Woolworths Executive Defends Prices Dropped Program Amid Trial with Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
Updated: April 22, 2026
A senior Woolworths executive has given evidence in a trial between the supermarket giant and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. The trial is focused on the company’s Prices Dropped promotional program, which is designed to offer discounts to shoppers. The executive, Paul Harker, is Woolworths’ chief commercial officer and has defended the company’s rules intended to prevent the supermarket or suppliers from gaming the system.
The rules in question are intended to protect shoppers from misleading discounts by ensuring that prices are not artificially inflated before being discounted. Harker’s evidence was given on the second day of the trial, which is taking place in the federal court.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has brought the case against Woolworths, alleging that the company’s practices have been misleading to consumers. The commission is seeking to ensure that Woolworths’ promotional activities are fair and transparent.
Woolworths has maintained that its Prices Dropped program is designed to offer genuine discounts to shoppers. The company has implemented rules to prevent gaming of the system, which could lead to misleading discounts.
The trial is ongoing, with further evidence expected to be given in the coming days. The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for Woolworths and other retailers that offer similar promotional programs.
The case highlights the importance of transparency and fairness in retail promotional activities. Consumers rely on retailers to provide accurate and truthful information about prices and discounts.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission plays a crucial role in ensuring that retailers comply with consumer protection laws. The commission’s actions help to maintain trust in the retail industry and protect consumers from unfair practices.
The trial between Woolworths and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission underscores the need for retailers to implement robust measures to prevent misleading discounts and ensure transparency in their promotional activities.
This is a developing story. More updates will follow as new information becomes available.
This is a developing story. More updates will follow as new information becomes available.
This is a developing story. More updates will follow as new information becomes available.
