Perfection Fresh Australia Admits to Price-Fixing Scheme

The produce supplier faces a proposed A$12 million penalty for fixing prices of vegetables supplied to Aldi.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Organic Food

Isometric editorial illustration of a wooden produce crate holding broccoli and cauliflower, representing agricultural supply chain regulatory oversight. — Perfection Fresh Australia has agreed to a proposed A$12 million penalty after admitting to price-fixing broccoli, cauliflower, and lettuce supplied to Aldi. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Perfection Fresh Australia has admitted to violating competition laws by fixing the prices of broccoli, cauliflower, and iceberg lettuce supplied to Aldi between 2019 and 2020. The company has reached an agreement with the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission regarding a proposed A$12 million penalty.

Why it matters

The admissions highlight the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission's ongoing efforts to police retail supply chain conduct and protect market competition. The case now moves to the Federal Court to determine if the proposed financial penalty and a mandatory compliance programme are sufficient.

Perfection Fresh Australia admitted to nine counts of price-fixing and one attempted contravention. The proposed penalty is A$12 million.

The players

Perfection Fresh Australia

This agricultural supplier provides fresh produce to major retail chains across the country.

Australian Competition & Consumer Commission

This government agency is responsible for enforcing competition and consumer protection laws.

Aldi

This global discount supermarket chain operates a large network of retail stores in Australia.

The details

The price-fixing conduct concerned key produce items, specifically broccoli, cauliflower, and iceberg lettuce. Perfection Fresh Australia formally submitted these admissions to the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission to resolve the legal dispute.

The price-fixing conduct occurred between 2019 and 2020.
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission announced the admissions on 26 October 2026.

Culture Shift

This case follows the pattern set by the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 to punish anti-competitive supply chain behaviours. It reflects a broader trend of regulatory scrutiny regarding how major suppliers and retailers interact in the domestic grocery market.

While the penalty is a corporate matter, these findings are part of a wider effort to ensure fair pricing for fresh vegetables at the checkout. Consumers can expect continued regulatory monitoring to prevent similar supply chain price distortions in the future.

The takeaway

Transparency in supply chain pricing remains a critical factor for maintaining equitable retail costs for families. Shoppers benefit when regulators actively enforce laws that prevent suppliers from artificially inflating the price of everyday grocery staples.