The Consumer Council today (August 17) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 45 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in Tsing Yi.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Roll-on Deodorant (Aqua) 50ml (from HK$14.9 to HK$27.9, or a price difference of 87.3%).
Following closely (between 81.2% and 64.6%) were: Zihua Embrocation 26ml (HK$17 to HK$30.8, or 81.2%); Lemon Puff 288g (HK$13 to HK$21.9, or 68.5%); Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce 220g (HK$6 to HK$9.9, or 65%); Chopped Pork and Ham 198g (HK$7.9 to HK$13 or 64.6%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 61.7% to 59%) were: Cooling Fruit Salt (Lemon Flavoured) 100g (HK$29 to HK$46.9, or 61.7%); Bath Soap 125g × 4 (HK$9 to HK$14.5, or 61.1%); Damage Therapy Intensive Repair Shampoo 700ml (HK$36 to HK$57.9, or 60.8%); Antiphlogistic and Analgesic Liquid (Smell Less) 46ml (HK$24 to HK$38.5, or 60.4%); Sliced Pineapple in Syrup 567g (HK$9.5 to HK$15.1, or 59%).
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 21 retail outlets in Tsing Yi were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 2.3% to 68.5%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 20 items in this category at 18 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 7.3% to 87.3%.
- 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 3 stalls at the Tsing Yi Market, Cheung Fat 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 Kwai Tsing District Office.