The Consumer Council today (January 27) 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 Kwai Fong District.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Oyster Sauce 510g (from $8 to $18, or a price difference of 125%).
Following closely (between 111.3% and 98.7%) were: Coconut Milk 14oz ($8 to $16.9, or 111.3%); Antibacterial Deo Fresh Ultra Softener 1L ($19.5 to $38.9, or 99.5%); Sensitive Multi-Protection Toothpaste 120g ($15 to $29.9, or 99.3%); Indulgent Beauty Bar (Soft Kiss For Soft & Kissable Skin) 4's ($7.5 to $14.9 or 98.7%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 90% to 54.5%) were: Ketchup 340g ($5 to $9.5, or 90%); Shrimp Shaomai 10pcs ($8.9 to $15.9, or 78.7%); Cheese Cracker 197g ($8.9 to $14.9, or 67.4%); Aroma Therapy Anti-Stress Body Wash 750ml ($18 to $28.9, or 60.6%); Mopiko Ointment 20g ($16.5 to $25.5, or 54.5%).
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 16 retail outlets in the Kwai Fong District were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 1.9% to 125%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 20 items in this category at 14 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 18.8% to 99.5%.
- 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, including major and individual supermarkets, health-and-beauty chains, frozen food outlets, 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 Kwai Tsing District Office.