The Consumer Council today (January 20) 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 Jordan / Yau Ma Tei District.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Watermelon Frost Insufflations 3g (from $12 to $26.5, or a price difference of 120.8%).
Following closely (between 100% and 62.5%) were: Tse Koo Choy 5's ($15 to $30, or 100%); Cough Mixture 177ml ($17 to $31, or 82.4%); Maximum Strength Acne-Pimple Medication 25g ($40 to $69, or 72.5%); Pineapple Slices in Heavy Syrup 234g ($4 to $6.5 or 62.5%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 61.8% to 50%) were: Glutinous Rice Flour 600g ($5.5 to $8.9, or 61.8%); Chicken Franks 340.2g ($8 to $12.9, or 61.3%); Beauty Soap Bar 100g ($5 to $8, or 60%); Powerful Cream Cleaner (Lemon Fresh) 500ml ($8.5 to $12.9, or 51.8%); Ointment 30g ($28 to $42, or 50%); Fish Sauce 750ml ($7 to $10.5, or 50%).
Other highlights in this weekly price survey covering (a) prepackaged food products, and (b) household and personal care products:
Prepackaged Food
- A total of 20 items in this category at 18 retail outlets in the Jordan / Yau Ma Tei District were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 10.1% to 62.5%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 20 items in this category at 19 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 15.6% to 120.8%.
- Overall, more highest unit prices were recorded at major supermarket and health-and-beauty chains than other retail outlets.
The weekly survey covers, for price comparison, different types of retail outlets located in the district under comparison, including major and individual supermarkets, health-and-beauty chains, frozen food and grocery stores, and drugstores.
It is common that many outlets will offer bulk-purchase incentives, add-size packs, gifts, rebates, etc. for purchase of designated products or up to a certain value.
Consumers, however, should note that promotional offers are not necessarily the best bargains (the lowest unit price) available on the items. They should shop around whenever possible and compare prices.
Results of the weekly price survey and analysis are available on the Council's website, its Consumer Advice Centres, and the Public Enquiry Service Centre of Yau Tsim Mong District Office.