Gillies made a bid to have its pies sold at the Elmore Field Days but was overlooked for Melbourne company Vili’s, says company general manager Simon Bush.
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Mr Bush said the company, registered under the name Gillies Famous Pies, was disappointed to lose the tender after 48 years of supplying pies to the event.
He said the company was hoping to keep its Bendigo connection and was looking for support from local groups and established events.
“They chose not to come on board with us,” he said.
“I did the presentation for them, but they went for Vili’s... it was certainly disappointing.”
The company was forced to close its operations in March after health inspections found issues with the Mayfair Park industrial site.
Mr Bush said the company had reopened its distribution centre at Mayfair Park and was hoping to return its manufacturing operations to Bendigo.
“We want to bring jobs back to Bendigo. Those sort of events (field days) can generate a lot of cash, and not getting them holds you back and allows you not to employ as many locals.”
Mr Bush said he was hoping Gillies could rekindle the partnership and supply pies at next year’s field days.
