CPM is investigating allegations of price-fixing, bid rigging, and market allocation in the frozen potato products industry. Major producers, including Lamb Weston Holdings, McCain Foods, J.R. Simplot, and Cavendish Farms, are alleged to have conspired to inflate prices for frozen french fries, hash browns, tater tots, and other frozen potato products sold in the United States.
These practices may have caused purchasers to pay artificially inflated prices, resulting in significant economic harm.
Allegations Under Investigation
CPM’s investigation centers on claims that these dominant companies, which collectively control over 97% of the $68 billion frozen potato market, engaged in coordinated “lockstep” price increases starting in 2021. The companies are alleged to have used trade associations, co-packing agreements, and other industry mechanisms to facilitate their collusion and monitor compliance.
Evidence suggests that these coordinated price increases led to record-high profit margins for the defendants, even as their input costs declined. The investigation seeks to uncover the impact of this conduct on indirect purchasers, who experienced these supra-competitive prices.
Seeking Information from Indirect Purchasers of Frozen Potato Products
CPM is seeking to connect with individuals or businesses who purchased frozen potato products – such as french fries, hash browns, or tater tots – from January 1, 2021, to the present. If you believe you may have been affected by these practices, and are interested in representing the class, please complete the form below. We welcome the opportunity to talk to you about your case and potential recovery.
CPM is currently seeking class representatives who purchased frozen potato products in one or more of the following states or territories:
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
District of Columbia
Florida
Hawaii
Illinois
Iowa
Kansas
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Oregon
Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
West Virginia
Wisconsin
