GCEIP · Australia & New Zealand
Brand of the Year 2026: Australia & New Zealand
GCEIP's Brand of the Year winners in 100 consumer categories across Australia and New Zealand for 2026.
GCEIP Brand of the Year winners
2026 Brand of the Year edition
One regional choice in each category
Find the Brand of the Year winner for each consumer category below. Each entry explains GCEIP’s selection. A brand may serve consumers in Australia, New Zealand or both; availability varies by market. The comparison shows the winner in the same category across three annual editions.
GCEIP selects one Brand of the Year winner per category. This recognition is not a product-by-product buying recommendation. Read the selection methodology for the evaluation criteria.
Showing 100 categories
- 01
Breakfast cereal: Brand of the Year 2026
Freedom Foods
Why Brand of the YearFreedom Foods gives cereal shoppers alternatives built around particular dietary preferences. Its range lets a household choose a breakfast product for the way it eats, rather than a general food-company name. That focused choice is why GCEIP picked Freedom Foods for 2026.
- 02
Packaged bread: Brand of the Year 2026
Wonder White
Why Brand of the YearWonder White makes a clear offer to families looking for packaged white bread. The name and loaf type tell shoppers what is in the bag before they compare sizes or nutrition panels. GCEIP's 2026 selection recognises that straightforward place in the bread aisle.
- 03
Milk and dairy: Brand of the Year 2026
Dairy Farmers
Why Brand of the YearDairy Farmers is a familiar Australian dairy name across milk and other chilled products. Its value to the consumer lies in a regular, tangible purchase rather than an abstract corporate promise. GCEIP selected it for 2026 because the brand belongs directly in this category.
- 04
Yoghurt: Brand of the Year 2026
Dairy Farmers
Why Brand of the YearDairy Farmers offers yoghurt as part of an established chilled dairy range. The brand gives Australian shoppers a familiar name for a food bought repeatedly, even though the individual flavour changes. GCEIP chose it for 2026 because the dairy connection remains easy to understand.
- 05
Chocolate: Brand of the Year 2026
Darrell Lea
Why Brand of the YearDarrell Lea is a confectionery name with a visible chocolate range on Australian shelves. For this category, the relevant decision is the bar or block a shopper picks up, not the whole sweets aisle. GCEIP chose Darrell Lea for 2026 on that direct consumer footing.
- 06
Ice cream: Brand of the Year 2026
Golden North
Why Brand of the YearGolden North is an Australian ice cream maker with a regional identity that remains visible on the tub. Consumers choose a flavour, but they also choose the maker behind it. GCEIP picked Golden North for 2026 because the brand's category focus is unusually plain.
- 07
Potato chips: Brand of the Year 2026
Red Rock Deli
Why Brand of the YearRed Rock Deli puts flavour combinations and a thicker chip experience at the centre of its range. Its bags stand apart within the Australian snack aisle without leaving the potato-chip category. GCEIP's 2026 choice rests on that identifiable product character.
- 08
Biscuits: Brand of the Year 2026
Lotus Biscoff
Why Brand of the YearLotus Biscoff gives shoppers a caramelised biscuit with a distinct flavour and texture. It can be eaten with coffee or used in desserts, while remaining recognisably the same product. GCEIP chose it for 2026 because the biscuit itself carries the brand.
- 09
Ready meals: Brand of the Year 2026
Jess's Underground Kitchen
Why Brand of the YearJess's Underground Kitchen is a New Zealand prepared-food name associated with meals people can keep for later. The customer buys time as well as food, while still choosing a specific dish. GCEIP picked it for 2026 because that home-meal purpose is direct.
- 10
Pasta and cooking sauces: Brand of the Year 2026
Barilla
Why Brand of the YearBarilla pairs its pasta with sauces, allowing shoppers to build a meal around one brand. The individual shapes and recipes still matter, but the cooking purpose stays constant. GCEIP named Barilla for 2026 because that coherent pantry offer belongs squarely in this category.
