The Consumer Council today (April 29) 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 Wan Chai District.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Whole Kernel Corn 432g (from $5.5 to $8.5, or a price difference of 54.5%).
Following closely (between 53.1% and 49.5%) were: Ham Slices 200g ($13 to $19.9, or 53.1%); Superior Light soy Sauce 500ml ($7.9 to $12, or 51.9%); Antibacterial Deo Fresh Ultra Softener 1L ($26 to $38.9, or 49.6%); Sensitive Multi Protection Toothpaste 130g ($20 to $29.9, or 49.5%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 44.4% to 31.8%) were: Preserved Vegetable 200g ($4.5 to $6.5 or 44.4%); Cream Cleanser Citrus 500g ($9.9 to $13.9, or 40.4%); Dim Sum Shrimp Shao Mai 10pcs ($8.7 to $11.9, or 36.8%); Pack Cheese Cracker 197g ($10.9 to $14.9, or 36.7%); All Purpose Marinade 485ml ($12.9 to $17, or 31.8%).
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 14 retail outlets, covering major supermarket chains, individual supermarkets, grocery and frozen food stores in the Wan Chai District, were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 0.3% to 54.5%.
- 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 12 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 4.2% to 49.6%.
- 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 ¡V 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 4 items from 1 to 3 stalls at the Wan Chai Market and 2 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 Wan Chai District Office.