Olive oil is popular in the Mediterranean

Annual sales have hit �104m, up 39% since 2000, giving the oil a 51% share of the market, it revealed.

Mintel said the oil's association with Mediterranean cooking and the growing popularity of more expensive "premium" products were factors behind the trend.

Meanwhile, sales of lard have fallen by around 35% to �14m since 2000.

Solid fats have fallen out of fashion because they are seen as less healthy, the Edible Oils report said.

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In terms of quantity, people in the UK still buy more of the cheaper standard oils, such as vegetable, corn seed and sunflower, it said, but sales of olive oil were now worth more.

Speciality oils such as sprays, sesame and walnut rose by 76% by market value between 2000 and 2004, Mintel revealed.

Health claims

Claire Birks, senior market analyst at Mintel, said shoppers were more willing to spend more on premium products.

"The use of olive oil in rustic and exotic dishes has also done a lot to elevate its status as something 'special', especially amongst those who enjoy recreational cooking and entertaining," she said.

"What is more, the popularity of olive oil has not only been helped by its aspirational value, but also by its association with Mediterranean cooking and the health claims linked with this way of life.