Woolworths in Andersons Bay, Dunedin, has been named the most expensive supermarket in New Zealand.
At the other end of the scale, Pak'n Save was named the country's cheapest supermarket chain for the 10th year in a row in Consumer NZ's annual supermarket survey.
Deputy chief executive David Naulls said shoppers using Pak'n Save saved about $20 compared those with shopping in other supermarkets.
Mr Naulls told the Otago Daily Times Dunedin supermarket prices were generally higher than those in other areas, but he was not sure why.
Pak'n Save kept costs down by keeping the stores plain and requiring customers to pack their own groceries, but they did not stock as wide a range as other supermarkets, he said.
Consumer NZ sent undercover surveyors to buy items from a list of 40 top-selling products, including bread, biscuits, milk, softdrinks, cat food and butter.
It compared the prices of items of identical brand and pack size within cities.
Pak'n Save Albany in Auckland was the cheapest at $115.
The most expensive in Auckland was the Glenfield Foodtown at $140.
In the South Island, New World was a clear second to Pak'n Save.
Woolworths had the highest prices of the nationwide chains.
There were two players in the supermarket business.
Foodstuffs consisted of three regional co-operatives of owner-operated stores including New World and Pak'n Save.
Progressive Enterprises ran the Woolworths, Foodtown and Countdown chains and the Fresh Choice franchise.
Progressive media spokesman Bill Moore said he had not seen the survey, so it was difficult to know whether the survey had included the company's private label products, which were generally cheaper than similar other products; when the survey was done; and whether it had included the company's One Card specials.
