The Consumer Council today (September 17) 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 Aberdeen District.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Lasting Care Hand Balsam 80ml ($10 to $19.9, or a price difference of 99%).
Following closely were: Sliced Pineapple in Syrup 567g ($7.5 to $11.9, or 58.7%); Sauce for Black Pepper Chicken 60g (from $3.8 to $6, or 57.9%); Peanut Oil 900ml ($29.6 to $43.9, or 48.3%); 3 in 1 Toilet Cleaner Lavender 750ml ($9 to $12.9, or 43.3%).
The remainders of the top 10 list were: Ham Slices 200g ($14 to $19.9, or 42.1%); Almond Pastry 168g ($9.9 to $13.9, or 40.4%); Hydration Party Moisturizing Shampoo 750ml ($42.9 to $59.9, or 39.6%); Prepared Wasabi in Tube 43g ($10 to $13.8, or 38%); Super Soft Detergent 2.3kg ($32.5 to $42.9, or 32%).
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 12 retail outlets, from major supermarket chains to frozen food, grocery stores, health-and-beauty chain stores and drugstores across the Aberdeen District, were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 0% to 58.7%.
- Overall, major supermarket chains were generally more expensive, but a number of items were offered at discounted prices at major supermarket chains and health-and-beauty chains stores for bulk purchase. For example, major supermarket chains offered Sauce for Black Pepper Chicken 60g at a discounted price of $12 for 3 or buy 2 get 3, averaging $4 each. Yakult Drink 100mlx5 was available at a health-and-beauty chain store at $16.5 for 2 packs, averaging $8.3 each. But even after price discount, their prices are still higher.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 10 items in this category at 8 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 8.1% to 99%.
- 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 6 items from 2 to 4 stalls at the Aberdeen Market and 2 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 Southern District Office.