Find out more about Countdown here

Grocery retailing in New Zealandhas changed significantly sincethe first Foodtown supermarketopened its doors in 1958.Today we are a commercially successfulenterprise with growing earnings andmarket share. But this is no longerenough. We are also a responsibleretailer, taking leadership positions onissues such as ethical and sustainable food sourcing, environmentalsustainability, and health and safety in the workplace.Since announcing our plans to invest $1 billion in our stores in 2009,we have significantly grown our network and reach. With new storesand the consolidation of our former Foodtown and Woolworthsstores under the Countdown banner, New Zealanders now haveover 160 Countdown supermarkets nationwide – offering a greatrange, low prices and an enjoyable shopping experience.With all the new stores and refurbishment, we have broughtnext-generation supermarket design to New Zealand. Newfeatures include wider aisles, expansive fresh food departmentsand a wide range of environmental initiatives to help reduce thecarbon footprint of our stores.We expect to open eight new Countdown stores and refurbish 13 thisyear 1 . That will help us to serve our customers even better and caterfor growing communities.This is an exciting time for our business, and we are committed tokeep setting new standards for supermarket retailing in this country.Dave ChambersManaging DirectorCountdown