The Consumer Council today (February 24) 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 Taikoo/Quarry Bay District.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Tooth and Gum Care Alcohol-Free Mouth Rinse 500ml (from $22.9 to $47.4, or a price difference of 107%).
Following closely (between 99.3% and 72.6%) were: 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly 3.75oz ($15 to $29.9, or 99.3%); Baby Powder 100g ($8 to $14.9, or 86.3%); Salted Black Bean 170g ($6.5 to $11.9, or 83.1%); Fiesta Tropical Fruit Mix 850g ($9.5 to $16.4 or 72.6%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 71.6% to 43.3%) were: Tea 100 Teabags ($25 to $42.9, or 71.6%); Tablets for Adults 20's ($23 to $36.9, or 60.4%); Shanghai Noodles 340g ($4.5 to $6.8, or 51.1%); White Flower Embrocation 10ml ($16 to $23.5, or 46.9%); 3 in 1 Toilet Cleaner (Lemon) 750ml ($9 to $12.9, or 43.3%).
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 14 retail outlets in the Taikoo/Quarry Bay District were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 7.1% to 83.1%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 20 items in this category at 16 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 15% to 107%.
- Overall, more highest unit prices were recorded at major supermarket and health-and-beauty chains than other retail outlets.
The weekly survey covers, for price comparison, different types of retail outlets located in one district, including major and individual supermarkets, health-and-beauty chains, frozen food and grocery stores, and drugstores.
It is common that many outlets will offer bulk-purchase incentives, add-size packs, gifts, rebates, etc. for purchase of designated products or up to a certain value.
Consumers, however, should note that promotional offers are not necessarily the best bargains (the lowest unit price) available on the items. They should shop around whenever possible and compare prices.
Results of the weekly price survey and analysis are available on the Council's website, its Consumer Advice Centres, and the Public Enquiry Service Centre of Eastern District Office.