Consumers urged to choose wisely amidst rise in bread prices -CHOICE # 377

A Consumer Council survey has found price increase in many types of bread during the past two months (between January 11 and February 29). 

The survey focused on 8 types of commonly available bread (white sliced bread, butter loaf, croissant, tuna fish bun, barbecued pork bun, pineapple bun, cocktail bun and sausage bun) from 5 individual bakery shops and 6 chain outlets.

The survey found general price increase in the majority of breads surveyed - an average rise of 1.7% to 3.4%.

Prices varied vastly among shops, for example, in the case of 8 pieces of white sliced bread, there could be a twofold difference from $5 to $14.

Among the 5 small bakeries, one has adjusted its prices upwards on most types of bread (white sliced bread, croissant, tuna fish bun, and sausage bun) by 5.5% to 10%.

And of the 6 chain stores, 2 have raised their prices - one (on all except barbecued pork bun) by 5.3% to 10%, and the other (on all except croissant) by 3.4% to 12.5%.

Consumers should, therefore, shop around and compare prices to get the best value for money at a time of inflationary prices on many daily necessities.

The Council's price survey was triggered by the concern over the impact of speculated tariffs change as a result of the Mainland's policy on flour. It was later clarified that tariffs would not be applied to flour exported to Hong Kong.

All 9 respondents (out of 10 major bread companies) to the Council's enquiry indicated that they had not raised the retail prices of bread products on account of tariffs changes on flour in the Mainland.