The Consumer Council today (September 21) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 45 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in Tuen Mun - Town Centre & San Hui.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Superconcentrated Dishwashing Detergent (Lime) 500ml (from HK$11 to HK$21.9, or a price difference of 99.1%).
Following closely (between 82.5% and 75.5%) were: Fruity Sauce 335g (HK$12 to HK$21.9, or 82.5%); Sauce for Sweet & Spicy Beef Ribs 80g (HK$3.8 to HK$6.9, or 81.6%); Lozenges (Lemon) 25's (HK$14 to HK$24.9, or 77.9%); Damage Therapy Daily Care Shampoo 700ml (HK$33 to HK$57.9 or 75.5%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 75% to 60.7%) were: Bean Sauce 227g (HK$8 to HK$14, or 75%); American Ginseng with Honey Drink 500ml (HK$4.9 to HK$8.5, or 73.5%); Fruit Salt (Lemon Flavoured) 100g (HK$29 to HK$46.9, or 61.7%); Condensed Soup Cream of Chicken 305g (HK$8.6 to HK$13.9, or 61.6%); Baby Skincare Wipes 80's (HK$15.5 to HK$24.9, or 60.7%).
Other highlights in this weekly price survey covering (a) prepackaged food products, and (b) household and personal care products:
Prepackaged Food
- A total of 19 items in this category at 13 retail outlets in Tuen Mun - Town Centre & San Hui were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 0% to 82.5%.
Household / Personal Care Products
- A total of 21 items in this category at 20 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 7.7% to 99.1%.
- 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 6 stalls at the San Hui 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 Tuen Mun District Office.