The Consumer Council today (September 19) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 45 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in Mong Kok.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Powerful Cream Cleaner (Lemon Fresh) 500ml (from HK$8.5 to HK$16, or a price difference of 88.2%).
Following closely (between 75.3% and 66.7%) were: Almond Cracker 133g (HK$8.5 to HK$14.9, or 75.3%); Ham Slices 200g (HK$15 to HK$25.5, or 70%); Sesame Soda Cracker 100g (HK$4.5 to HK$7.5, or 66.7%); Shrimp Sauce 114g (HK$9 to HK$15 or 66.7%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 60% to 54.5%) were: Superior Soup Instant Rice Noodle 65g (HK$3 to HK$4.8, or 60%); Fried Dace with Salted Beans 227g (HK$12 to HK$18.9, or 57.5%); Po Chai Pills 10's Bottle Form (HK$15 to HK$23.5, or 56.7%); Cling Wrap 200ft (HK$14.5 to HK$22.6, or 55.9%); Sliced Pineapple in Syrup 234g (HK$5.5 to HK$8.5, or 54.5%).
Other highlights in this weekly price survey covering (a) prepackaged food products, and (b) household and personal care products:
Prepackaged Food
- A total of 22 items in this category at 23 retail outlets in Mong Kok were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 3.6% to 75.3%.
Household / Personal Care Products
- A total of 18 items in this category at 22 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 18.8% to 88.2%.
- 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 Fa Yuen Street Market, Mong Kok 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 Yau Tsim Mong District Office.