In 2024, Vili’s Family Bakery faced challenges that could’ve brought the business to its knees.
If you’d told the team at Vili’s they were about to face one of the toughest times in their 57-year history, they probably would’ve looked at you like you were a doughnut! But last year, a major cyber attack completely wiped out their systems, invoicing capabilities and years of data. With a team of 300 dedicated South Australians, 70 of whom have been with Vili’s for over 15 years, they refused to let this setback bring them down. Instead, they rolled up their sleeves, leant on each other and rebuilt. Through sheer resilience and teamwork, they didn’t just survive — they thrived!
Piecing together the pie
Vili’s has always been a story of perseverance. It started with Vili Milisits’ father, who escaped the Hungarian Revolution in 1956 and arrived in Adelaide with nothing but an old suitcase tied together with a belt. At just 14, Vili went to work in a local bakery to help support his family. Through hard work and a passion for food, he and his wife, Rosemary, built what would become one of South Australia’s most iconic businesses. Today, Vili’s Family Bakery supplies not just Australia, but 24 countries around the world!
A remarkable recovery
The cyber attack could’ve been the breaking point for Vili’s, but thanks to their incredible staff and long-standing relationships with partners, the business kept going. Their devoted team worked tirelessly to ensure customers and retailers continued to receive the quality products they rely on. And then, something remarkable happened. 2024 didn’t just become a year of recovery — it became one of their most exciting years yet. Securing a contract with Adelaide Oval wasn’t a win; it was the fulfilment of Vili’s lifelong dream!
Giving back
At the heart of Vili’s is a commitment to giving back. In 2024, they continued their long-standing support of organisations like Variety SA, Novita and the Tinju Foundation. Whether sponsoring events or simply bringing a smile to a child’s face, they upheld their values.
2024 was certainly a challenging year for Vili’s Family Bakery — but it was also a defining one. The business faced tremendous hurdles but emerged stronger than ever, proving that resilience, teamwork and passion can turn even the toughest times into moments of triumph.
Moving forward, Vili’s remains committed to honouring Vili Milisits’ legacy — staying true to their promise of being the ‘pioneers of quality’. After all, life is what you bake it!
A YEAR OF MILESTONES
Despite 2024’s challenges, Vili’s hit some major milestones that reinforced its position as a leader in the food industry.
Their resilience and commitment to quality were recognised in the best way possible, with some outstanding awards:
• Inducted into the South Australian Premier’s Food and Beverage Hall of Fame
• Foodland South Australian Supplier of the Year 2024
• Drakes Bakery Supplier of the Year 2024
• Variety International Corporate Award 2024
And while rebuilding, they also secured and retained some of the biggest contracts in their history:
• National and retail contracts with Caltex, 7-Eleven and AMPM South Australia
• Aviation partnerships with Jetstar In-Flight and Qantas Premium Lounges
• Sporting and entertainment venues, including partnerships at Adelaide Oval, the Adelaide 500 Supercars event and every major sporting stadium in the state
• Theme park partnerships, including Movie World, Sea World and Wet‘n’Wild
Vili’s Family Bakery and Cafe De Vili’s Mile End 2-14 Manchester Street, Mile End South
Cafe De Vili’s Blair Athol 426 Main North Road,
Blair Athol Cafe De Vili’s Hillcrest 2/483 North East Road, Hillcrest
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