Caricature: Inflation

In recent years, various regions globally have seen a trend where the quantity or weight of food and daily essentials decreases while prices remain unchanged. While reasons may vary, consumers perceive this as a form of "hidden price increase." This phenomenon is also evident in Hong Kong.

According to the latest issue of CHOICE Magazine published by the Consumer Council, more than 60 supermarket products have experienced changes in quantity or weight over the past three and a half years. It was found that over 90% of these products have reduced in quantity or weight, with reductions of up to 30%.

Three products (including two types of cookies and one cat food) had their quantities reduced twice within just three years. Calculated based on the average recommended retail price per unit of the products, nearly 40% of items recommended by manufacturers have seen "hidden price increases" exceeding 10%, with the highest increase reaching 26.2%.

Related News:

Consumer Council: 90% of supermarket products have reduced quantities or increased prices

HK Consumer Council urges greater transparency as supermarket products shrinkage