The Consumer Council today (April 30) 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: Straw Mushrooms (Whole Unpeeled) 425g (from HK$6 to HK$12, or a price difference of 100%).
Following closely (between 96.7% and 84.3%) were: Instant Japanese Fresh Noodle 200g (HK$3 to HK$5.9, or 96.7%); Protective Plaster (Sheer Type) 100 strips (HK$12 to HK$22.9, or 90.8%); Oriental Pork Chop Sauce 80g (HK$4 to HK$7.5, or 87.5%); Rice Flour 600g (HK$7 to HK$12.9 or 84.3%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 81.7% to 60%) were: Anti-Bacterial Wet Wipes 10's (HK$6 to HK$10.9, or 81.7%); Lasting Care Moisturising Lotion 200ml (HK$16 to HK$28.5, or 78.1%); Umami Seasoning 100g (HK$5 to HK$8.5, or 70%); Tablets for Stomach Remedy 30's (HK$34 to HK$57.5, or 69.1%); Cleanser (Lemon) 500g (HK$5 to HK$8, or 60%).
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 24 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 13.9% to 100%.
Household / Personal Care Products
- A total of 22 items in this category at 15 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 6.7% to 90.8%.
- 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 3 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.