- Founded: December 5, 1924, in Sydney, Australia
- FY2024 Revenue: A$67.9 billion
- Employees: 201,000 (2025)
- Market Cap: Approximately A$37 billion (January 2026)
- Market Share: 37% of Australian grocery retail (2023)
Woolworths Group Limited is Australia’s largest retailer by revenue and employee count. The company operates Woolworths Supermarkets across Australia, Woolworths stores in New Zealand, and the Big W discount department store chain.
Headquartered in Bella Vista, New South Wales, the Woolworths Group serves millions of customers through more than 1,000 supermarkets and 90 Metro convenience stores. The company also runs the Everyday Rewards loyalty program and various digital platforms including online grocery delivery services.
Woolworths Group Limited History
Woolworths Group Co-founders
Woolworths Group Competitors
The Australian supermarket industry is a concentrated market. Woolworths and Coles Group together control about 65% of grocery retail sales. Aldi has gained market share in recent years by targeting price-conscious shoppers.
| Company | Headquarters | Market Share |
|---|---|---|
| Coles Group | Melbourne, Victoria | 28% |
| Aldi Australia | Minchinbury, NSW | 10% |
| Metcash (IGA) | Macquarie Park, NSW | 7% |
| Costco Australia | Docklands, Victoria | 1% |
| Harris Farm Markets | Sydney, NSW | <1% |
| Drakes Supermarkets | Adelaide, SA | <1% |
| Foodland | Adelaide, SA | <1% |
| Foodworks | Brisbane, QLD | <1% |
| Ritchies | Melbourne, Victoria | <1% |
| Amazon Australia | Sydney, NSW | <1% |
Woolworths Group Revenue
Woolworths Group Limited reported total revenue of A$67.9 billion for fiscal year 2024, representing 5.6% growth from the previous year. The Australian Food segment generates the majority of group revenue.
Woolworths Group Marketcap
Woolworths Group Limited has a market capitalization of approximately A$37 billion as of January 2026. The company trades on the Australian Securities Exchange under the ticker symbol WOW.
Woolworths Group Acquisitions
Woolworths Group has pursued strategic acquisitions to expand its grocery, pet, analytics, and e-commerce capabilities. The company has made seven acquisitions in recent years, with an average deal value of A$386 million.
In 2013, Woolworths acquired a 50% stake in data analytics firm Quantium for A$20 million. The company increased its stake to 75% in 2021 for an additional A$223 million. Quantium now powers Woolworths’ data science and advanced analytics operations through a joint business unit called Wiq.
In September 2020, Woolworths partnered with PetSure to launch PetCulture, an online pet products and insurance business. Woolworths owns 60% of this joint venture. The company deepened its presence in the pet sector in December 2022 by acquiring a 55% stake in Petspiration Group (owner of PETstock) for A$586 million plus A$670 million in assumed debt.
Woolworths acquired an 80% stake in online marketplace MyDeal for A$243 million in September 2022. The acquisition gave Woolworths access to MyDeal’s technology platform and customer base. In 2022, Cartology, Woolworths’ media business, also acquired advertising company Shopper Media for A$150 million.
Most recently, in January 2025, Woolworths acquired Beak and Johnston, a frozen convenience foods brand based in Sydney. The acquisition strengthens the company’s ready-meals and convenience food portfolio.
FAQs
Who founded Woolworths Australia?
Percy Christmas, Stanley Chatterton, Cecil Scott Waine, George Creed, and Ernest Williams founded Woolworths Limited on September 22, 1924. The first store opened in Sydney on December 5, 1924.
Is Woolworths Australia related to American Woolworths?
No. The Australian Woolworths Group is completely unrelated to the former F.W. Woolworth Company from the United States. The founders registered the name after discovering it was available in Australia.
How many Woolworths stores are in Australia?
Woolworths operates approximately 995 supermarkets and 90 Metro convenience stores across Australia. The company also runs 191 Woolworths stores in New Zealand.
What is Woolworths’ market share in Australia?
Woolworths holds approximately 37% of Australia’s grocery retail market as of 2023. This makes it the largest supermarket chain ahead of Coles at 28% and Aldi at 10%.
Who is the CEO of Woolworths Group?
Amanda Bardwell became CEO of Woolworths Group in September 2024. She succeeded Brad Banducci, who retired after leading the company since 2016.