by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Nationwide wholesaler Costco is allocating extra freezer space to Kentish ice cream after booming sales.

Taywell ice creams and sorbets, based in Paddock Wood, have proved a hit with customers since the business started trading with Costco in the New Year, winning big orders for more flavours and multipack styles.

Alastair Jessel, managing director of Taywell, said: "Costco’s faith in Taywell demonstrates that demand for premium artisan ice creams and sorbets is riding high at the moment. Our strawberry ice cream is 25% fruit and our raspberry sorbet 50% fruit, with the berries used in both grown exclusively in Kent."

"We offer both quality and provenance – two of the major trends in ice cream right now – and Costco’s decision to place a larger order with us is testament to that."

Taywell hiked sales by two thirds last year and its products are now served in several large restaurant chains.

Turnover is expected to double this year and the company has installed another kitchen at its headquarters.

Taywell products are handmade in Kent from Wealden milk, cream and local fruit. The award-winning products are available in more than 100 flavours.