Perfection Fresh Australia admits vegetable price-fixing, faces $12 million penalty
Perfection Fresh Australia has acknowledged cartel conduct by fixing prices of broccoli, cauliflower and iceberg lettuce sold to Aldi in New South Wales and will pay a $12 million fine pending court approval.
The ACCC initiated a Federal Court case in September 2025 targeting four vegetable growers and three individuals for alleged price-fixing of fresh produce sold at Aldi outlets in NSW, Victoria and Queensland between 2018 and 2024. Perfection Fresh Australia, the nation’s second-largest fresh-produce supplier, confessed to cartel conduct on eleven occasions during 2019-2020, though the court can only sanction ten of those acts.
The company has consented to a $12 million penalty, which will be imposed once the court approves it. Ongoing litigation remains against Hydro Produce, Veli Velisha Fresh Produce, Velisha National Farms and M Fragapane & Sons. ACCC Commissioner Luke Woodward warned that such conduct harms competition and raises consumer prices. A Perfection Fresh spokesperson expressed remorse, pledged cooperation with the regulator, and outlined steps to improve governance and compliance.
Why it matters
The case highlights enforcement of competition law in Australia’s fresh-food market, affecting prices for consumers and business practices.
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