- 11
Tea: Brand of the Year 2026
Nerada
Why Brand of the YearNerada is an Australian tea name that keeps the product itself in view: leaves grown for an everyday drink. A consumer may choose a blend or pack, but the reason to encounter Nerada remains tea. GCEIP picked it for 2026 on that clear category footing.
- 12
Coffee for home: Brand of the Year 2026
Moccona
Why Brand of the YearMoccona is a recognisable instant-coffee name for households wanting a quick cup without equipment. That convenience is a real product distinction in home coffee, even when tastes differ. GCEIP chose Moccona for 2026 because its place in the category is easy to identify.
- 13
Bottled water: Brand of the Year 2026
Frantelle
Why Brand of the YearFrantelle is a bottled-water name shoppers can reach for in larger packs as well as single bottles. The brand serves a practical need without asking the consumer to understand a wider drinks portfolio. GCEIP chose Frantelle for 2026 for that straightforward role.
- 14
Soft drinks: Brand of the Year 2026
L&P
Why Brand of the YearL&P is a New Zealand soft-drink name with a lemon flavour and a local identity. It is specific enough to stand as a product choice rather than a generic carbonated drink. GCEIP picked L&P for 2026 because the brand's distinctiveness is visible in the drink itself.
- 15
Energy drinks: Brand of the Year 2026
Monster Energy
Why Brand of the YearMonster Energy brings a wide flavour range under a recognisable energy-drink name. The larger can and product styling are part of its shelf presence, though suitability is individual. GCEIP chose Monster for 2026 because consumers can place the brand immediately in the category.
- 16
Fruit drinks: Brand of the Year 2026
Nudie
Why Brand of the YearNudie makes fruit the central cue in its juice range. Shoppers can compare flavours and ingredients while still recognising the same brand on the bottle. GCEIP picked Nudie for 2026 because its consumer proposition is specific to fruit drinks.
- 17
Beer: Brand of the Year 2026
James Squire
Why Brand of the YearJames Squire connects a range of beers to a named brewing identity. Shoppers can choose among styles while understanding what kind of producer they are buying from. GCEIP picked James Squire for 2026 because the brewer's name and the beer experience stay closely linked.
- 18
Gin: Brand of the Year 2026
Brookie's
Why Brand of the YearBrookie's brings a Byron Bay distillery identity to gin. The place and botanical approach help a shopper distinguish it from another bottle, while the spirit itself remains the purchase. GCEIP selected Brookie's for 2026 for that recognisable, category-specific proposition.
- 19
Whisky: Brand of the Year 2026
Cardrona Distillery
Why Brand of the YearCardrona Distillery sells New Zealand single malt whisky under a place-based maker's name. The individual cask expression matters, yet the distillery ties the choice together. GCEIP picked Cardrona for 2026 because that distinct origin makes its whisky proposition easy to locate.
- 20
Wine: Brand of the Year 2026
Cloudy Bay
Why Brand of the YearCloudy Bay is closely associated with New Zealand wine, especially Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. That origin is meaningful to a shopper comparing bottles rather than an ornamental claim. GCEIP selected Cloudy Bay for 2026 because its name points to a defined wine experience.
- 21
Grocery supermarkets: Brand of the Year 2026
PAK'nSAVE
Why Brand of the YearPAK'nSAVE gives New Zealand shoppers a supermarket proposition centred on the cost of the regular food basket. The store format and name set expectations before a product is chosen. GCEIP picked it for 2026 because that value-oriented grocery identity is clear.
- 22
Premium food retail: Brand of the Year 2026
Leo's Fine Food & Wine
Why Brand of the YearLeo's Fine Food & Wine is an Australian grocery name built around a considered range of food and drink. The shop itself helps frame the purchase across departments. GCEIP picked Leo's for 2026 because that retail experience belongs in premium food, not general department stores.
- 23
Convenience stores: Brand of the Year 2026
NightOwl
Why Brand of the YearNightOwl gives Australian shoppers a late-hour convenience option for food and essentials. The store's relevance comes from being available when a larger shop is inconvenient. GCEIP picked NightOwl for 2026 because that particular consumer need is built into its identity.
