Japan faces Asahi beer shortage after cyber-attack

Japan is currently experiencing a significant shortage of Asahi products, including beer and bottled tea, as the global beverage giant struggles with the aftermath of a severe cyber-attack. The attack has disrupted Asahi’s ordering and delivery systems, forcing most of its factories in Japan to halt operations since Monday. This disruption has led to widespread supply chain issues, affecting both consumers and retailers across the country. Major convenience store chains, including FamilyMart and Lawson, have issued warnings to customers about potential shortages of Asahi products. FamilyMart, one of Japan’s largest convenience store chains, announced on Thursday that it has temporarily suspended orders and shipments of Asahi products, with no clear timeline for resumption. The retailer also expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and assured customers that it is collaborating with Asahi to restore product availability. Lawson, another prominent Japanese retailer, has similarly anticipated shortages and is preparing to stock alternative products to mitigate the impact on consumers. Asahi, Japan’s largest brewer and owner of international brands such as Peroni, Pilsner Urquell, and Grolsch, has confirmed that the cyber-attack has primarily affected its domestic operations. The company has assured that there is no evidence of a data breach involving customer information. However, the timeline for restoring normal operations remains uncertain as investigations into the cause of the attack continue. Japan accounts for approximately half of Asahi’s total sales, making the disruption particularly significant for the company. The incident underscores the growing vulnerability of global businesses to cyber threats and the potential impact on supply chains and consumer markets.