The Consumer Council today (March 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 Wong Tai Sin District.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Optima Keratin Anti-dandruff Shampoo - Balanced Aqua Moisturising 750ml (from $21 to $39.9, or a price difference of 90%).
Following closely (between 72.7% and 51.8%) were: Ketchup 340g ($5.5 to $9.5, or 72.7%); Tooth and Gum Care 100ml ($11 to $19, or 72.7%); Heavy Duty Liquid Toilet Bowl Cleaner 750ml ($10 to $15.5, or 55%); Powerful Cream Cleaner - Lemon Fresh 500ml ($8.5 to $12.9, or 51.8%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 45.8% to 41%) were: Toothpaste Jumbo Size 250g ($12 to $17.5 or 45.8%); Sesame Soda Cracker 130g ($4.5 to $6.4, or 42.2%); Ham Slices 200g ($14 to $19.9, or 42.1%); Fresh Mint Toothpaste 120g ($26 to $36.9, or 41.9%); Instant Oatmeal 800g ($19.5 to $27.5, or 41%).
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 13 retail outlets, covering major supermarket chains, individual supermarkets, health-and-beauty chains, frozen food outlets, grocery and drug stores in the Wong Tai Sin District, were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 11.1% to 72.7%.
- It was found that individual supermarket store with few other retail outlets closeby had quite a large number of items selling at higher unit prices. And some major supermarket chains offered price discount for bulk purchase. For example, 2 major chains offered Shrimp Shao Mai 130g at $26.9 for 3, averaging $9 each, thus were cheaper than the other retail outlets.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 14 items in this category at 13 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 19.7% to 90%.
- 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, 3 major chains offered Powerful Cream Cleaner - Lemon Fresh 500ml at $22 for 2, averaging $11 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 3 items from 2 to 3 stalls at the Tai Shing Street Market and 3 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 Wong Tai Sin District Office.