- 24
Online grocery: Brand of the Year 2026
Harris Farm Markets on Amazon.com.au
Why Brand of the YearHarris Farm Markets on Amazon.com.au lets eligible Sydney-area customers order fresh food through Amazon's checkout and delivery system. The offer launched in 2026 and is geographically limited, which matters to the consumer. GCEIP selected it because the partnership creates a specific online-grocery option.
- 25
Online marketplaces: Brand of the Year 2026
Kogan
Why Brand of the YearKogan presents a broad online retail marketplace under a single Australian name. Shoppers move among product categories while using the same platform for discovery and purchase. GCEIP picked Kogan for 2026 because that platform relationship is the category's defining feature.
- 26
Department stores: Brand of the Year 2026
Harris Scarfe
Why Brand of the YearHarris Scarfe combines fashion and home categories in an Australian department-store format. The shopper may visit for a specific item, but the retailer offers a wider browsing journey. GCEIP picked it for 2026 because that mix defines its consumer identity.
- 27
Discount retail: Brand of the Year 2026
Target Australia
Why Brand of the YearTarget Australia gives shoppers a general-merchandise store with clothing, home and family goods. The category fit lies in finding a range of practical purchases at accessible prices. GCEIP selected Target for 2026 because that broad discount-store identity remains clear.
- 28
Beauty retail: Brand of the Year 2026
Adore Beauty
Why Brand of the YearAdore Beauty makes beauty shopping an online experience, with products, product information and delivery in one place. The platform is the consumer's point of contact even when another company makes the item. GCEIP picked Adore Beauty for 2026 for that clear retail role.
- 29
Homeware retail: Brand of the Year 2026
Briscoes
Why Brand of the YearBriscoes gives New Zealand shoppers a homeware store for kitchen, bedroom and everyday household needs. Its range spans rooms, but remains anchored in goods used at home. GCEIP selected Briscoes for 2026 because that practical retail role is immediate to consumers.
- 30
DIY retail: Brand of the Year 2026
PlaceMakers
Why Brand of the YearPlaceMakers serves New Zealanders buying materials for home projects as well as trade customers. This recognition concerns the consumer side: people making a repair or renovation purchase. GCEIP picked PlaceMakers for 2026 because its product range is closely tied to that task.
- 31
Everyday clothing: Brand of the Year 2026
Country Road
Why Brand of the YearCountry Road gives clothing buyers a recognisable Australian design identity across pieces intended for repeated use. A shopper may select one item, then return to the same wardrobe language. GCEIP picked it for 2026 because that consistency has meaning in everyday clothing.
- 32
Sportswear: Brand of the Year 2026
Lorna Jane
Why Brand of the YearLorna Jane builds clothing around women's exercise and active routines. The brand's category place comes from garments designed to be worn while moving, with fit and comfort part of the purchase. GCEIP chose Lorna Jane for 2026 for that focused sportswear offer.
- 33
Outdoor clothing: Brand of the Year 2026
Icebreaker
Why Brand of the YearIcebreaker makes merino clothing that people choose for layering, travel and activity outside. The material is part of the reason for the purchase. GCEIP picked Icebreaker for 2026 because that defined garment proposition makes its outdoor-clothing identity concrete.
- 34
Luxury fashion: Brand of the Year 2026
Louis Vuitton
Why Brand of the YearLouis Vuitton brings a long-running house identity to bags, clothing and accessories. The individual item still matters, but a buyer is also choosing the maker's design world. GCEIP picked Louis Vuitton for 2026 because that relationship is central to luxury fashion.
- 35
Footwear: Brand of the Year 2026
Skechers
Why Brand of the YearSkechers offers casual shoes across different fits and uses, with comfort a visible part of the proposition. The right pair remains an individual decision. GCEIP picked Skechers for 2026 because it is encountered primarily as a footwear choice.
