The Consumer Council today (February 4) 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 North Point District.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Double Deluxe Soy Sauce 500ml (from $9 to $16.9, or a price difference of 87.8%).
Following closely (between 87.6% and 45.8%) were: Baby Peach Bath 1L ($25 to $46.9, or 87.6%); Fiesta Tropical Fruit Mix 850g ($10 to $17.5, or 75%); Tomato Ketchup 340g ($5.5 to $9.5, or 72.7%); Double Action Toothpaste 250g ($12 to $17.5, or 45.8%); Pork Luncheon Meat 397g ($12 to $17.5, or 45.8%).
The remainders of the top 10 list (ranging from 44.9% to 34%) were: Glutinous Rice Dumpling 255g ($8.9 to $12.9 or 44.9%); Soya Bean Milk 1L ($5.5 to $7.9, or 43.6%); Powerful Cream Cleanser (Lemon Fresh) 500ml ($9 to $12.9, or 43.3%); Baby Shampoo "No More Tears" Formula 800ml ($35 to $46.9, or 34%).
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 12 retail outlets, covering major supermarket chains, frozen food and grocery stores in the North Point District, were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 3.1% to 87.8%.
- Overall, major supermarket chains recorded more higher unit prices than the other outlets. But some major supermarket chains offered price discount for bulk purchase. For example, some major supermarket chains offered Soya Bean Milk 1L at $13.9 for 2, averaging $7 each, but even after the price discount they were still more expensive than the grocery stores.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 13 items in this category at 12 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 12.3% to 87.6%.
- Overall, prices at major supermarket chains and health-and-beauty chains were generally higher than those at 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 1 to 3 stalls at the Java Road 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 Eastern District Office.