Kent’s strawberry growing industry has received a boost after a leading business more than doubled the size of its operations.

Driscoll’s Genetics, based in East Malling, has increased its site’s size from 2,500sqft to 5,400sqft.

The family-owned business is based in the 500-acre East Malling Research parkland estate and felt their location was ripe for expansion.

Dr Carlos Fear, director of plant breeding and variety development at Driscoll’s Genetics, said: “East Malling has provided a company like ours an ideal place to bring its research organisation.

“Not only is it an easy gateway for travel to the rest of Europe, but East Malling Research provides the facilities we require such as laboratories, offices, glasshouses and a site for field trials.”

The expansion of Driscoll’s Genetics, a Californian-owned company, was negotiated by Smiths Gore.

The Kings Hill-based chartered surveyors and property consultants manages East Malling Trust’s property portfolio.

Tim Cathcart, partner at Smiths Gore, said: “With a reputation for high level scientific advancements spanning more than a hundred years, the buildings at East Malling Research and community of scientists on site, make it an attractive proposition for soft fruit and top fruit related businesses, such as Driscoll’s Genetics.”