Hi, I’m Jill, cake lady, jam queen and chef, with over 25 years professional experience. 

Whilst living in Ireland, and after trying every raspberry jam brand available at the supermarket, and not particularly liking any of it, I realised I needed to make my own. I made too much for just myself so began sharing it with friends and colleagues, especially my boss, who, after one taste, kept me supplied with raspberries as long as I kept him stocked with really good jam because his family couldn’t get enough of it!

I realised not everyone was fortunate enough to come from a family with a strong line of very talented cooks, bakers and preserve masters.  I had learnt from the best just what really good jam was supposed to taste like.

I returned home to New Zealand after living in London, then Dublin for many years, and started working on my dream of making my own products.  I have built up my Jilly’s range so you too can enjoy really good Jams, Jellies, Compotes and Relishes at home that taste like what your nan used to make, and some of them even better, because my nan never made Jilly’s Chilli! My great nan did however make really good shortbread and thankfully I have the recipe.

​I can be found in person at the Whanganui River Traders Market most Saturday’s with my Jilly's range of really good jams and relishes, along with freshly made biscuits, and my highly addictive, award winning seed crackers.