- 36
Jewellery: Brand of the Year 2026
Walker & Hall
Why Brand of the YearWalker & Hall gives New Zealand jewellery shoppers a local retail name for pieces bought to wear or give. The particular stone and setting matter, yet the retailer is the point of selection and service. GCEIP picked it for 2026 on that clear category role.
- 37
Watches: Brand of the Year 2026
Longines
Why Brand of the YearLongines gives watch buyers a distinct Swiss maker's name attached to the timepiece rather than a general accessories range. Style and fit still have to be judged on the wrist. GCEIP picked Longines for 2026 because its watch identity is coherent.
- 38
Eyewear retail: Brand of the Year 2026
Bailey Nelson
Why Brand of the YearBailey Nelson brings frames and optical services into a focused retail experience. Shoppers can consider appearance alongside fit and vision needs in one visit. GCEIP picked Bailey Nelson for 2026 because the brand is built around that specific eyewear decision.
- 39
Skin care: Brand of the Year 2026
Antipodes Skincare
Why Brand of the YearAntipodes Skincare is a New Zealand name associated with facial care products and ingredient-led choices. Buyers can compare formulas within a coherent range. GCEIP picked it for 2026 because the brand remains clearly tied to the skin-care routine.
- 40
Colour cosmetics: Brand of the Year 2026
Karen Murrell
Why Brand of the YearKaren Murrell is a New Zealand colour-cosmetics name built around lipstick. The shade is an individual choice, but the brand gives the shopper a defined range and design identity. GCEIP picked it for 2026 because that focused makeup offer is easy to place.
- 41
Hair care: Brand of the Year 2026
Kevin Murphy
Why Brand of the YearKevin Murphy gives consumers a named hair-care range with a salon connection. A hairstyle may change, but the products remain tied to washing, treating and styling hair. GCEIP chose the brand for 2026 because that category purpose is specific.
- 42
Fragrance: Brand of the Year 2026
Ecoya
Why Brand of the YearEcoya is a New Zealand fragrance name encountered through candles, diffusers and personal scent products. It brings fragrance into rooms as well as onto the body. GCEIP picked Ecoya for 2026 because scent is the thread that ties the consumer range together.
- 43
Oral care: Brand of the Year 2026
Oral-B
Why Brand of the YearOral-B links toothbrushes, toothpaste and other oral-care products under one name. The buyer may be choosing a powered brush or a daily essential, but the hygiene task is constant. GCEIP picked Oral-B for 2026 for that coherent consumer role.
- 44
Deodorant: Brand of the Year 2026
Ethique
Why Brand of the YearEthique sells deodorant alongside its solid personal-care products, with the format itself part of the buying decision. Consumers can weigh the convenience and fit of a bar. GCEIP picked Ethique for 2026 because that distinct approach gives it a place in deodorant.
- 45
Men's grooming: Brand of the Year 2026
Manscaped
Why Brand of the YearManscaped specialises in body-grooming tools and related products, giving the category a focused rather than all-purpose offer. The equipment is chosen for personal use and comfort. GCEIP picked Manscaped for 2026 because its brand identity is closely tied to that task.
- 46
Laundry detergent: Brand of the Year 2026
Cold Power
Why Brand of the YearCold Power is a detergent name associated with washing in cold water. The point is easy for a shopper to understand when comparing products for a routine chore. GCEIP picked Cold Power for 2026 because that defined use gives the brand a clear category identity.
- 47
Household cleaning: Brand of the Year 2026
White King
Why Brand of the YearWhite King gives Australian households a cleaning name associated with bleach and related products. These require careful use, which is part of their real consumer context. GCEIP picked White King for 2026 because its role in the cleaning cupboard is specific.
- 48
Paper products: Brand of the Year 2026
Viva
Why Brand of the YearViva is associated with kitchen towels made for spills and cleaning up. The product is used in ordinary household moments, not as a display item. GCEIP picked Viva for 2026 because that precise task gives the brand a recognisable place in paper products.
