Asahi cyberattack raises fears of beer shortages from Tokyo to US

Japan’s largest beverage producer, Asahi Group Holdings, is grappling with a major cyberattack that has paralyzed its domestic operations for five consecutive days, raising concerns that the disruption could ripple abroad.

The attack shut down core systems on Monday, affecting order processing, shipments, and customer service across Japan. While Asahi managed some emergency deliveries midweek, employees were forced to log orders manually.

The impact has already been felt in Tokyo’s bustling bars and restaurants, where empty kegs of Asahi Super Dry — the company’s flagship beer — are surfacing during peak hours.

Convenience stores have also reported thinning stocks, with fears that shortages could worsen over the weekend. Analysts warn that prolonged delays could soon affect exports, particularly to the United States, one of Asahi’s largest overseas markets.

Founded in 1949, Asahi produces not only beer but also whisky, cider, soft drinks, and baby food. It remains unclear whether ransomware was behind the cyberattack, but Japanese media suggest that possibility.