The Consumer Council today (March 3) 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 Sheung Shui District.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Cough Suspension 120ml (from $18 to $36.1, or a price difference of 100.6%).
Following closely (between 99% and 66.9%) were: Charmy Green Anti-bacterial Dishwashing Detergent 1L ($10 to $19.9, or 99%); Po Chai Pills 10s ($10 to $17.9, or 79%); Digestive & Antacid 45 Tablets ($50 to $84, or 68%); Pork Luncheon Meat 170g x 3 ($16 to $26.7 or 66.9%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 66.7% to 48.3%) were: Sliced Pork in Szechuan Style 198g ($7.5 to $12.5, or 66.7%); Sliced Pineapple in Syrup 836g ($10 to $15.9, or 59%); Hydration Party Moisturizing Shampoo 750ml ($39.9 to $59.9, or 50.1%); Corn Starch 420g ($6 to $9, or 50%); Hirudoid Cream 14g ($29 to $43, or 48.3%).
Other highlights in this weekly price survey covering (a) prepackaged food products, and (b) household and personal care products:
Prepackaged Food
- A total of 19 items in this category at 22 retail outlets in the Sheung Shui District were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 5.3% to 66.9%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 21 items in this category at 16 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 12.6% to 100.6%.
- 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 the district under comparison, 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 North District Office.