- 49
Baby nappies: Brand of the Year 2026
Rascal + Friends
Why Brand of the YearRascal + Friends is a New Zealand nappy brand whose playful identity is visible on a practical product. Parents still decide by fit and comfort, but the brand gives a distinct choice on the shelf. GCEIP picked it for 2026 for that direct consumer relationship.
- 50
Baby food: Brand of the Year 2026
Only Organic
Why Brand of the YearOnly Organic is a New Zealand baby-food brand that puts its product approach in the name. Parents can choose among pouches and meals while checking the age and ingredients. GCEIP picked it for 2026 because the category focus is clear and concrete.
- 51
Pet food: Brand of the Year 2026
ZIWI
Why Brand of the YearZIWI is a New Zealand pet-food name built around meat-rich recipes in air-dried and wet formats. Pet owners can judge the ingredients and suitability for their animal. GCEIP picked ZIWI for 2026 because the product proposition is specific within pet food.
- 52
Pet retail: Brand of the Year 2026
Budget Pet Products
Why Brand of the YearBudget Pet Products serves Australian pet owners through online ordering of food and other supplies. The customer can compare products without a store visit. GCEIP picked it for 2026 because that specific retail route is part of how people care for pets.
- 53
Passenger cars: Brand of the Year 2026
Hyundai
Why Brand of the YearHyundai gives households a range of passenger cars to compare by size, features and budget. The brand is visible from first research through ownership and service. GCEIP picked Hyundai for 2026 because that direct vehicle relationship fits the category.
- 54
Electric cars: Brand of the Year 2026
Kia
Why Brand of the YearKia offers electric cars within a broader passenger-car range. The 2026 category concerns those electric models and how they fit a driver's charging and travel needs. GCEIP picked Kia because the EV offer is a visible consumer option, not merely a future promise.
- 55
Motorcycles: Brand of the Year 2026
Kawasaki
Why Brand of the YearKawasaki gives motorcyclists a maker's name with an identifiable riding heritage. Safety, fit and intended use matter more than the badge alone. GCEIP picked Kawasaki for 2026 because its category position is tied to the bike a consumer actually rides.
- 56
Automotive tyres: Brand of the Year 2026
Goodyear
Why Brand of the YearGoodyear is encountered at the tyre shop rather than the car showroom. The buyer needs the correct specification and a product suited to local driving. GCEIP picked Goodyear for 2026 because its consumer identity is unmistakably tied to tyres.
- 57
Car rental: Brand of the Year 2026
Budget
Why Brand of the YearBudget presents car rental with price-conscious positioning in its name. A customer still checks the vehicle and full terms, but the intended service is easy to understand. GCEIP picked Budget for 2026 because that direct rental relationship fits the category.
- 58
Ride hailing: Brand of the Year 2026
13cabs
Why Brand of the Year13cabs gives passengers a named way to book a taxi by app or other channels. Its role is to connect a person with a ride when they need one. GCEIP picked 13cabs for 2026 because that practical passenger service belongs directly in the category.
- 59
Fuel stations: Brand of the Year 2026
Ampol
Why Brand of the YearAmpol is an Australian fuel-retail name encountered on highways and local routes. The stop is a practical part of using a car, separate from choosing the car itself. GCEIP picked Ampol for 2026 because its station identity is direct.
- 60
Public EV charging: Brand of the Year 2026
ChargeNet
Why Brand of the YearChargeNet gives New Zealand EV drivers a network of public charging points. Access and charger type vary by location, so planning remains part of the trip. GCEIP picked ChargeNet for 2026 because it has a clear role in making electric travel workable.
- 61
Airlines: Brand of the Year 2026
Jetstar
Why Brand of the YearJetstar gives price-conscious passengers a distinct airline choice across routes in the region. Its fare structure asks customers to look closely at what is included. GCEIP picked Jetstar for 2026 because that recognisable way of buying a flight defines its category role.
