A global leader in the marketing and distribution of avocados is set to open its first UK facility in the county.

American firm Mission Produce has signed a lease for an 101,659 sq ft, state-of-the-art distribution hub in Dartford.

The unit at Goodman’s Crossways Commercial Park will be also be used as a centre for ripening and packing to help reduce transit times to UK customers.

Founded in 1983 and headquartered in California, Mission Produce specialises in sourcing, producing and distributing fresh Hass avocados.

The new site in Newton's Court will be the firm's 13th worldwide.

Managing director at Mission Produce UK, Paul Frowde, said: "The opening of this distribution facility is a milestone that represents a significant opportunity for our business as we expand into the UK market.

"Goodman’s Crossways Commercial Park location was the ideal choice, blending a strategic location with a high-quality facility designed to streamline our operations.

"Its sustainable features and use of renewable energy are also expected to promote energy, cost and maintenance savings as we strive to maximise efficiency."

With the facility expected to open early next year, Mission Produce is currently undertaking a specialised fit-out.

This includes installing a 3,000 sq ft mezzanine, grading visibility technology to reduce handling of the fruit, minimising damage, advanced testing machinery to determine stages of ripeness, and heating and cooling systems.

It will also be the fruit company's first facility to feature “Mission Control'' technology, using specialised atmosphere control to create the optimal environment for ripening, which will help improve the quality of the avocados, extending shelf life and reducing waste.

The building also features solar panels, solar thermal hot water, rainwater harvesting and charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

George Glennie, development director at Goodman, said: "Crossways Commercial Park is our most sustainable UK development, with cutting-edge technology and investment in on-site renewables.

"Combined with a prime M25 location, it offers fast access to large consumer markets, maximising logistical efficiencies and supporting Mission in its next phase of growth."

The news follows Goodman’s leasing of Crossways 138 – another unit in Crossways Commercial Park - to premium ingredients supplier, Albion Fine Foods, leaving just one 240,884 sq ft unit remaining.