The Consumer Council today (July 18) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 45 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in Choi Hung / Choi Wan.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Preserved Vegetable 300g (from HK$5 to HK$14.2, or a price difference of 184%).
Following closely (between 121.4% and 98.8%) were: Gentian Violet Solution 30ml (HK$7 to HK$15.5, or 121.4%); Rice Flour 600g (HK$6 to HK$12.9, or 115%); Sesame Soda Cracker 100g (HK$3.5 to HK$7, or 100%); Baby Powder 100g (HK$8.5 to HK$16.9 or 98.8%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 98.7% to 66.3%) were: Nasal Relief 1g (HK$7.5 to HK$14.9, or 98.7%); Beauty Bar Soap 100g (HK$5 to HK$9.9, or 98%); Mackerel Fillets in Oil with Chilli 120g (HK$9 to HK$15.8, or 75.6%); Bath Soap 115g × 4 (HK$8.5 to HK$14.5, or 70.6%); Aloe Vera Mosquito Repellent 6oz (HK$27 to HK$44.9, or 66.3%).
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 18 retail outlets in Choi Hung / Choi Wan were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 1.8% to 184%.
Household / Personal Care Products
- A total of 20 items in this category at 17 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 15.6% to 121.4%.
- 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 7 stalls at the Choi Wan Market, Ngau Chi Wan 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 Wong Tai Sin District Office.