Japan Faces Asahi Beer Shortage After Devastating Cyber-Attack
A major cyber-attack has crippled Japan's Asahi Group, leaving the country facing a shortage of Asahi beer and other products. The attack, which began on Monday, has brought most of Asahi's Japanese factories to a standstill, with major retailers warning customers of potential shortages.
According to sources close to the matter, the cyber-attack has affected Asahi's ordering and delivery systems, causing significant disruptions to its operations in Japan. "We are unable to provide a clear timeline for recovery," an Asahi spokesperson said in a statement on Friday. However, the company has begun manual processing of orders and shipments in an effort to mitigate the impact of the attack.
Asahi is one of the world's largest brewers, with a significant presence in Japan. The shortage of its products, including beer and bottled tea, is expected to affect major retailers such as 7-Eleven and FamilyMart. "We are working closely with Asahi to minimize the disruption," said a spokesperson for 7-Eleven. "However, we do expect some shortages of Asahi products in the coming days."
The cyber-attack on Asahi's systems is believed to have been carried out by hackers, although the exact nature and extent of the attack are still unclear. According to experts, such attacks can be devastating for companies that rely heavily on digital systems.
Asahi has not commented on the potential financial impact of the attack or the number of customers affected. However, the company has assured customers that it is working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. "We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and appreciate our customers' patience and understanding," the Asahi spokesperson said.
The shortage of Asahi products in Japan comes at a time when the country's beer market is already facing challenges. According to industry analysts, the Japanese beer market has been declining in recent years due to changing consumer preferences and increased competition from other beverage companies.
As the situation continues to unfold, customers are advised to check with their local retailers for availability of Asahi products. The company has not provided a clear timeline for recovery, but experts believe that it may take several days or even weeks for operations to return to normal.
In conclusion, the cyber-attack on Asahi's systems has left Japan facing a shortage of its beer and other products. While the full extent of the damage is still unclear, one thing is certain: the impact will be felt across the country's beverage industry.
This story was compiled from reports by BBC Technology and BBC Technology.
