Perfection Fresh, one of Australia’s largest fresh produce wholesalers, has admitted to participating in cartel conduct by fixing the prices of key vegetables supplied to supermarket chain ALDI.

Following civil proceedings launched by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in September 2025, the New South Wales-based company acknowledged engaging in price-fixing on eleven separate occasions between 2019 and 2020. The conduct specifically targeted wholesale prices for broccoli, cauliflower, and iceberg lettuce supplied to ALDI stores across New South Wales.

As part of a joint submission to the Federal Court, Perfection Fresh agreed to pay a $12 million penalty covering nine contraventions and one attempted contravention. One admitted instance fell outside the statutory period for applying financial penalties. The company has also agreed to continue implementing a formal competition law compliance program. The proposed penalty and structural remedies remain subject to final approval by the Court.

The regulator underscored the severe market impact of price-fixing within essential consumer supply chains. “Cartel conduct undermines competition and can increase prices, harming consumers and raising the cost of doing business,” stated ACCC Commissioner Luke Woodward, emphasizing that enforcement within the fresh food sector remains an ongoing priority.

As Australia’s second-largest fresh vegetable supplier, Perfection Fresh distributes a wide array of produce nationwide. The ACCC’s broader legal action against three additional suppliers and three individuals involved in the alleged scheme remains ongoing before the Federal Court.