Cyberattack Disrupts Asahi Beer Operations

A major Japanese beverage producer says it has been hit by a cyberattack that has disrupted its operations for the fifth consecutive day, with Japanese media reporting that stocks of the company’s popular beer and other beverages are running low in some stores, Yuri Kageyama reported for the Associated Press (AP).

Tokyo-based Asahi, founded in 1949, produces beer, cider, juices, baby food, candy, and other food products. (Photo: アサヒビール ASAHIBEER Facebook)

Asahi Group Holdings said its computer systems were targeted on Monday, causing glitches that have affected orders, shipments, and its customer call center in Japan.

Overseas systems were not impacted. A company spokeswoman told AP on Friday that the problem had still not been resolved, though some emergency shipments were made on Wednesday, with employees manually entering information into computer systems.

The cause and motive of the attack remain under investigation, the spokeswoman said. Japanese media reported that some convenience stores were not receiving deliveries, with stocks running low or even selling out in some locations.

A 7-Eleven convenience store in Tokyo visited by an AP reporter on Friday evening still stocked plenty of Asahi beer, though the saleswoman said she expected supplies to start running low soon.

It remains unclear when the system will be fully restored, Asahi said.

The company has canceled events and delayed product launches. Some Japanese media reports suggested the attack may involve ransomware, but Asahi declined to comment.

Tokyo-based Asahi, founded in 1949, produces beer — including its popular Super Dry rice lager — as well as cider, juices, baby food, candy, and other food products.