The Consumer Council today (November 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 San Po Kong.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Soup Base for Chicken Hot Pot 60g (from HK$3.9 to HK$7.5, or a price difference of 92.3%).
Following closely (between 80% and 67.5%) were: Beer 330ml (HK$2.5 to HK$4.5, or 80%); Damage Therapy Daily Care Shampoo 700ml (HK$34 to HK$59.9, or 76.2%); Decongestant Analgesic Ointment 3oz. 85g (HK$38 to HK$65.9, or 73.4%); Diarrhoeal Tablet 8pcs (HK$40 to HK$67 or 67.5%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 64.3% to 50.5%) were: Soft Drink 500ml (HK$4.2 to HK$6.9, or 64.3%); Condensed Soup Cream of Chicken 305g (HK$8.9 to HK$14.5, or 62.9%); Fluoride Toothpaste Maximum Cavity Protection (Icy Cool Mint) 250g (HK$12 to HK$19.5, or 62.5%); Quality Fresh Cut Sliced Pineapple in Syrup 234g (HK$5.5 to HK$8.3, or 50.9%); Light Soy Sauce 500ml (HK$9.9 to HK$14.9, or 50.5%); Pack Premium Cracker 172g (HK$9.9 to HK$14.9, or 50.5%).
Other highlights in this weekly price survey covering (a) prepackaged food products, and (b) household and personal care products:
Prepackaged Food
- A total of 18 items in this category at 15 retail outlets in San Po Kong were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 3.6% to 92.3%.
Household / Personal Care Products
- A total of 22 items in this category at 19 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 6.7% to 76.2%.
- 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 3 to 4 stalls at the Tai Shing Street 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.