The Consumer Council today (June 30) 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 Chai Wan District.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Baby Powder 500g (from $13 to $32.9, or a price difference of 153.1%).
Following closely (between 92% and 65%) were: Beer 330ml ($2.5 to $4.8, or 92%); Sweetened Milk Spread 388g ($6.5 to $11.8, or 81.5%); Mineralized Water 770ml ($3.3 to $5.5, or 66.7%); Soy Sauce 600ml ($20 to $33, or 65%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 60% to 53.7%) were: Beer 330ml ($3 to $4.8 or 60%); Dry Therapy Conditioner 700ml ($37 to $57.9, or 56.5%); Chili Bean Sauce 227g ($8 to $12.5, or 56.3%); Baby Oil 300ml ($23 to $35.9, or 56.1%); Worcestershire Sauce 150ml ($14.9 to $22.9, or 53.7%).
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 20 items in this category at 11 retail outlets, covering major supermarket chains, health-and-beauty chains, frozen food and grocery stores, petrol station in the Chai Wan District, were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 5.9% to 92%.
- Some supermarket chains offered price discount for bulk purchase. For example, 3 major supermarket chains offered Sweetened Milk Spread 388g at $13.5 for 2, averaging $6.8 each, but even after the discount, they were still more expensive than a frozen food outlet.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 17 items in this category at 11 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 10.4% to 153.1%.
- 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 offered Baby Messy Times Wipes 80s at $104.8 for 6, averaging $17.5 each, but even after the discount their prices were still higher 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 3 stalls at the Chai Wan 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 Eastern District Office.