Perfection Fresh to pay $12 million fine for vegetable cartel conduct

Perfection Fresh, Australia’s second-largest fresh vegetable supplier, has admitted to breaching competition law 11 times between 2019 and 2020. The company agreed to pay a $12 million penalty and implement a compliance program following allegations of cartel conduct involving the price-fixing of broccoli, cauliflower, and iceberg lettuce supplied to Aldi in New South Wales.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) initiated proceedings against four vegetable suppliers and three individuals in September 2025. While Perfection Fresh has reached an agreement on proposed penalties, the Federal Court maintains final authority over the amount to be paid. Legal proceedings against other suppliers, including Hydro Produce, Veli Velisha Fresh Produce, and M. Fragapane and Sons, are still ongoing.

ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb stated that such anti-competitive behavior drives up prices and harms consumers. In response, a spokesperson for Perfection Fresh noted that the company has cooperated with the watchdog and is taking steps to strengthen its leadership, governance, and compliance systems to rebuild stakeholder trust.