Coles Supermarkets controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2026
Federal Court finding on Down Down representations
On 14 May 2026, the Federal Court found that Coles made false or misleading representations in relation to Down Down discounts. The liability hearing considered sample tickets and found misleading conduct in 13 of 14 examples, within a broader case involving 245 products.
2025
Cage-free egg target delayed
Coles moved its target for cage-free shell eggs and egg ingredients in its own-brand products from 2025 to 2030, citing supply-chain difficulties and avian-influenza outbreaks. The company stated that 85 percent of its eggs were cage-free at the time described.
2024
Down Down promotional pricing allegations
The ACCC alleged that Coles increased the prices of more than 245 products for limited periods before placing them on Down Down promotions at prices no lower than the earlier selling prices.
2024
ACCC proceedings over allegedly misleading Down Down discounts
The ACCC alleged that Coles temporarily increased prices on hundreds of products before placing them on Down Down promotions at prices that were higher than, or equal to, earlier regular prices. The case concerned alleged breaches of the Australian Consumer Law.
2020
Employee underpayment
Coles disclosed approximately $20 million in underpayments to salaried staff over a six-year period. Subsequent Fair Work Ombudsman litigation alleged that the total underpayment affected 7,805 employees and was substantially higher.
2019
ACCC alleges Coles underpaid Norco dairy farmers
Issue disclosure
The ACCC revealed that Coles would pay A$5.25 million to New South Wales dairy co-operative Norco after allegedly failing to pass on the full milk price increase it had said would go to farmers. Coles said it disagreed with the ACCC’s interpretation of the issues.
Company response
Denial — Coles
In a statement to media, Coles said it “respects the regulatory process but disagreed with the ACCC’s interpretation of these issues”.
Source excerpt
Coles has copped a backlash after the competition watchdog alleged the supermarket giant had short-changed drought-stricken dairy farmers by millions of dollars.
On Thursday, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) revealed that Coles would pay $5.25 million to New South Wales dairy co-operative Norco, after allegedly failing to pass on the full 10 cent per litre milk price hike it claimed would go to farmers.
This was despite Coles’ ads claiming it would “pass the extra 10c per litre to processors who will distribute all of the money to the farmers who supply them with milk for Coles Brand”.
2015
Misleading in-store bread claims
Coles was fined $2.5 million after claims that some bread products were freshly baked in-store were found to be misleading. Some products had been partly baked overseas well before sale.
2014
Supplier rebate and pressure case
The ACCC alleged that Coles used undue pressure and misleading conduct in its Active Retail Collaboration program to obtain rebates from suppliers. Coles was ordered to pay penalties and costs totaling $11.2 million in December 2014.