Cyberattack hits Japan's ice cream giant Glico, disrupts sushi & supermarket deliveries

A cyberattack on one of Japan's largest refrigerated warehouse operators has disrupted the supply of ice cream, fast food and supermarket products across the country, affecting companies including Ezaki Glico, KFC Japan and Kura Sushi.Ezaki Glico, the maker of popular snacks such as Pocky, said on Wednesday that shipments of some of its ice cream products had been delayed after a cyberattack hit its logistics partner, Nichirei. The company said some of its ice cream is stored in Nichirei's refrigerated warehouses.While Glico did not disclose the financial impact, local media reported that up to 20 per cent of its ice cream products had been affected. The company said it was using alternative supply arrangements to minimise disruptions, particularly in western Japan, where demand remains high during the summer heat, AFP reported. Nichirei, Japan's leading frozen food supplier and refrigerated warehouse operator, said on Tuesday that a cyberattack had disrupted the operations of its subsidiaries, including product deliveries. The company said it plans to gradually restore services from July 17.The disruption has affected several businesses that depend on Nichirei's logistics network.KFC Japan warned that some restaurants could face shortages, which may force temporary menu changes or even store closures. Conveyor belt sushi chain Kura Sushi said some of its outlets in western Japan were experiencing delays in receiving products.According to local media, major supermarket chains, pastry manufacturers and even dining halls at elderly care centres have also been affected by the disruption.The incident is the latest in a series of cyberattacks targeting major Japanese companies.In 2025, beer maker Asahi suffered a ransomware attack that disrupted its operations for months and forced the company to process orders manually. Russian-linked hacker group Qilin later claimed responsibility for the attack, according to Japanese media.Retail brand Muji also suspended online shopping services in Japan after its delivery partner Askul was hit by a ransomware attack.Commenting on the latest incident, Japanese government spokesperson Minoru Kihara said the attack highlighted the need for companies to keep their computer systems updated to strengthen cybersecurity.Get the latest business news and top stories. Download the TOI App.Ready to Make a Smarter Property Decision? Build Your Legacy with TOI Homes.