Why a Christmas party might be more expensive this year

West Australians may struggle to find their favorite fruit and veg this Christmas as supply issues hit wholesalers.

Highlights: Canning Vale Markets reported a 20% drop in supply compared to last year. struggle to find pickers and packersConsumers may have to pay more for some produce this Christmas

A combination of high input costs, picking labor shortages and packaging, and flooding in eastern states means fewer products are coming to market.

Market West general manager Rod McPherson said the supply of fruits and vegetables at WA's Central Markets in Canning Vale had been down by around 20%.

"Supply is limited…we have seen growers restrict production , mainly because of labor availability," he said.

"Economics would tell you whenever there is a shortage , prices will go up, and that's what we're going through here right now."

A labor shortage in horticulture means fewer products can make it to market. (ABC Rural: Sophie Johnson)

The price of other inputs, such as fuel and fertilizer, has risen, inflating the cost of production.

This means that the consumers may have to pay more for festive fruits and vegetables this Christmas.

"What we're seeing is that prices are holding up," McPherson said.

"As a consumer, this may affect your purchasing decision.

"You might be looking for… a cheaper alternative to something something you may have bought before."

The price of fruits and vegetables has increased in due to input costs and supply levels. (ABC Rural: Sophie Johnson)

Eastern Impact

Floods in eastern states are also impacting WA markets and availability.

"There have also been significant weather events on the east coast, so some products have headed in that direction as well," Mr. McPherson said

"[Some growers] in the eastern states could not produce because their crops were washed away or badly damaged, so any product imported from the east coast would also be assigned."