Japanese Brewer Asahi Suffers Cyber-Attack Disrupting Domestic Operations
Japanese drinks giant Asahi has disclosed that a cyber-attack has forced a systems shutdown, halting parts of its order processing, shipping, and customer service operations in its home market.
The company confirmed on Tuesday that no personal customer data has been compromised and stressed that its European operations, including the UK, remain unaffected. However, it warned that there is no timeline yet for full recovery.
“Asahi is actively investigating the cause and working to restore operations. We sincerely apologise to our customers and partners for the inconvenience caused,” the brewer said in a statement.
Asahi, Japan’s largest beer producer, owns several international labels such as Peroni, Pilsner Urquell, Grolsch and Fuller’s, which produces London Pride, Cornish Orchards cider and Dark Star craft beers. The disruption has been contained to Japan, where nearly half of the group’s global sales are generated.
The company had previously highlighted cyber-attacks as a significant business risk in its 2024 annual report, warning of possible supply chain interruptions, financial strain, and reputational harm. At the time, it said it was working to strengthen security systems to mitigate such risks.
The incident comes as Japanese brewers grapple with changing consumer habits, with younger drinkers increasingly opting for low- or non-alcohol alternatives. Chief executive Atsushi Katsuki has said Asahi aims to double the share of its low- and zero-alcohol beverages to 20% of total beverage sales.
The attack adds Asahi to a growing list of high-profile companies hit by cyber incidents in the UK and globally, including Harrods, Jaguar Land Rover, Marks & Spencer, and the Co-op.
