The Consumer Council today (June 17) 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 Hung Hom District.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Anti-bacterial Softener 1000ml (from $19 to $38.9, or a price difference of 104.7%).
Following closely (between 94.1% and 74.2%) were: Triple Action Fluoride Toothpaste 200g ($8.5 to $16.5, or 94.1%); Japanese Style Pan-Fried Bun 210g ($8 to $14.9, or 86.3%); Hi-Calcium Low Fat Milk Beverage Drink 236ml ($4.2 to $7.6, or 81%); Fried Dace with Salted Beans 184g ($12 to $20.9, or 74.2%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 63.3% to 44.4%) were: Pickled Cabbage 200g ($3 to $4.9 or 63.3%); Body Foam 750ml ($26 to $39.9, or 53.5%); Ice-non Cooling Gel Sheet (for Baby) 6 Pieces ($20 to $29.9, or 49.5%); Hot Cocoa Mix With Marshmallow 250g ($16.9 to $25.1, or 48.5%); 2-in-1 Concentrated Disinfectant Cleaner For Hard Surfaces 475g ($9.9 to $14.3, or 44.4%).
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 20 items in this category at 11 retail outlets, covering major supermarket chains, individual supermarkets, frozen food and grocery stores in the Hung Hom District, were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 2.1% to 86.3%.
- Overall, major supermarket chains recorded more higher unit prices than the other outlets. Some supermarket chains offered price discount for bulk purchase. For example, 4 major supermarket chains offered Double Deluxe Soy Sauce 500ml at $27.8 for 2, averaging $13.9 each, bringing the price lower than the others. On the other hand, 2 major chains offered Watercress & Pork Dumpling 205g at $39.9 for 3, and 1 major chain at $27.9 for 2, averaging $13.3 and $14 each respectively, but even after the discount their prices were still higher than the others.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 17 items in this category at 16 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 18.1% to 104.7%.
- Overall, prices at major supermarket chains and health-and-beauty chains were generally higher than those at drugstores. Some major supermarket chains offered bulk purchase inventives, for example, 2 major supermarket chains and 1 health-and-beauty chain offered Triple Action Fluoride Toothpaste 200g at $20.9 for 2, averaging $10.5 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 4 stalls at the Hung Hom 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 Kowloon City District Office.