Japan faces Asahi beer shortage after cyber-attack

Japan faces Asahi beer shortage after cyber-attack

Asahi is one of the world's largest brewers

Major Japanese retailers, including FamilyMart and Lawson, have now warned customers to expect shortages of Asahi products.

Most of the Asahi Group's factories in Japan have been at a standstill since Monday, after the attack hit its ordering and delivering system, the firm has said.

Japan is facing a shortage of Asahi products, including beer and bottled tea, as the drinks giant grapples with the impact of a major cyber-attack that has impacted its operations in the country.

Asahi has temporarily suspended orders and shipments of its products with "no prospect of resumption", FamilyMart said in a statement on Thursday.

The firm - which is one of Japan's largest convenience stores - said its Famimaru range of bottled teas, which are made by Asahi, are expected to be in short supply or out of stock.

"We sincerely apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused," said FamilyMart, adding that it is working with Asahi to resume the sale of the products.

Lawson, another major Japanese retailer, also said it expected some Asahi products to be in short supply from today.

The retailer said it plans to stock up on alternative products to minimise the impact on customers.

... continue reading