- 62
Hotels: Brand of the Year 2026
QT Hotels
Why Brand of the YearQT Hotels makes the design and atmosphere of a stay part of the hotel choice. Guests compare a particular property, but the QT name signals an approach to accommodation across locations. GCEIP picked QT for 2026 because that identifiable guest experience sets it apart.
- 63
Holiday rentals: Brand of the Year 2026
Booking.com
Why Brand of the YearBooking.com puts holiday rentals alongside other accommodation choices in its search and booking service. Travellers still judge the individual property, terms and location. GCEIP picked Booking.com for 2026 because the consumer can complete a rental journey through one recognisable platform.
- 64
Online travel booking: Brand of the Year 2026
Skyscanner
Why Brand of the YearSkyscanner helps travellers compare routes and prices before they decide where to book. Discovery is a distinct stage of a trip purchase. GCEIP picked Skyscanner for 2026 because its consumer role is to make that comparison easier to navigate.
- 65
Cruise holidays: Brand of the Year 2026
Carnival Cruise Line
Why Brand of the YearCarnival Cruise Line gives passengers a defined cruise-holiday choice, with travel and onboard activities sold as one trip. The details vary by sailing. GCEIP picked Carnival for 2026 because that ship-based holiday experience is clear to consumers.
- 66
Rail travel: Brand of the Year 2026
Journey Beyond Rail
Why Brand of the YearJourney Beyond Rail offers long-distance Australian train trips where the route, accommodation and time aboard form one purchase. Travellers choose an experience as well as transport. GCEIP picked it for 2026 because that distinctive rail proposition is tied to the journey itself.
- 67
Intercity coach travel: Brand of the Year 2026
Premier Motor Service
Why Brand of the YearPremier Motor Service gives Australian travellers a named coach option along its routes. The passenger chooses a specific departure, while the operator provides the continuing trip service. GCEIP picked Premier for 2026 because the brand's place in intercity coach travel is direct.
- 68
Retail banking: Brand of the Year 2026
Kiwibank
Why Brand of the YearKiwibank gives New Zealand households a domestic banking option for everyday money management. Customers may choose different accounts, but the bank name stays with the regular service. GCEIP picked Kiwibank for 2026 because that local consumer relationship defines its category place.
- 69
Digital banking: Brand of the Year 2026
ubank
Why Brand of the Yearubank is a digital banking name customers meet through an app rather than a traditional branch visit. They use it for account tasks that recur through the month. GCEIP picked ubank for 2026 because that app-led consumer relationship defines the brand.
- 70
Credit cards: Brand of the Year 2026
Westpac
Why Brand of the YearWestpac is a recognisable credit-card provider in the region. The useful question for a customer is which product's terms fit their spending and repayment habits. GCEIP picked Westpac for 2026 because that named consumer card offer belongs in the category.
- 71
Home insurance: Brand of the Year 2026
Youi
Why Brand of the YearYoui presents home insurance as a product tailored to the household's circumstances. A customer still has to read what the policy covers and excludes. GCEIP picked Youi for 2026 because that specific consumer protection role is central to the brand.
- 72
Motor insurance: Brand of the Year 2026
RACQ
Why Brand of the YearRACQ brings a Queensland motorist's organisation name into car insurance. A driver may value different forms of cover, so the policy must be compared on its own terms. GCEIP picked RACQ for 2026 because its motor-insurance offer is clearly identifiable.
- 73
Personal investing: Brand of the Year 2026
Pearler
Why Brand of the YearPearler presents investing as a longer-term personal routine through its platform and tools. The service helps users organise a plan; it cannot guarantee an outcome. GCEIP picked Pearler for 2026 because that focused consumer approach sets it apart in this category.
- 74
Consumer payments: Brand of the Year 2026
Google Pay
Why Brand of the YearGoogle Pay brings saved payment methods into purchases on compatible devices and sites. Availability varies by merchant and setup. GCEIP picked Google Pay for 2026 because it has a clear consumer purpose at the moment someone pays.
