The Consumer Council today (April 1) 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 Shek Tong Tsui/Sai Ying Pun District.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Ketchup 340g (from $5 to $9.5, or a price difference of 90%).
Following closely (between 88.9% and 61.3%) were: Coconut Milk 165ml ($4.5 to $8.5, or 88.9%); Cold & Flu Extra 8's ($19 to $35, or 84.2%); Barbecue Honey 255g ($8.8 to $14.9, or 69.3%); Toilet Bleach 500ml ($8 to $12.9, or 61.3%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 44% to 34.6%) were: Spicy Vinegar 250ml ($7.5 to $10.8 or 44%); Antiphogistic and Analgesic Liquid 46ml ($24 to $33.9, or 41.3%); Black Pepper Sauce 230g ($9.9 to $13.9, or 40.4%); Sliced Pineapple in Syrup 567g ($8.2 to $11.2, or 36.6%); Toothpaste Jumbo Size 250g ($13 to $17.5, or 34.6%).
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 22 items in this category at 15 retail outlets, covering major supermarket chains, individual supermarkets, frozen food outlets, health-and-beauty chains, grocery and drug stores in the Shek Tong Tsui/Sai Ying Pun District, were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 8% to 90%.
- Overall, major supermarket chains recorded proportionally more higher unit prices than the other outlets. Whereas, frozen food stores recorded by comparison more lower unit prices.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 15 items in this category at 11 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 7% to 84.2%.
- Overall, prices at major supermarket chains and individual health-and-beauty chain were generally higher than those at drugstores. Some major supermarkets offered price incentive for bulk purchase. For example, 2 major chains offered Powerful Cream Cleaner - Lemon Fresh 500ml at $21 for 2, averaging $10.5 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 3 items from 2 to 4 stalls at the Shek Tong Tsui Market and 3 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 Central & Western District Office.