UK-based fruit importer MMD has spent £700,000 to improve two of its fruit warehouses at Portsmouth International Port.

MMD says the warehouses, stores ‘4’ and ‘11’ at Flathouse Quay, will store "tens of thousands of tonnes" of fruit imported from the Caribbean by international fruit supplier NYK Laucool.

The addition of extra loading bays at both warehouses will increase space by around 500 palettes, with a new quality control room also due to be added to the premises.

The investment by MMD, which currently handles over 65 per cent of bananas in the UK market, marks an eventful time at Portsmouth International Port.

Earlier this year, a new 3750 sq m specialist fruit warehouse was opened, and the addition of four new container trailers has boosted the port’s freight handling equipment.

“It’s great to see work nearly finished on the two warehouses as this kind of investment is crucial to sustaining Portsmouth's position as the leading hub for fruit importation and distribution in the UK,” said Martin Putman, port manager at Portsmouth International Port.