The Consumer Council today (September 11) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 45 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in Lam Tin.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Spiced Pork Cubes 142g (from HK$11 to HK$22.6, or a price difference of 105.5%).
Following closely (between 71.1% and 64.3%) were: Damage Therapy Daily Care Shampoo 700ml (HK$35 to HK$59.9, or 71.1%); Perfumed Deodorant for Women 150ml (HK$18 to HK$29.9, or 66.1%); Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce 220g (HK$6 to HK$9.9, or 65%); Seasoning 200ml (HK$14 to HK$23 or 64.3%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 60.6% to 51.4%) were: Healing Balm 10g (HK$18 to HK$28.9, or 60.6%); Coconut Milk 400ml (HK$12 to HK$18.9, or 57.5%); All in 1 Active Plus denture tablets (HK$38 to HK$58.9, or 55%); Expectorant 100ml (HK$29 to HK$44.5, or 53.4%); Furniture Polish (Lemon) 330ml (HK$29 to HK$43.9, or 51.4%).
Other highlights in this weekly price survey covering (a) prepackaged food products, and (b) household and personal care products:
Prepackaged Food
- A total of 19 items in this category at 16 retail outlets in Lam Tin were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 2.2% to 105.5%.
Household / Personal Care Products
- A total of 21 items in this category at 17 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 15% to 71.1%.
- 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 Kai Tin (Allmart) Chinese Market and 4 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 Kwun Tong District Office.