The Consumer Council today (February 27) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 45 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in North Point.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Protective Plaster (Skin) 100 Strips (from HK$10 to HK$23.9, or a price difference of 139%).
Following closely (between 133.3% and 84.3%) were: Pure Baking Soda 454g (HK$6 to HK$14, or 133.3%); Corn Starch 227g (HK$3 to HK$7, or 133.3%); Natural Coconut Cream 200ml (HK$8 to HK$15.3, or 91.3%); Tomato Paste 170g (HK$7 to HK$12.9 or 84.3%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 77.3% to 61.8%) were: Umami Seasoning 454g (HK$11 to HK$19.5, or 77.3%); Dishwashing Liquid (Lemon Fresh) 1000ml (HK$16.5 to HK$28.9, or 75.2%); Pitted Prunes 142g (HK$12 to HK$20.9, or 74.2%); Oyster Sauce 510g (HK$11.9 to HK$20, or 68.1%); Moisture Aloe Fresh Hydrating Body Lotion 400ml (HK$22.8 to HK$36.9, or 61.8%).
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 23 retail outlets in North Point were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 15.3% to 133.3%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 22 items in this category at 25 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 14% to 139%.
- 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 Chun Yeung Street Market, Java Road 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 Eastern District Office.