By Claire Reilly

Sony, Westinghouse, Breville and Dyson have been voted as Australia’s most trusted brands in the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands 2012 rankings, the results of which were revealed yesterday.

The survey, which was conducted in association with Catalyst Research, asked Australians to choose their preferred brands in a range of categories including pet food, banks and cleaning products, as well as a selection of dedicated appliance and electrical categories.

Sony was deemed the most trusted TV and Home Entertainment brand, Westinghouse won out in Whitegoods, Dyson topped the rankings in Vacuum Cleaners and as the only Australian brand in the appliance sector, Breville was voted the most trusted Kitchen Appliance brand.

Personal care brand Oral B also appeared as a highly commended brand in the Personal Care and Oral Health category, behind the winner, Colgate.

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In terms of retailers, the home improvement and hardware chain Bunnings was voted most trusted non-supermarket retail brand, with Big W and Target receiving highly commended honours. Bunnings was also voted as the winner in the “Australian Icons” category, with ex-Woolworths chain Dick Smith joining Vegemite as a runner-up.

Selected Winners list (provided by Reader's Digest):

TV & Home Entertainment
Winner: Sony
Highly Commended: Samsung, Panasonic

Whitegoods Brands
Winner: Westinghouse
Highly Commended: Kelvinator, Fisher & Paykel

Kitchen Appliance Brands
Winner: Breville
Highly Commended: Sunbeam, Kenwood

Vacuum Cleaner Brands
Winner: Dyson
Highly Commended: Hoover, Electrolux

Personal Care & Oral Health
Winner: Colgate
Highly Commended: Oral B, Gillette

Retailers
Winner: Bunnings
Highly Commended: Big W, Target

Australian Icons
Winner: Bunnings Warehouse
Highly Commended: Dick Smith, Vegemite