By Bradley Shahenza
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.
Most of the Asahi Group’s factories in Japan have been at a standstill since Monday, after the attack hit its ordering and delivering systems, the firm has said.
Major Japanese retailers, including 7-Eleven and FamilyMart, have now warned customers to expect shortages of Asahi products.
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.
7-Eleven, the Japanese-owned global convenience store chain, has halted shipments in the country of Asahi products, including its popular Super Dry beer.
A spokesperson for 7-Eleven said its shops have been advised to expect a shortage of Asahi 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.
Japanese supermarket chain, Life Cooperation, also warned that Asahi products may soon go out of stock.
Asahi is the biggest brewer in Japan and also owns Fullers in the UK and global brands including Peroni, Pilsner Urquell and Grolsch.
Japan accounts for about half of its total sales.
