Hong Kong Supermarket items more expensive: survey

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The survey conducted in Wan Chai today covered 15 commodities from 13 outlets including supermarkets, small chains and grocery shops, and personal-care chains and pharmacies.

The survey found a similar pattern of price differences amongst the retailers. Generally major supermarket chains charge for some items than smaller outlets. However, occasionally lower prices can also be found at supermarkets especially when they offer specials.

Price differential

The most noticeable price difference was found in a 277g can of fried dace with salted black beans. It was sold for $19.90 at a supermarket chain and $12 at a grocery store, representing a difference of $7.90 or 65.8%. Other outlets surveyed sold the product at $14, $16.90, $17 and $18.90.

A high price differential was also recorded for rice vermicelli (400g) ranging from $5 at a frozen food shop to $7.40 at two supermarkets, representing a difference of $2.40 or 48%.

Other notable price differences included:

* chicken broth (1 litre) - $11.90 to $16.90, representing a difference of $5 or 42%;

* corn starch (420g) - $5.50 to $7.50, a difference of $2 or 36.4%; and,

* condensed milk (370g) - $9.2 to $12, a difference of $2.80 or 30.4%.

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