German discounter takes on Aussie duopoly

Sydney

FRESH fruit and vegetables are the new front line in Aldi Inc's assault on Australia's US$70 billion supermarket sector, as the German discounter looks to beat the most profitable duopoly in global groceries at their own game.

For the first time, Aldi's Australian arm plans to ship fruit and vegetables direct from farms in Australia to its stores, according to one major fruit supplier, removing the only competitive advantage for incumbent heavyweights Woolworths Ltd and Wesfarmers-owned Coles.

"It's not good news if you're Woolworths and Coles. I think they're scared already," said Greg McMahon, o…