The Consumer Council today (November 26) 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 Wan Chai District.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Ketchup 340g (from $5.5 to $9.5, or a price difference of 72.7%).
Following closely (between 55% and 47.9%) were: Sliced Pineapple in Syrup 836g ($10 to $15.5, or 55%); Ham Slices 200g ($13 to $19.9, or 53.1%); Black Pepper Sauce 230g ($9.9 to $15, or 51.5%); Fried Dace with Salted Black Beans 227g ($14 to $20.7, or 47.9%).
The remainders of the top 10 list (ranging from 43% to 34.8%) were: Cockroach Killing Spray 560ml ($30 to $42.9, or 43%); All Purpose Marinade with Herbs 410ml ($9.9 to $14, or 41.4%); Vanilla Mint Antiseptic Mouthwash 250ml ($15.9 to $21.9, or 37.7%); Fish Ball 170g ($9.5 to $12.9, or 35.8%); Seasoned Soy Sauce for Seafood 410ml ($8.9 to $12, or 34.8%).
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 22 items in this category at 16 retail outlets, covering major supermarket chains, frozen food and grocery outlets, health-and-beauty chain stores and drugstores in the Wan Chai District, were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 5.6% to 72.7%.
- Overall, major supermarket chains were generally more expensive. Some supermarket chains offered some goods at lower price on bulk purchase, for example, a major chain offered Fried Dace with Salted Black Beans 227g at $31.9 for 2, averaging $16 each, another major chain offered Sweetened Milk Spread 388g at $14.9 for 2, averaging $7.5 each. In both cases, the price after discount was closer to that for the other types of retail outlets.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 13 items in this category at 14 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 0% to 43%.
- Overall, prices at major supermarket chains and health-and-beauty chain stores were generally higher than those at drugstores. Two major supermarket chains offered bulk purchase incentive in Powerful Cream Cleanser 500ml at $22 for 2, averaging $11 each, but was still more expensive than the drugstores. One major chain and two health-and-beauty chain stores offered Facial Wash 120g at $39.8 and $39.9 for 2 respectively, averaging $19.9 and $20 each, and the price after discount was closer to that for other types of outlets.
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 5 items from 2 to 4 stalls at the Wan Chai 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 Wan Chai District Office.