The Consumer Council today (September 10) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 40 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in the Tsuen Wan District.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Baby Milk Bath 1000ml (from $23.5 to $36.9, or a price difference of 57%).
Following closely were: Peanut Oil 900ml ($30.4 to $44.8, or 47.4%); Sesame Soda Cracker 130g ($3.5 to $5, or 42.9%); Glowing Radiance Shampoo 700ml ($35 to $49.9, or 42.6%); Worcestershire Sauce 150ml ($16 to $22.4, or 40%).
The remainders of the top 10 list were: Shrimp Cup Noodle 75g ($6 to $8, or 33.3%); Melon Soya Milk 250mx6 ($10.5 to $13.9, or 32.4%); Shampoo-Hydrating Nourishment 750ml ($53 to $69.9, or 31.9%); Bath Shower Fresh Cool 2L ($22 to $28.9, or 31.4%); Peanut Wafer 200g ($7.5 to $9.8, or 30.7%).
Other highlights in this weekly price survey covering (a) prepackaged food products, (b) household and personal care products, and (c) fresh produce, include:
Prepackaged Food
- A total of 24 items in this category at 8 retail outlets, from major supermarket chains to frozen food and grocery stores across the Tsuen Wan District, was compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 6.7% to 47.4%.
- Overall, some major supermarket chains and individual supermarkets were generally more expensive though some offered discount incentives for bulk purchase. For example, one major supermarket chain offered Melon Soya Milk 250mx6 at a discounted price of $22.9 for 2, averaging $11.5 each.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 12 items in this category at 11 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 0% to 57%.
- Price discount incentives for bulk purchase by two major supermarket chains, for example, offered Bath Shower Fresh Cool 2L at $53.8 for 2, averaging $26.9 each, but even after price discount, drugstores were still comparatively cheaper.
- Overall, prices at major supermarket chains and health-and-beauty chain stores were generally higher than those at drugstores.
Fresh Produce
- Due to possible variations in the place of origin, quality, size or freshness of fresh produce, direct price comparison is considered not suitable.
- A total of 4 items from 3 stalls at the Yeung Uk Road Market and 3 major supermarket chains were included in the survey for reference of consumers.
Results of the weekly price survey are available on the Council's website, its Consumer Advice Centres, and the Public Enquiry Service Centre of Tsuen Wan District Office.