The Consumer Council today (December 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 Fanling District.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: FreshCut Sliced Pineapple in Syrup 836g (from $9.5 to $16.5, or a price difference of 73.7%).
Following closely (between 69.1% and 51.1%) were: Spicy Luncheon Meat 340g ($14.9 to $25.2, or 69.1%); Dental Floss 25M ($13 to $21.9, or 68.5%); Superior Soup Instant Rice Noodle 65g ($2.6 to $4, or 53.8%); Intensive Damage Therapy Shampoo 700ml ($35 to $52.9, or 51.1%).
The remainders of the top 10 list (ranging from 45.8% to 38.7%) were: Fluoride Toothpaste (Maximum Cavity Protection) 250g ($12 to $17.5, or 45.8%); Fabric Softener (Pure) 2L ($12.5 to $17,9 or 43.2%);Super Rich Moisturizing Silky Smooth Shampoo 700ml ($35 to $49.9, or 42.6%); Cold & Flu Extra 8pcs ($15.5 to $21.9, or 41.3%); Tooth and Gum Care Mouth Rinse (Alcohol-Free) 750ml ($31 to $43, or 38.7%).
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 23 items in this category at 9 retail outlets, covering major supermarket chains, individual supermarkets, and frozen food and grocery outlets in the Fanling District, were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 0% to 73.7%.
- Overall, major supermarket chains were generally more expensive, but some supermarket chains offered some goods at lower price on bulk purchase. For example, 1 major chain offered Sweetened Milk Spread 388g at $14.2 for 2, averaging $7.1, thus cheaper than the other 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 13.7% to 68.5%.
- Overall, prices at major supermarket chains and health-and-beauty chain stores were generally higher than those at drugstores. Some major supermarket chains offered some goods at lower price on bulk purchase, for example, 1 major chain offered Fabric Softener (Pure) 2L at $28.9 for 2, averaging $14.5 each, but even after the discount in price it was still more expensive than the 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 Luen Wo Hui 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 North District Office.