Australia's most trusted brands

First-aid products rank highest

a woman

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Bunnings is our nation's most trusted retailer, according to the latest survey of Australian consumers.

Australia's Reader's Digest has released its twelfth poll in which Australians were asked to nominate the products they trusted the most and products that dominate their lifestyle.

But it seems first aid products are the products we trust the most. Given their importance in our lives that makes a lot of sense. Dettol remains in the top spot, followed by Band-Aid and then Panadol, retaining their positions for the second consecutive year.

Dulux products – made by Dulux Group (ASX:DLX) came in fourth, while toothpaste maker Colgate came in fifth. Guide Dogs were in sixth spot, followed by Elastoplast, Cadbury and Johnson & Johnson. And it seems Aussie kids are still Weet-Bix kids with the Sanitarium brand rounding out the top ten.

Hills Hoist – manufactured by Hills Holdings (ASX:HIL) was the nation's most iconic brand, ahead of Dick Smith and Vegemite. Hardware retailer Bunnings – owned by Wesfarmers Limited (ASX:WES) – was our top retailer, while Toyota was named our most trusted car for the second year in a row. The Toyota Corolla and Hilux lead sales in their respective categories.

Pedigree is our top brand choice for our four-legged friends, while Vanish Napisan is the must have product for those unsightly stains. Blackmores (ASX:BKL) topped the vitamins and supplements segment, despite strong competition from Swisse, Cenovis, Centrum Nature's Way and Nature's Own.

Australian Reader's Digest editor Sue Carney said the top brands had a long history of being steadfast and safe. "It's the brands which continue to offer quality and substance that hold our trust," she said.

Foolish takeaway

Building brand loyalty can translate into a strong competitive advantage, and create barriers to entry for new competitors. Just look at the dominant positions of the likes of Coke, IBM and Microsoft.

Interested in our #1 dividend-paying stock? Discover The Motley Fool's favourite income idea for 2013-2014 in our brand-new, FREE research report, including a full investment analysis! Simply click here for your FREE copy of "The Motley Fool's Top Dividend Stock for 2013-2014."

More reading


Motley Fool writer/analyst Mike King doesn't own shares in any companies mentioned.

More on ⏸️ Investing

Close up of baby looking puzzled
Retail Shares

What has happened to the Baby Bunting (ASX:BBN) share price this year?

It's been a volatile year so far for the Aussie nursery retailer. We take a closer look

Read more »

woman holds sign saying 'we need change' at climate change protest
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs that invest in companies fighting climate change

If you want to shift some of your investments into more ethical companies, exchange-traded funds can offer a good option

Read more »

a jewellery store attendant stands at a cabinet displaying opulent necklaces and earrings featuring diamonds and precious stones.
⏸️ Investing

The Michael Hill (ASX: MHJ) share price poised for growth

Investors will be keeping an eye on the Michael Hill International Limited (ASX: MHJ) share price today. The keen interest…

Read more »

ASX shares buy unstoppable asx share price represented by man in superman cape pointing skyward
⏸️ Investing

The Atomos (ASX:AMS) share price is up 15% in a week

The Atomos (ASX: AMS) share price has surged 15% this week. Let's look at what's ahead as the company build…

Read more »

Two people in suits arm wrestle on a black and white chess board.
Retail Shares

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX:TPW) share price stack up against Nick Scali (ASX:NCK)?

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX: TPW) share price stack up against rival furniture retailer Nick Scali Limited (ASX:…

Read more »

A medical researcher works on a bichip, indicating share price movement in ASX tech companies
Healthcare Shares

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since its IPO

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since the Polynovo (ASX: PNV) competitor listed on the ASX in July.…

Read more »

asx investor daydreaming about US shares
⏸️ How to Invest

How to buy US shares from Australia right now

If you have been wondering how to buy US shares from Australia to gain exposure from the highly topical market,…

Read more »

⏸️ Investing

Why Fox (NASDAQ:FOX) might hurt News Corp (ASX:NWS) shareholders

News Corporation (ASX: NWS) might be facing some existential threats from its American cousins over the riots on 6 January

Read more »