The Consumer Council today (July 28) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 40 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in Mong Kok.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Tomato Paste 170g (from $5.5 to $12.9, or a price difference of 134.5%).
Following closely (between 100.5% and 73.9%) were: Moisturising Shower Foam 2L ($19.9 to $39.9, or 100.5%); Sliced Pineapple in Syrup 234g ($3.9 to $6.9, or 76.9%); Superior Soup Instant Rice Noodle 65g ($2 to $3.5, or 75%); Superior Light Soy Sauce 500ml ($6.9 to $12 or 73.9%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 65.3% to 52.8%) were: Pads Sanitation Napkin 41cm 8's ($19.9 to $32.9, or 65.3%); Chicken Franks 340.2g ($8 to $12.9, or 61.3%); Ganmao Zhike Cough (Cold & Cough Formula-Granules) 10g × 6 sachets ($17 to $27, or 58.8%); Universal Oil No.1 56ml ($19 to $29.9, or 57.4%); Deep Clean Foaming Cleanser 100g ($32 to $48.9, or 52.8%).
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 17 retail outlets in Mong Kok were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 7.5% to 134.5%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 20 items in this category at 21 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 17.4% to 100.5%.
- 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 Yau Tsim Mong District Office.