Overall Increasing sales of garlic is creating new niche production regions in the United Kingdom to meet demand.

While the summer grown crop is associated with the south coast, sandy soils in Lincolnshire have also proved ideal, according to Robert Oldershaw Jnr, director of Moulton Bulb Company.

Importers of garlic from Spain, MBC were attracted to the potential two years ago but have now started to look at the possibility of growing garlic on their own farm in Lincolnshire.

"The crop had a good skin finish which also meant we could offer our customers an attractive product, " say Robert. "The result that after trials last year the acreage has doubled and is expected to produce up to 10 tonnes."

Spanish imported cloves were imported and the crop grown over winter to be harvested June and July. This development has been an extension of the fresh green harvested garlic which has been supplied by MBC over the past 5 years.

At the same time MBC has cast its net even further north into Scotland, providing more customers for Glen and Gilli Allingham who have developed a porcelain variety on their small holding on the Moray Coast. and have branded it Really Garlicky Garlic.

"The result is a tribute to their enthusiasm over the last three years " says Robert. "The product is quite different as it is hard necked and has fewer larger, juicier cloves than conventional types, along with a distinctive flavour."

Waitrose think that it is so special that it is already on sale on an exclusive basis priced at £1.69.