- 75
Smartphones: Brand of the Year 2026
Google Pixel
Why Brand of the YearGoogle Pixel ties its phones closely to Android software and Google's camera and assistant features. Buyers can understand the product idea before comparing specifications. GCEIP picked Pixel for 2026 because that integrated phone experience gives the brand a distinct place in smartphones.
- 76
Personal computers: Brand of the Year 2026
Apple Mac
Why Brand of the YearApple Mac brings hardware, operating system and everyday software together in one computer family. That consistency is part of the purchase decision, along with price and specification. GCEIP picked Mac for 2026 because the product experience is coherent and identifiable.
- 77
Tablets: Brand of the Year 2026
Amazon Fire
Why Brand of the YearAmazon Fire is a tablet name associated with reading, entertainment and family use. Its content and software environment are part of the decision, not just the screen. GCEIP picked Fire for 2026 because that consumer proposition is specific.
- 78
Personal audio: Brand of the Year 2026
Apple AirPods
Why Brand of the YearApple AirPods bring wireless listening into a small device closely linked with Apple's product system. Pairing and switching devices can be part of the appeal. GCEIP picked AirPods for 2026 because that specific use gives the brand a recognisable audio identity.
- 79
Smartwatches: Brand of the Year 2026
Samsung Galaxy Watch
Why Brand of the YearSamsung Galaxy Watch combines phone-linked notifications with fitness and other wrist functions. Availability of features depends on the watch and paired phone. GCEIP picked Galaxy Watch for 2026 because its consumer role in wearable computing is clear.
- 80
Smart home devices: Brand of the Year 2026
Amazon Echo
Why Brand of the YearAmazon Echo brings voice control to music, timers and compatible smart-home equipment. The products differ, but the interaction is familiar across them. GCEIP picked Echo for 2026 because it gives consumers a clearly identifiable way to use connected devices at home.
- 81
Consumer AI assistants: Brand of the Year 2026
Claude
Why Brand of the YearClaude is used by individuals to explore questions, work with material and develop writing. The quality of a result depends on the task and must be checked. GCEIP picked Claude for 2026 because it offers a recognisable assistant experience rather than an invisible background feature.
- 82
Personal productivity software: Brand of the Year 2026
Google Docs
Why Brand of the YearGoogle Docs gives people a browser-based place to write, edit and share a document. The work can move between devices and collaborators without changing files by hand. GCEIP picked Docs for 2026 because that simple writing task is a specific consumer productivity use.
- 83
Consumer cybersecurity: Brand of the Year 2026
1Password
Why Brand of the Year1Password focuses on the credentials people need across many accounts. It gives users a way to store and use them without relying on memory or repeated passwords. GCEIP picked 1Password for 2026 because that focused account-security task is easy to understand.
- 84
Social video platforms: Brand of the Year 2026
Instagram
Why Brand of the YearInstagram brings short video into a network people also use for photos and messages. Reels gain meaning from the accounts a person follows and shares with. GCEIP picked Instagram for 2026 because that social context gives its video experience a distinct character.
- 85
Messaging apps: Brand of the Year 2026
Telegram
Why Brand of the YearTelegram brings personal chats together with groups and channels people follow for updates. The mix goes beyond a simple one-to-one exchange. GCEIP picked Telegram for 2026 because consumers can recognise a particular way of communicating and participating there.
- 86
Video streaming: Brand of the Year 2026
Disney+
Why Brand of the YearDisney+ brings films and series from Disney's entertainment brands into one subscription service. A viewer may choose it for particular stories or franchises. GCEIP picked Disney+ for 2026 because the content identity and the act of streaming are closely linked.
- 87
Music streaming: Brand of the Year 2026
YouTube Music
Why Brand of the YearYouTube Music connects songs and playlists with a wider YouTube listening habit. Someone may arrive from a video and stay for audio playback. GCEIP picked YouTube Music for 2026 because that route into music gives the service a distinct character.
