The Consumer Council today (May 20) 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 Tseung Kwan O District.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Seasoned Soy Sauce For Seafood 410ml (from $8.9 to $14.9, or a price difference of 67.4%).
Following closely (between 66.3% and 56.5%) were: Deep Moisture Beauty Body Wash 550ml ($30 to $49.9, or 66.3%); Golden Label Superior Light Soy Sauce 500ml ($10.5 to $16.8, or 60%); Sensitive Enamel Protection Toothpaste 130g ($19 to $29.9, or 57.4%); Daily Therapy Conditioner 700ml ($37 to $57.9, or 56.5%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 54.4% to 46.7%) were: Soft Kiss Bar Soap 4's ($9 to $13.9 or 54.4%); Whole Unpeeled Straw Mushrooms 425g ($5.9 to $9, or 52.5%); Mosquito Repellent Aerosol 6oz ($26 to $39.5, or 51.9%); Furniture Polish (Lemon) 330ml ($28 to $42, or 50%); Full Cream Evaporated Milk 410g ($7.5 to $11, or 46.7%).
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 18 items in this category at 13 retail outlets, covering major supermarket chains, health-and-beauty chains, grocery and frozen food stores in the Tseung Kwan O District, were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 2.1% to 67.4%.
- Individual supermarket chain offered price incentive in bulk purchase of sauces. For example, the supermarket chain offered Seasonal Soy Sauce For Seafood 410ml at $18.9 for 2, averaging $9.5 each, but even after the discount the unit price was still higher than those at frozen food store.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 19 items in this category at 13 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 16.7% to 66.3%.
- Overall, prices at major supermarket chains and health-and-beauty chains were generally higher than those at drugstores. The survey showed many products were offered in individual health-and-beauty chain in bonus packs or at bulk purchase price discount.
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 1 to 3 stalls at the Sheung Tak 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 Sai Kung District Office.