Japan’s biggest beer company, Asahi Group Holdings, is facing a major disruption after a cyberattack shut down much of its logistics network. This has stopped deliveries of its popular Asahi Super Dry beer for nearly a week, leaving stores and bars across Japan without their usual stock.
The attack hit the company’s order-processing systems, call centers, and customer service departments. Fortunately, the actual brewing machines were not affected, but since distribution has mostly stopped, many factories are now idle. Asahi tried to handle orders manually as a temporary fix but hasn’t decided how long this workaround will last.
Authorities are investigating the incident, but so far, there’s no sign that any personal or customer data was stolen. Experts believe ransomware may be behind the attack. This type of cybercrime has become a growing problem for Japanese companies, partly because many have less robust digital defenses and often settle extortion quietly.
Data from Japan’s National Police Agency shows 222 ransomware cases last year, a 12% rise from before. Still, many think the real number of attacks is much higher. Experts warn these attacks will likely target more than just traditional parts of a business like call centers. Manufacturing and operational systems are becoming common targets too.
The cyberattack has also delayed over a dozen new product launches scheduled for this month, including soft drinks and sweets. Asahi’s shares have dropped more than 5% since the attack became public, after a strong run earlier this year. The company’s international operations, including European brands Peroni and Grolsch, are not affected.
Globally, food and drink companies are seeing more cyber threats. Breweries in Russia, Germany, Belgium, and Sweden have recently suffered similar ransomware attacks. Even Britain’s Co-op Group revealed last week that a cyberattack earlier this year cut £80 million from its profits.
Asahi, which made over $9 billion in revenue in the first half of the year, has not said when it expects to fix the problem and get back to normal. For now, customers in Japan will have to wait a bit longer to get their favorite lager.