The Consumer Council today (December 31) 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 Sai Wan / Shek Tong Tsui District.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Hand Cream - Fragrance Free 56g (from $30 to $52.9, or a price difference of 76.3%).
Following closely (between 58% and 43.3%) were: Whole Kernel Corn 380g ($5 to $7.9, or 58%); Ketchup 340g ($5 to $7.9, or 58%); Extra Strong Lozenges 40g ($12.8 to $18.9, or 47.7%); Powerful Cream Cleaner - Lemon Fresh 500ml ($9 to $12.9, or 43.3%).
The remainders of the top 10 list (ranging from 42.9% to 41.1%) were: Clear Chicken Broth 1L ($10.5 to $15 or 42.9%); Body-Smooth Sensation Lotion 400ml ($28 to $39.9, or 42.5%); Sesame Soda Cracker 130g ($4.5 to $6.4, or 42.2%); Fried Dace with Salted Black Beans 227g ($14.8 to $20.9, or 41.2%); Soy Sauce 600ml ($21.9 to $30.9, or 41.1%).
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 8 retail outlets, covering major supermarket chains, and frozen food and grocery outlets in the Sai Wan / Shek Tong Tsui District, were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 0% to 58%.
- Overall, major supermarket chains were generally more expensive, but frozen food and grocery outlets have begun to offer some goods at lower price on bulk purchase. For example, 1 grocery store and 1 frozen food store respectively offered Whole Kernel Corn 380g and Ketchup 340g at $10 for 2, averaging $5 each, bringing the discounted price on par with the lowest unit price offered at other outlets. However, 1 frozen food store offered Clear Chicken Broth 1L at $35.8 for 3, averaging $11.9 each, but was still more expensive than bargain price recorded at one major supermarket chain.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 14 items in this category at 11 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 13.2% to 76.3%.
- Overall, prices at major supermarket chains and health-and-beauty chain stores were generally higher than those at drugstores. Some major supermarket chains offered goods at lower price on bulk purchase, for example, 1 major chain offered Baby Shampoo - No More Tears Formula 800ml at $78.8 for 2, averaging $39.4 each, while another major chain offered Liquid Detergent 1000ml at $46.9 for 2, averaging $23.5 each, but in both cases even after the discount they were 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 2-3 stalls at the Smithfield 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 Central & Western District Office.
Meanwhile, the weekly price survey on petrol and diesel was released today and can be viewed at the Council's website.