealand-based supermarket chain that was founded in 1922.
The company has grown to become one of the country’s leading grocery retailers, with 230 stores across the country.
Four Square is committed to offering quality products at competitive prices, and to providing excellent customer service.
The company’s wide range of products includes groceries, household items, and health and beauty products.
7. Farro
Farro is a New Zealand supermarket that offers a wide range of grocery items, including fresh produce, meat, dairy, and more.
Founded in 2006, Farro now has 6 locations across Auckland, specialising in locally produced artisan food.
The company’s mission is to provide customers with quality products at competitive prices.
In addition to its grocery offerings, Farro also sells a selection of hampers and other giftware.
Farro’s loyalty club is called Friends of Farro.
8. Kosco Asian Supermarket
Kosco Asian Supermarket is a New Zealand supermarket chain that sells Asian food and groceries.
The company has nine stores throughout the South Island.
Kosco offers a wide range of products, from fresh produce to ready-to-eat meals, and its prices are very competitive.
Kosco is a great place to shop for Asian food, and its friendly staff are always happy to help.
9. MadButcher and Harvest Market
MadButcher and Harvest Market stores offer a wide range of products, including fresh produce, meat including excellent value meat packs, and dairy items.
Today, MadButcher and Harvest Market has 20 stores nationwide.
Whilst not technically a supermarket, the combination of fruit and vegetable shop and butchery, as well as milk and bread, means you can often pick up almost everything you need in one spot.
The company is dedicated to offering its customers the best possible shopping experience and prides itself on providing high-quality, affordable food.
10. Reduced to Clear
Reduced to Clear is a grocery clearance brand with 11 stores across the North Island.
They offer a wide range of food and household items at reduced prices.
Reduced to Clear’s prices are typically around 80% lower than regular retail. These goods include end-of-lines, changes of packaging, cancelled export orders, and short-dated stock.
11. Supie
Supie is a membership-based, online supermarket determined to create a fairer grocery alternative for New Zealand.
With Supie, get your favourite pantry staples and fresh produce, delivered to your door.
Currently only available in Auckland, Supie has big plans to expand across the country.
There are two membership types on offer:
A Supie Membership is free and provides access to over 2,500 items, a personal shopper, and pay-as-you-go delivery.
A Supie+ Membership gives you all of the same privileges as well as at least 2% cash back on all purchases. Delivery is free for orders over $70 for Supie+ members.
12. Costco
Yes – it’s true. The wholesale food giant is coming to New Zealand.
With its distinctive ‘no frills’ approach, Costco offers customers a wide range of products at very competitive prices.
In addition to groceries, Costco also sells a range of electrical goods, furniture and homewares.
What sets Costco apart from other supermarkets is its membership scheme. To shop at Costco, customers must first sign up for a yearly membership. This entitles them to purchase products at wholesale prices.
In addition, members also receive exclusive discounts and offers. For families who do their weekly shop at Costco, the savings can soon add up.
13. The Warehouse
The Warehouse is a New Zealand discount department store chain with over 190 stores nationwide. The company was founded in 1982, and is currently owned by The Warehouse Group Ltd.
The Warehouse offers a wide range of products, including clothing, electronics, toys, and home goods.
While they are not technically a supermarket, they do offer a limited selection of dry goods and pantry staples for excellent prices.
After a recent investigation into the (lack of) competition in the New Zealand supermarket industry, The Warehouse Group announced they would be interested in competing against the duopoly if they were given a fair shot.
We are hopeful more comes of this, as TWG would have the easiest time of any new entrant with an established and trusted brand.
They also have a loyalty program called Market Club, which offers discounts and exclusive deals to members.
We hope you’ve found this overview of the different grocery stores in New Zealand helpful.
We would love to hear about your experiences with any of the stores listed here – or if you know of any others we should add!
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