The Shirley Biscuit is well loved throughout the Caribbean, and has won over hearts in South and North America, as well as the United Kingdom. What makes Shirley extra special is that its creation was not plotted and planned in advance like many new products, but began its life speedily back in 1952.
It was 1952, and the West India Biscuit Company (WIBISCO) was looking for a brand new biscuit. The then General Manager saw creative stagnation coming from the production line, and craved for something fresh to offer consumers. He gave Ted Hoad, his operations manager, an ultimatum, “get me the best biscuit by Monday, or you’d better find a new job”. This demand may have intimidated any other soul, but Ted Hoad was the right man for the task! With his livelihood under threat, he went into his prayer closet and came out with the idea of with the best new biscuit. After all, Ted had to be sure he had found the best biscuit his job counted on it. He went on to immediately develop a very special recipe, one that has become a Caribbean classic.