The Consumer Council today (April 22) 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 Mongkok District.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Kitchen Bleach 600ml (from $8 to $19, or a price difference of 137.5%).
Following closely (between 81.4% and 61.3%) were: Optima Keratin Anti-dandruff Shampoo - Balanced Aqua Moisturising (For Normal Hair) 750ml ($22 to $39.9, or 81.4%); Cuttlefish Ball 170g ($8 to $13.9, or 73.8%); Super Rich Ideal Orient Shampoo 700ml ($39 to $63.9, or 63.8%); Powerful Cream Cleaner - Lemon Fresh 500ml ($8 to $12.9, or 61.3%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 54.5% to 43.4%) were: Natural Softener 1L ($20 to $30.9 or 54.5%); Seafood Soy Sauce 500ml ($9.5 to $14.5, or 52.6%); Toothpaste Maximum Cavity Protection - Icy Cool Mint 250g ($12 to $17.5, or 45.8%); Cheese Sausages 160g ($13 to $18.9, or 45.4%); Shredded Pork And Preserved Vegetable 240g ($9.9 to $14.2, or 43.4%).
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 22 items in this category at 14 retail outlets, covering major supermarket chains, individual supermarkets, grocery and frozen food stores in the Mongkok District, were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 2.5% to 73.8%.
- Overall, major supermarket chains recorded proportionally more higher prices than the other outlets. Some supermarket chains offered bulk purchase price incentive, for example, 3 chains offered Corn Oil 946ml at $85.9 for 3, averaging $28.6 each, while 3 chains offered Seafood Soy Sauce 500ml at $18.9 for 2, averaging $9.45 each, thereby cheaper than the other outlets.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 15 items in this category at 18 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 5.5% to 137.5%.
- Overall, prices at major supermarket chains and health-and-beauty chains were generally higher than those at drugstores. Some supermarket chain offered bulk purchase price promotion, for example, 3 chains offered Natural Softener 1L at $47.9 for 2, averaging $24 each, while 3 chains offered Powerful Cream Cleaner - Lemon Fresh 500ml at $22 for 2, averaging $11 each, but even after the price 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 8 stalls at the Fa Yuen 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 Yau Tsim Mong District Office.