The Consumer Council today (April 14) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 40 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in Wong Tai Sin/San Po Kong.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Sliced Pineapple in Syrup 234g (from $4 to $9.2, or a price difference of 130%).
Following closely (between 106.3% and 63.3%) were: Triple Action Fluoride Toothpaste 200g ($8 to $16.5, or 106.3%); Disinfecting Wipes (Lemon Fresh) 35's ($15 to $29.9, or 99.3%); Bowl Instant Mifun (Pickled Vegetable and Pork) 80g ($3.3 to $6, or 81.8%); Po Sum On Healing Balm 10g ($15 to $24.5 or 63.3%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 55% to 48.4%) were: Mold Killer Trigger 500g ($18 to $27.9, or 55%); Antiacid / Anti-Gas (Original) 24 Tablets ($22 to $33.9, or 54.1%); Fried Dace 227g ($14.5 to $21.9, or 51%); Shiny Shine Enhancing Shampoo 750ml ($39.9 to $59.9, or 50.1%); 1+2 Coffee 22's ($21.9 to $32.5, or 48.4%).
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 12 retail outlets in Wong Tai Sin/San Po Kong were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 8.6% to 130%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 20 items in this category at 18 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 20.3% to 106.3%.
- 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 Wong Tai Sin District Office.