On 15 April 2026, the ACCC granted authorisation to Countrywide Australasia Limited, to enable it and its members, who are independent foodservice distributors, to collectively negotiate trade terms, including price, with suppliers.



The ACCC considers that the authorised conduct is likely to result in minimal, if any, public detriments that are outweighed by the associated public benefits.



The ACCC has decided to grant authorisation until 7 May 2031.



Further information is available on the ACCC’s public register.

ACCC Approves Collective Bargaining for Countrywide Australasia

On 15 April 2026, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) granted authorisation to Countrywide Australasia Limited. This authorisation allows Countrywide and its members, who are independent foodservice distributors, to collectively negotiate trade terms, including pricing, with their suppliers.

 The ACCC assessed the potential impact of this collective bargaining and concluded that the public benefits associated with the conduct are likely to outweigh any minimal public detriments. This decision aims to enhance the negotiating power of independent distributors in the foodservice sector.

 The authorisation granted by the ACCC is valid until 7 May 2031, providing a significant timeframe for Countrywide Australasia to engage in collective negotiations.

 For further details, interested parties can refer to the ACCC’s public register.



ACCC Approves Collective Bargaining for Countrywide Australasia

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has authorized Countrywide Australasia to collectively negotiate trade terms with suppliers, benefiting independent foodservice distributors.