Asahi cyberattack halts shipments in Japan

Japan’s largest brewer says customer service functions were suspended after a systems failure.

Asahi reports a cyber-attack that halted orders and shipments in Japan but left European operations unaffected.

Japanese brewing giant Asahi has suffered a cyberattack that triggered a systems failure, disrupting shipping and customer services in Japan. The company stressed that European operations, including the UK, remain unaffected.

Order and shipment processes in its domestic market have been suspended, alongside customer service functions. Asahi apologised to customers and business partners, saying the cause is under investigation and there is no clear timeline for recovery.

The brewer is the largest in Japan, owning global beer brands such as Peroni, Pilsner Urquell, and Grolsch. It operates Fuller’s in the UK, which produces London Pride and Cornish Orchards cider.

Asahi has identified cyberattacks as a key business risk, with concerns over cash flow and brand damage. The incident comes as several major UK companies, including Harrods and Jaguar Land Rover, have also faced recent cyber breaches.

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