The Consumer Council today (October 7) 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: Studio Wetlook Normal Strength 150ml (from $19 to $31.9, or a price difference of 67.9%).
Following closely (between 62.6% and 51.5%) were: Imodium 8 tablets ($35 to $56.9, or 62.6%); Mouthwash (mint) 300ml ($58 to $92, or 58.6%); Whole Unpeeled Straw Mushrooms 425g ($5.9 to $9, or 52.5%); Oyster Sauce 510g ($9.9 to $15 or 51.5%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 50.5% to 42%) were: Premium Cracker 197g ($9.9 to $14.9, or 50.5%); Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce 420g ($8 to $11.9, or 48.8%); Fried Dace with Salted Black Beans 227g ($13.5 to $19.9, or 47.4%); Natural Care Baby Wipes 144pcs ($28 to $39.9, or 42.5%); Pork and Ham 198g ($8.8 to $12.5, or 42%).
Other highlights in this weekly price survey covering (a) prepackaged food products, and (b) household and personal care products:
Prepackaged Food
- A total of 19 items in this category at 15 retail outlets, covering major supermarket chains, frozen meat outlet, health-and-beauty chains, grocery and retail wholesale 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 1.6% to 52.5%.
- Overall, prices of food items in individual frozen food and retail wholesale stores were generally lower.
- Some major supermarket chains offered bulk purchase incentives. For example, 4 major supermarket chains offered Clear Chicken Broth 1L at $35.8 for 3, averaging $11.9 each thus bringing it down to the level of the lowest unit price available at another outlet.
- 1 frozen meat store which recorded the lowest unit price for the same item also used the same 3-piece bulk purchase to promote sales; but the average price turned out to be not any different from the unit price.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 21 items in this category at 12 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 6.3% to 67.9%.
- Overall, prices at major supermarket chains and health-and-beauty chains were generally higher than those at drugstores.
- Some outlets (health-and-beauty chains in particular) offered free gifts for designated goods. For example, for the purchase of Intensive Care Aloe Vera Moisturing Lotion 15oz, 1 major supermarket chain offered in addition Intensive Care Total Moisture Dry Skin (Collagen & Soya Milk Protein) 30ml and a $40 Nail Care cash coupon, while 1 health-and-beauty chain offered Body Wash 250ml.
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.