The Consumer Council today (February 16) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 45 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in Pokfulam.
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 $5.9 to $12.9, or a price difference of 118.6%).
Following closely (between 79% and 59%) were: Sliced Pineapple in Syrup 836g ($10.5 to $18.8, or 79%); Throat Lozenge 40g ($10 to $16.8, or 68%); Pain Relieving Aromatic Medicated Oil 57mL ($19 to $30.6, or 61.1%); Instant Glue (All Purpose) 2g ($10 to $15.9 or 59%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 50.5% to 47.4%) were: Almond Cracker 133g ($9.9 to $14.9, or 50.5%); Chicken Franks 340.2g ($9 to $13.5, or 50%); Soft Kiss Bath Soap 90g × 4 ($10 to $14.9, or 49%); Rice Flour 600g ($6 to $8.9, or 48.3%); Ultra Wing Night Use Sanitary Napkins (28cm) 18's ($23 to $33.9, or 47.4%).
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 17 retail outlets in Pokfulam were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 14.3% to 118.6%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 20 items in this category at 19 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 5% to 68%.
- 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 3 stalls at the Wah Fu and Wah Kwai Wet 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 Southern District Office.