Fruit varieties developed by a leading horticultural research centre in the county has recorded record sales.

NIAB EMR in East Malling says in 2021 it sold more than 94million plants under its Malling Fruits brand.

The best-selling variety was its June-bearer strawberry Malling Centenary with sales of more than 68 million plants.

Meanwhile, its Malling Bella raspberry variety soared by more than 50%. on the previous year.

Will Robert, business development manager at NIAB EMR, said: “It is clear the Malling Fruits varieties are moving towards becoming industry leaders as they as increasingly popular among fruit growers and retailers, and recognised by consumers.

“The quality and yield of these varieties is being recognised internationally and we have wide-ranging and high expectations for the future uptake of sales across Europe and beyond.”

In 2021, Malling Fruits launched two more strawberry varieties – ever-bearer Malling Ace and the June-bearer Malling Vitality.

Oliver Doubleday, chairman of the East Malling Trust, the horticultural charity and major supporter of NIAB EMR, added: “Reaching the 100 million milestone for plant sales is well within Malling Fruits’ grasp and demonstrates the world-class fruit breeding going on here in Kent.”