The Consumer Council today (February 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 Ap Lei Chau.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Mercurichrome Solution 30ml (from HK$8 to HK$17.9, or a price difference of 123.8%).
Following closely (between 98.5% and 72.1%) were: Preserved Vegetable 300g (HK$6.5 to HK$12.9, or 98.5%); Cooling Gel Sheet for Children 6pcs (HK$20 to HK$34.9, or 74.5%); Nasal Relief 1g (HK$8 to HK$13.9, or 73.8%); Dental Floss (Waxed) 183m (HK$29 to HK$49.9 or 72.1%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 67.8% to 50%) were: Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce 220g (HK$5.9 to HK$9.9, or 67.8%); Strong Hold Mousse 150ml (HK$24 to HK$39.9, or 66.3%); Rice Flour 600g (HK$8 to HK$12.9, or 61.3%); Classic Bath Soap 115g × 4 (HK$10 to HK$15.7, or 57%); Coconut Milk 165ml (HK$7 to HK$10.5, or 50%).
Other highlights in this weekly price survey covering (a) prepackaged food products, and (b) household and personal care products:
Prepackaged Food
- A total of 18 items in this category at 20 retail outlets in Ap Lei Chau were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 2.2% to 98.5%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 22 items in this category at 14 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 8.3% to 123.8%.
- 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 Ap Lei Chau Municipal Market, Ap Lei Chau Estate Market, Lei Tung Estate Market, Marina Square East 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 Southern District Office.