The Consumer Council today (February 25) 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 Tuen Mun District.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Powerful Cream Cleaner Lemon Fresh 500ml (from $7.5 to $18.9, or a price difference of 152%).
Following closely (between 113.1% and 70.5%) were: Chiu Chow Dumpling ($8.4 to $17.9, or 113.1%); Ketchup 340g ($5 to $9.5, or 90%); Sliced Pineapple In Syrup 836g ($9.5 to $17.5, or 84.2%); Clear Chicken Broth 1L ($10.5 to $17.9, or 70.5%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 68.5% to 52.2%) were: Seasoned Soy Sauce for Seafood 410ml ($8.9 to $15 or 68.5%); Premium Pork Luncheon Meat 397g ($10.5 to $17.5, or 66.7%); All Purpose Marinade 485ml ($10.9 to $18, or 65.1%); Liquid Seasoning 200ml ($12.9 to $20, or 55%); Double Action Toothpaste 250g ($11.5 to $17.5, or 52.2%).
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 21 items in this category at 13 retail outlets, covering major supermarket chains, individual supermarkets, frozen food and grocery stores in the Tuen Mun District, were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 5.7% to 113.1%.
- 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, 4 major chains offered Chiu Chow Dumpling for bulk purchase with the discounted average prices ranging from $8.48 to $8.97, bringing the price down closer to the low unit price found at a frozen food store in this survey.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 14 items in this category at 14 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 3.9% to 152%.
- Overall, prices at major supermarket chains and health-and-beauty chains were generally higher than those at drugstores. Some major chains offered price incentive for bulk purchase. For example, 2 major chains offered Double Action Toothpaste 250g at $31 for 2, averaging $15.5 each but 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 5 items from 1 to 3 stalls at the Tuen Mun San Hui Market and 5 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 Tuen Mun District Office.