The Consumer Council today (August 12) 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: American Ginseng with Honey Drink 500ml (from $4.5 to $8.9, or a price difference of 97.8%).
Following closely (between 83.3% and 51.6%) were: Soy Sauce 600ml ($18 to $33, or 83.3%); Cockroach Killing Spray 560ml ($27 to $42.9, or 58.9%); Japanese Style Potsticker 8pcs ($8.5 to $12.9, or 51.8%); Gentle Whitening Toothpaste 120g ($25 to $37.9, or 51.6%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 50.5% to 48.6%) were: Pack Cheese Cracker 197g ($9.9 to $14.9 or 50.5%); Fresh Cut Whole Kernel Corn 380g ($5 to $7.5, or 50%); Kidney Beans 432g ($10 to $14.9, or 49%); Jelly Powder Mango Flavour 90g ($3.5 to $5.2, or 48.6%); Moisturising Shower Foam 2L ($25.5 to $37.9, or 48.6%).
Other highlights in this weekly price survey covering (a) prepackaged food products, and (b) household and personal care products:
Prepackaged Food
- A total of 20 items in this category at 13 retail outlets, covering major supermarket chains, individual supermarket, frozen food and grocery stores, and health-and-beauty chains in the Mongkok District, were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 4.8% to 97.8%.
- Overall, the survey found individual frozen food and grocery stores in the district to be cheaper than other types of outlets.
- Individual outlets offered free gift for designated goods. For instance, 1 major supermarket chain offered 1 bag of vermicelli 100g for the purchase of Premium Thai Fragrant Rice Vacuum Treated 8kg. Compared with the other 3 major supermarket chains, this offer made the purchase of a better value.
- Some shops offered bulk purchase incentive. For example, 3 major supermarket chains offered Japanese Style Potsticker 8pcs at $26.9 for 3, averaging $9 each. The discounted price though lower than the unit price at these outlets was still higher than those at individual frozen food outlets. So, bulk purchase discounts do not necessarily mean they are of good buy, consumers are advised to always shop around for price comparison.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 20 items in this category at 16 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 8.7% to 58.9%.
- Overall, prices at major supermarket chains, health-and-beauty chains were higher while those at drugstores were lower.
- Some shops offered bulk purchase incentive. For instance, Clothing Softener Natural Refill 2L was offered at $28.9 for 2, averaging $14.5 each; and Premium New Baby Diaper 32's at $87.8 for 2, averaging $43.9 each. But, in both cases, the discounted price was still higher than those at drugstores.
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.