The Consumer Council today (March 31) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 40 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in Tai Po.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Powerful Cream Cleaner (Lemon Fresh) 500ml (from $6.5 to $18.9, or a price difference of 190.8%).
Following closely (between 86.9% and 78.6%) were: Sensitive Multi Protection Toothpaste 120g ($16 to $29.9, or 86.9%); Rouse Me Up Soap 90g x 4 ($8 to $14.9, or 86.3%); Deep Hydrating Mask 5's ($50 to $89.9, or 79.8%); Orange Juice Drink 1.25L ($9.8 to $17.5 or 78.6%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 74.7% to 58.2%) were: Chopped Pork and Ham 198g ($8.3 to $14.5, or 74.7%); Exquisite Packing Milk Supplement (Pellet Dose) 20's ($42 to $69.9, or 66.4%); Freshcut Nata de Coco in Syrup 439g ($11 to $17.9, or 62.7%); Pork and Ham 198g ($8.2 to $13, or 58.5%); Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce 420g ($7.9 to $12.9, or 58.2%).
Other highlights in this weekly price survey covering (a) prepackaged food products, and (b) household and personal care products:
Prepackaged Food
- A total of 18 items in this category at 13 retail outlets in Tai Po were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 3.5% to 78.6%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 22 items in this category at 15 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 3.8% to 190.8%.
- 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, a broad range of retail outlets of different types 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 Tai Po District Office.