Woolworths New Zealand announced its results for the 2026 financial year, reporting a resilient performance in a trading environment defined by persistent cost-of-living pressures and increased retail competition, which softened sales momentum.
Despite these headwinds, the business successfully embedded its largest store operating model change in two decades, while voice of customer scores showed that customers responded positively to the changes they have experienced in store.
For the full year, Woolworths New Zealand delivered sales growth of 2.5 percent and earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) growth of 8.8 percent.
"We know every dollar counts at the checkout. Earlier this year we reiterated our commitment to delivering value to Kiwi customers whether through affordable everyday staples or absorbing costs to keep prices low. To deliver that real value for Kiwi families every week, and to have a sustainable business in a highly competitive environment, we also have to run an efficient business," said Woolworths New Zealand Managing Director Sally Copland.
“We continue to leverage Woolworths Group's scale and resources to make improvements, which in turn gives us the flexibility to invest in New Zealand. That means making the right decisions so we can deliver great prices, greater convenience and better shopping experiences that our customers expect from us."
Woolworths New Zealand remains a long-term, committed overseas investor in the retail sector, having invested NZD 1.5 billion in the local market over the past five years.
Providing Value and Convenience for Customers
- Absorbing costs to protect customer budgets: Woolworths has made deliberate decisions to shield shoppers from rising expenses, particularly during recent fuel and inflationary spikes. Key price investments include: Red Meat: Absorbed wholesale price increases on everyday staple cuts rather than passing them on, keeping protein affordable for families; and Produce: Deployed targeted promotions across fresh fruit and vegetables to counter rising grower costs and keep essential produce accessible.
- Customer Value: Woolworths expanded its Member Pricing program to cover 1,500 products. The Everyday Rewards program continues to grow, reaching 2.3 million members, and has been successfully extended to FreshChoice stores.
- eCommerce Leadership: Online sales remained a standout performer. Woolworths maintained market leadership through the expansion of 'Direct to Boot' to 71 locations and the rapid growth of MILKRUN, Delivery Now and Express Pick Up, with 25 percent of all online orders delivered or picked up within two hours.
Investing in Team and Local Communities
- Brand and Network: The rebranding and store enhancement program was successfully completed, with the opening of three new Woolworths stores and nine expansions, thousands of career promotions, and a net ~500 new roles in the New Zealand retail market. The brand’s reputation also improved, with the Net Promoter Score (NPS) rising by three points year-on-year, driven by a three-point improvement in Value for Money scores.
- FreshChoice Growth: FreshChoice delivered a strong F26 result, supported by a new store opening and six conversions, as part of its "authentically local" strategy.
- Community commitment: Woolworths New Zealand has continued to lead in community support across the country, providing nine million meals to those in need in partnership with over 30 community-led organisations. Additionally, the business provided over 10 million pieces of fruit for Kiwi kids and raised NZD 700,000 for the Salvation Army, alongside opening four new “Mini Woollies” sites to support education for students with disabilities.
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