The Consumer Council today (December 22) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 45 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in (Kwai Chung - Shek Yam/Shek Lei).
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Sliced Pork in Szechuan Style 198g (from $6.8 to $12.9, or a price difference of 89.7%).
Following closely (between 73.8% and 62.6%) were: One Minute Oil Treatment 150ml ($8 to $13.9, or 73.8%); Prune Juice 946ml ($19.9 to $34.5, or 73.4%); Cream Style Corn 418g ($5.8 to $9.5, or 63.8%); Ointment 15g ($19 to $30.9 or 62.6%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 59.6% to 49.5%) were: Tuna in Sunflower Oil 185g ($9.9 to $15.8, or 59.6%); Deep Cleansing Line - Daily Renewal Cleanser 100g ($21 to $32.8, or 56.2%); Pepper Sauce (Original) 60ml ($11.9 to $18.5, or 55.5%); Soothing Oatmeal & Shea Butter 532ml ($20 to $29.9, or 49.5%); 3-ply Longest Toilet Rolls ($22 to $32.9, or 49.5%).
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 15 retail outlets in (Kwai Chung - Shek Yam/Shek Lei) were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 6.3% to 89.7%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 20 items in this category at 17 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 11.4% to 73.8%.
- Overall, more highest unit prices were recorded at major supermarket and health-and-beauty chains than other retail outlets.
Fresh Produce
- Due to possible variations in the place of origin, quality, size or freshness of fresh produce, direct price comparison is considered not suitable.
- A total of 5 items from 2 to 5 stalls at the North Kwai Chung Market, Shek Lei Market Market and 3 major supermarket chains were included in the survey for reference of consumers.
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 Kwai Chung District Office.