The Consumer Council today (February 11) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 40 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in the Tai Po District.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Tuna in Sunflower Oil 185g (from $8.9 to $16.9, or a price difference of 89.9%).
Following closely (between 79.5% and 62.6%) were: Sensitive Toothpaste Multi Protection 130g ($20 to $35.9, or 79.5%); Whole Kernel Corn 432g ($4.9 to $8.5, or 73.5%); Pitted Prunes 500g ($23.8 to $40.9, or 71.8%); Soy Sauce 600ml ($19 to $30.9, or 62.6%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 61.3% to 50%) were: Powerful Cream Cleanser-Lemon Fresh 500ml ($8 to $12.9 or 61.3%); Ketchup 340g ($5 to $7.9, or 58%); Cheese Flavored Sandwich Cracker 324g ($14.5 to $22.9, or 57.9%); Clear Chicken Broth 1L ($11.9 to $17.9, or 50.4%); Fried Dace with Salted Black Beans 227g ($15 to $22.5, or 50%).
Other highlights in this weekly price survey covering (a) prepackaged food products, (b) household and personal care products, and (c) fresh produce, include:
Prepackaged Food
- A total of 21 items in this category at 12 retail outlets, covering major supermarket chains, frozen food shops, snacks store, grocery and drug stores in the Tai Po District, were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 2.7% to 89.9%.
- Overall, major supermarket chains recorded more higher unit prices than the other outlets. But some major supermarket chains offered price discount for bulk purchase. For example, 2 major chains offered Fried Dace with Salted Black Beans 227g at $29.9 for 2, averaging $15 each.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 14 items in this category at 12 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 2.6% to 79.5%.
- Overall, prices at major supermarket chains, health-and-beauty chains and household products store were generally higher than those at drugstores. Some major chains offered price incentive for bulk purchase. For example, 2 major chains offered Toothpaste Jumbo Size 250g at $31 for 2, averaging $15.5 each but even after the discount they were still more expensive than the drugstores.
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 Tai Po Hui Market and 3 major supermarket chains were included in the survey for reference of consumers.
Results of the weekly price survey are available on the Council's website, its Consumer Advice Centres, and the Public Enquiry Service Centre of Tai Po District Office.