The Consumer Council today (November 9) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 45 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in Kowloon City.
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 HK$6 to HK$12.9, or a price difference of 115%).
Following closely (between 99.3% and 61.5%) were: Pure Skin Jelly 100ml (HK$14 to HK$27.9, or 99.3%); Soft Moisturizing Cream 100ml (HK$20 to HK$33.9, or 69.5%); Tse Koo Choy 5's (HK$16 to HK$26, or 62.5%); Scrub Sponge (Delicate Duty) 1pc (HK$6.5 to HK$10.5 or 61.5%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 59.5% to 36.7%) were: Delicare Ointment 15g (HK$20 to HK$31.9, or 59.5%); Cough Syrup F2 120ml (HK$28 to HK$42.9, or 53.2%); Total Care Antiseptic Mouthwash 1L (HK$47 to HK$69.9, or 48.7%); Oxygen Fresh Shower Gel 750ml (HK$27 to HK$39.9, or 47.8%); Thermal Recovery Replenishing Shampoo 900ml (HK$46 to HK$62.9, or 36.7%).
Other highlights in this weekly price survey covering (a) prepackaged food products, and (b) household and personal care products:
Prepackaged Food
- A total of 17 items in this category at 17 retail outlets in Kowloon City were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 7.1% to 115%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 23 items in this category at 16 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 17.2% to 99.3%.
- 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 Kowloon City Market and 2 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 Kowloon City District Office.