The Consumer Council today (April 27) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 45 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in Tsz Wan Shan.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Coconut Milk 165ml (from $7 to $14, or a price difference of 100%).
Following closely (between 87.8% and 72.4%) were: Soap 90g x 4 ($9 to $16.9, or 87.8%); Fabric Softener (Classic) 1L ($17.5 to $30.9, or 76.6%); Sesame Soda Cracker 100g ($4 to $7, or 75%); Sputum-loosening Expectorant 24 Tablets ($18.5 to $31.9 or 72.4%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 67.4% to 52.7%) were: Pack Cheese Cracker 197g ($8.9 to $14.9, or 67.4%); Whole Unpeeled Straw Mushrooms (Choice) 425g ($6 to $10, or 66.7%); Black Rice Vinegar 500ml ($10 to $16, or 60%); Baby Milk Lotion 500ml ($22.5 to $34.9, or 55.1%); Throat Lozenge 40g ($11 to $16.8, or 52.7%).
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 25 retail outlets in Tsz Wan Shan were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 12.9% to 100%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 20 items in this category at 12 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 13.2% to 87.8%.
- 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 4 stalls at the Tsz Wan Shan Market, Lucky Market and 4 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 Wong Tai Sin District Office.