The Consumer Council today (January 21) 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 Tsing Yi 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 45.2% and 41.1%) were: E-men (Seafood Flavour) 75g ($3.1 to $4.5, or 45.2%); Clear Chicken Broth 1L ($10.5 to $15, or 42.9%); Sesame Soda Cracker 130g ($4.5 to $6.4, or 42.2%); Soy Sauce 600ml ($21.9 to $30.9, or 41.1%).
The remainders of the top 10 list (ranging from 40.8% to 31.8%) were: Premium Pork Luncheon Meat 397g ($12 to $16.9 or 40.8%); Pork and Ham 198g ($9.9 to $13.5, or 36.4%); Maximum Cavity Protection Toothpaste Great Regular Flavor 250g ($13 to $17.5, or 34.6%); Toothpaste 250g ($13 to $17.5, or 34.6%); High Suds Laundry Powder (Lemon) 1kg ($11 to $14.5, or 31.8%).
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 24 items in this category at 15 retail outlets, covering major supermarket chains, individual supermarkets, frozen food and grocery stores, health-and-beauty chains and drugstores in the Tsing Yi District, were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 5% to 72.7%.
- Some major supermarket chains and grocery stores offered price discount for bulk purchase. For example, 4 major supermarket chains offered Hi-Calcium Slim and Low Fat Milk Drink 236ml at $10 for 2, averaging $5 each, while 2 grocery stores offered respectively $19 for 4 and $9.5 for 2, averaging $4.8 each, thus were cheaper than buying at unit price.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 12 items in this category at 14 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 10.7% to 34.6%.
- Overall, prices at major supermarket chains and health-and-beauty chains were generally higher than those at drugstores. But some chains offered price discount for bulk purchase. For example, 2 major supermarket chains offered Liquid Detergent 1000ml at $42.8 for 2 and $42 for 2 respectively, averaging $21.4 and $21 each, thus were cheaper than the other 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 4 items from 3 stalls at the Tsing Yi Market and 4 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 Kwai Tsing District Office.