Coles, ACCC showdown in federal court
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www.abc.net.auHere’s the latest I can share based on current public reporting:
- In early 2026, the ACCC announced a high-profile case against Coles in the Federal Court over claims of misleading “Down Down” discounts, alleging that prices were manipulated to appear discounted when they were not. This prompted widespread media coverage as part of the ongoing scrutiny of pricing practices in Australia’s supermarket sector.[3][7][9]
- The proceedings involve allegations that Coles misled consumers for more than a year, with the ACCC seeking remedies and potentially penalties if the claims are proven. Coles has defended the case, stating the promotions reflect genuine discounts and that price movements were influenced by inflation and supplier costs.[4][3]
- Media outlets in February 2026 reported the federal court proceedings as entering a critical phase, with analysis on what the outcomes could mean for Coles, Woolworths, and broader pricing practices in retail.[9][3]
If you’d like, I can pull more precise, up-to-date summaries from specific outlets (ABC, ACCC releases, or major Australian news networks) and provide a concise timeline of key court dates and outcomes. I can also track developments and summarize any rulings or penalties as they’re announced. Would you like me to do that?
Citations:
- ACCC actions and Coles case details[3]
- Coverage of the case in ABC and other outlets[4][9]
- News from 9 News Australia on the case[7]