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SCMP Reporter

Most people prefer to buy fresh food at wet markets and groceries at supermarkets, according to a Consumer Council survey.

The poll of 2,727 households found 70 per cent bought fresh food from wet markets, compared to 30 per cent from supermarkets.

The council's spokesman, Matthew Ng, said the results were surprising because traditional wet markets were being replaced by supermarket chains.

'It should be noted that the survey presents an overall view of consumer preferences and would not, for example, reflect the geographic circumstances of any specific districts,' Mr Ng said.

Forty-six per cent of consumers preferred wet markets because of the 'freshness of the food produce', followed by 38 per cent for the 'many competing stalls and the ease of comparison of food freshness and prices', and 36 per cent because of 'cheaper prices in general'.

However, Mr Ng said hygiene and ventilation in wet markets needed improving. This was reflected in survey results on the reasons why some consumers prefer to shop at supermarkets for fresh food.

'Hygiene of environment' topped the list for supermarket shoppers at 26 per cent, followed by 'longer operating hours' at 22 per cent and 'one-stop shopping' at 21 per cent.

Slightly more than half - 52 per cent - spent more than $1,000 a month in supermarkets, with 12 per cent spending $2,200 or more.

Supermarket shopping on the Internet, meanwhile, proved unpopular. Only 11 per cent of households had bought groceries through the Net. Fifty-two per cent said they avoided it because they were 'unable to inspect the quality of goods'.

Fifty per cent said not getting the goods immediately also put them off.



Shoppers prefer wet markets, study finds