Isle of Wight grower The Garlic Farm has won a £20,000 marketing package and a raft of new listings as the winner of Ocado’s competition to find Britain’s Next Top Supplier 2017.
In its third year, the competition saw a range of food producer entrants whittled down to six finalists. Contenders included coconut vegan ice cream, Coconuts Naturally, pili nuts brand Raw & Wild, and wonky veg water brand Dash Water.
The Garlic Farm began producung garlic on the island over 50 years ago and now has a broad product portfolio ranging from chutney to beer, 50 of which will now be listed with Ocado.
Judges included Ocado marketing and commercial director Lawrence Hene, the retailer’s head of buying Rose Price, food blogger Rosie Birkett and Kayleigh Rattle, deputy editor at Great British Food.
Hene said: “It was a tough decision but in the end it was the combination of the quality of the products, Natasha and her team’s passion for garlic and their innovative use of a much loved ingredient that led us to the final result.
“The panel was truly wowed by the unique use of garlic, with the Garlic Peach & Mango Chutney and Black Garlic Vodka being a couple of products that particularly stood out.”
The Garlic Farm MD, Natasha Edwards, said: “To win Britain’s Next Top Supplier 2017 is an incredible accolade for us. We’ve been innovating with garlic for over 50 years and we are so excited to bring the results of our labour to Ocado customers.
“We are after all a nation of garlic lovers – and our unusual products will bring that familiar taste to people in ways they have never experienced before.”
