The Consumer Council today (December 31) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 45 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in Sham Shui Po.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Rice Flour 600g (from HK$6 to HK$12.9, or a price difference of 115%).
Following closely (between 110.8% and 77.8%) were: Pei Pa Lo Cough Syrup 150ml (HK$18.5 to HK$39, or 110.8%); Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce 220g (HK$6 to HK$11.8, or 96.7%); Beer 330ml (Can) (HK$4.8 to HK$8.9, or 85.4%); Corn Starch 227g (HK$4.5 to HK$8 or 77.8%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 76.8% to 67.1%) were: Chicken Bouillon 270g (HK$9.9 to HK$17.5, or 76.8%); Wasabi in Tube 43g (HK$8.5 to HK$15, or 76.5%); Fresh Mint Toothpaste 120g (HK$21 to HK$35.9, or 71%); Anti-Bacterial Wet Wipes 10's (HK$6.5 to HK$10.9, or 67.7%); Pre-Wash Stain Remover (Lemon) 300g (HK$15.5 to HK$25.9, or 67.1%).
Other highlights in this weekly price survey covering (a) prepackaged food products, and (b) household and personal care products
Prepackaged Food
- A total of 20 items in this category at 18 retail outlets in Sham Shui Po were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 10.5% to 115%.
Household / Personal Care Products
- A total of 20 items in this category at 20 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 8.5% to 110.8%.
- 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 4 stalls at the Pei Ho Street 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 Sham Shui Po District Office.
*****************************************************************************************
The Council's weekly Retail Price Watch survey will be discontinued by the end of this year and the last report will be published on December 31. On the other hand, the provision of information for the Supermarket Price Watch will be strengthened with progressive expansion of the basket of products. Currently the website provides online shopping prices of some 1,600 products from 5 supermarkets.