Japan Faces Asahi Beer Shortage After Cyber-Attack
TOKYO - Japan is facing a shortage of Asahi products, including beer and bottled tea, as the company grapples with the aftermath of a major cyber-attack that has crippled its operations in the country.
The attack, which hit Asahi's ordering and delivery systems on Monday, has brought most of the company's factories to a standstill. Major Japanese retailers, including 7-Eleven and FamilyMart, have warned customers to expect shortages of Asahi products.
Asahi, one of the world's largest brewers, said in a statement that it was "unable to provide a clear timeline for recovery" but had started "partial manual" processing of orders and shipments. The company owns Fullers in the UK and global brands including Peroni, Pilsner Urquell, and Grolsch.
The cyber-attack is believed to have been carried out by a group of hackers who targeted Asahi's systems using advanced malware. According to experts, the attackers used a type of ransomware that encrypted the company's data and demanded payment in exchange for the decryption key.
"This is a classic case of a supply chain attack," said cybersecurity expert Kenji Yoshida. "The attackers are not just targeting Asahi's systems but also its suppliers and partners."
Asahi's operations in Japan account for about half of its sales, making the shortage a significant concern for the company. The shortage is expected to affect not only beer drinkers but also consumers who rely on Asahi's bottled tea and other products.
The incident highlights the growing threat of cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure and supply chains. "This attack serves as a wake-up call for companies to invest in robust cybersecurity measures," said Yoshida.
Asahi has assured customers that it is working to restore its operations as soon as possible. However, the company's statement did not provide a specific timeline for recovery.
The shortage is expected to have a significant impact on Japan's beer market, with some analysts predicting that Asahi's market share could drop by up to 10% in the coming months.
In the meantime, consumers are advised to check with their local retailers before making purchases. "We urge customers to be patient and understanding as we work to resolve this issue," said an Asahi spokesperson.
As the company works to recover from the cyber-attack, experts warn that the incident could have far-reaching consequences for Japan's economy and food supply chain.
*Reporting by Bbc.*
