In 1999 Shirley Bradstock, already the author of 14 highly successful cookbooks, decided to turn her hand to manufacturing a small range of top-quality hand-made gourmet products. She had previously done catering and small-scale food production for delicatessens, but this marked a major step-up in scale of operation.

Initially, Shirley's Kitchen produced Italian Panforte, assorted marzipan fruits, Spiced Figs and Spiced Plums. The marketing strategy was built around providing top-quality handmade products free from preservatives, and making no compromise in selecting the best quality ingredients. Fig and Walnut Log is the latest product in her constantly-expanding range, and is already proving extremely popular. and the range is constantly expanding. As well as sales through delicatessens and to the hospitality trade, Shirley's Kitchen products are used by all major airlines flying through New Zealand.

In the early days Shirley's Kitchen operated out of rented premises. Then, in 2002, she made the decision to proceed with refitting her home kitchen to HAACP standards. After eight months of construction - and paperwork to produce a Food Safety Program - Shirley's Kitchen is now one of the first home occupations in New Zealand to attain full certification.