The Consumer Council today (March 18) 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 Tung Chung 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 to $9.5, or a price difference of 90%).
Following closely (between 68.9% and 50.5%) were: Clear Chicken Broth 1L ($10.6 to $17.9, or 68.9%); Roaches Killer Fastest Kill 600ml ($33 to $51.9, or 57.3%); Intensive Cure Total Moisture Dry Skin Lotion 15oz ($23 to $34.9, or 51.7%); Pack Almond Cracker 133g ($9.9 to $14.9, or 50.5%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 45.8% to 34%) were: Fluoride Toothpaste (Maximum Cavity Protection) 250g ($12 to $17.5 or 45.8%); Double Action Toothpaste (Natural Mint) 250g ($12 to $17.5, or 45.8%); Chicken Franks 12oz ($8.9 to $12.9, or 44.9%); Powerful Cream Cleanser Lemon Fresh 500ml ($9 to $12.9, or 43.3%); Baby Shampoo (No More Tears) 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 21 items in this category at 15 retail outlets, covering major supermarket chains, individual supermarket stores, frozen food and grocery stores, Health-and-Beauty chains and drugstores in the Tung Chung District, were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 0% to 90%.
- Some major supermarket chains offered bulk purchase price incentive. For example, 2 of the chains offered Yakult 100mlx5 at $17.6 for 2, averaging $8.8 each, and another one offered it at $16.5 for 2, averaging $8.25 each, but even after the discount the unit price was still higher than that of a drugstore.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 15 items in this category at 12 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 6.3% to 57.3%.
- 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 Baby Shampoo (No More Tears) at $84.8 for 2, averaging $42.4 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 4 items from 1 to 2 stalls at the Yat Tung (Good Luck) Market and 4 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 Islands District Office.