- 88
Gaming consoles: Brand of the Year 2026
Xbox
Why Brand of the YearXbox brings console hardware, games and online services together for home players. A buyer weighs titles and subscriptions as well as the machine. GCEIP picked Xbox for 2026 because it remains a recognisable gaming platform with a direct consumer offer.
- 89
Video games: Brand of the Year 2026
Roblox
Why Brand of the YearRoblox lets players move among experiences made by many creators, often alongside friends. The variety is part of what users return for. GCEIP picked Roblox for 2026 because that platform model is a recognisable form of video-game participation.
- 90
Cinemas: Brand of the Year 2026
Reading Cinemas
Why Brand of the YearReading Cinemas gives filmgoers a named venue choice for seeing a release on a big screen. The cinema's location and session still determine the visit. GCEIP picked Reading for 2026 because its consumer relationship begins with the decision to go to the movies.
- 91
News subscriptions: Brand of the Year 2026
Australian Financial Review
Why Brand of the YearAustralian Financial Review gives subscribers business and financial reporting intended for sustained reading. A reader chooses its editorial judgment alongside access to individual stories. GCEIP picked the Financial Review for 2026 because that paid news identity is clear.
- 92
Sports streaming: Brand of the Year 2026
9Now
Why Brand of the Year9Now lets Australian viewers stream live channels and selected sporting events through a free digital service. Which match is available depends on the schedule and rights. GCEIP picked 9Now for 2026 because it offers a recognisable direct-to-viewer sports route.
- 93
Mobile networks: Brand of the Year 2026
One NZ
Why Brand of the YearOne NZ gives customers a mobile-network choice in New Zealand, visible through plans, handsets and service. The right option depends on coverage and price for the individual. GCEIP picked One NZ for 2026 because its consumer connection is direct.
- 94
Home broadband: Brand of the Year 2026
Superloop
Why Brand of the YearSuperloop offers Australian households broadband plans for work, entertainment and ordinary communication. Customers still need to check speeds and availability at their address. GCEIP picked Superloop for 2026 because that practical home connectivity role is clear.
- 95
Pharmacy retail: Brand of the Year 2026
Unichem
Why Brand of the YearUnichem is a New Zealand pharmacy name encountered when people collect a prescription or buy a health product. Services depend on the branch, and clinical questions belong with a professional. GCEIP picked Unichem for 2026 because its local care role is clear.
- 96
Over the counter pain relief: Brand of the Year 2026
Herron
Why Brand of the YearHerron is an Australian pain-relief name seen in pharmacy and grocery channels. Its different products require careful label reading rather than assumptions based on the brand alone. GCEIP picked Herron for 2026 because the category purpose is plain at the point of purchase.
- 97
Vitamins and supplements: Brand of the Year 2026
Healtheries
Why Brand of the YearHealtheries is a New Zealand health-products name with vitamins and supplements on the consumer shelf. Shoppers should check ingredients, dose and suitability for themselves. GCEIP picked Healtheries for 2026 because its category role is direct and recognisable.
- 98
Telehealth: Brand of the Year 2026
InstantScripts
Why Brand of the YearInstantScripts gives Australians online access to selected consultations and prescription services, with a clinician assessing suitability. The digital route can save a trip, but does not replace in-person care where needed. GCEIP picked InstantScripts for 2026 because its telehealth offer is specific.
- 99
Fitness clubs: Brand of the Year 2026
Fitness First
Why Brand of the YearFitness First gives Australian members a club setting for equipment, classes and repeated workouts. A person chooses the site and routine that fit them. GCEIP picked Fitness First for 2026 because that direct training relationship belongs in the fitness-club category.
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Home fitness: Brand of the Year 2026
Les Mills+
Why Brand of the YearLes Mills+ lets people follow guided workouts at home through a digital subscription. The brand is tied to the class format rather than a piece of equipment. GCEIP picked Les Mills+ for 2026 because it gives households a distinct way to structure exercise.
GCEIP Brand of the Year
Three years, the same 100 categories
Each annual page uses the same category definitions so readers can compare the selected brands directly across the three years.