WILLEMSTAD - Mangusa Hyper has the lowest prices for 25 out of 96 products surveyed across Curaçao, according to a recent price comparison study conducted by Fundashon pa Konsumidó between October 15 and 20.
The consumer watchdog visited 17 supermarkets, including Van den Tweel, Arco Iris, Best Buy, Bon Bini, Vreugdenhil, and Luna Park, collecting prices for common grocery items such as meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables.
Huge Price Gaps Between Supermarkets
The study revealed striking price differences among supermarkets for the same items. For example, one kilogram of shoulder ham costs NAf. 42.59 at Van den Tweel but just NAf. 18.75 at Esperamos — a difference of NAf. 23.84.
The same trend was seen in beef prices: Luna Park sells a kilo for NAf. 26.95, while Mangusa Rio and Mangusa Hyper offer it for only NAf. 11.95.
The foundation cautioned, however, that these variations may depend on factors such as brand, country of origin, and product quality, which were not considered in this comparison.
Full Ranking of Supermarkets
According to the study, Mangusa Rio came in second place, offering the lowest prices on 24 products. Centrum Piscadera and Centrum Mahaai shared third place, each with 18 products at the lowest price.
The goal of the price survey, according to Fundashon pa Konsumidó, is to raise consumer awareness about price differences and help shoppers make informed decisions.
“We want to give consumers a clear overview of where to find the best prices and how much they can save,” the foundation said in a statement.
Availability and Product Range
In terms of product variety, Centrum Mahaai and Centrum Piscadera had the largest assortments, each stocking 75 of the 96 surveyed items. Bon Bini Supermarket followed with 74 products, while Mangusa Hyper and Mangusa Rio each offered 71 products.
The foundation plans to continue conducting regular price checks to promote transparency and competition in Curaçao’s retail sector — and to help consumers stretch their guilders further in a time of rising costs.
