The Consumer Council today (Septmber 22) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 40 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in Tung Chung.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Pineapple Flavour Beer 355ml (from $3 to $4.9, or a price difference of 63.3%).
Following closely (between 61.3% and 50.6%) were: Powerful Cream Cleaner (Lemon Fresh) 500ml ($8 to $12.9, or 61.3%); Digestive & Antacid 45 Tablets ($54 to $84, or 55.6%); Glutinous Rice Flour 600g ($6.5 to $10, or 53.8%); Coconut Milk 400ml ($7.9 to $11.9 or 50.6%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 45.8% to 39.8%) were: Hirudoid Cream 14g ($31 to $45.2, or 45.8%); Fried Dace with Salted Black Beans 227g ($13.9 to $19.9, or 43.2%); Antiseptic Mouthwash (Tartar Control) 1L ($44 to $62.9, or 43%); Economic Pack Fabric Softener (Pure) 2L ($10.5 to $15, or 42.9%); Sliced Pineapple in Syrup 836g ($11.8 to $16.5, or 39.8%).
Other highlights in this weekly price survey covering (a) prepackaged food products, and (b) household and personal care products:
Prepackaged Food
- A total of 19 items in this category at 27 retail outlets in Tung Chung were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 6.9% to 63.3%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 21 items in this category at 14 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 10.9% to 61.3%.
- 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 Islands District Office.