Publication date:
June 12, 2025
UNFI Cyberattack Disrupts Food Supply Chain, Leaves Supermarket Shelves Empty
A cyberattack on United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) has led to widespread product shortages in supermarkets across the United States.
Infrastructure
A major disruption in the food supply chain has occurred due to a cyberattack on United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI), one of the largest food distributors in the United States. The incident, which began last week, has resulted in empty shelves at numerous supermarkets, including national chains like Whole Foods and smaller, independent grocers.
UNFI detected unauthorized activity on its IT systems and responded by shutting down its network, as disclosed in a recent SEC filing. This action has severely impacted the company's delivery system and the ability of stores to place orders, leading to widespread product shortages.
The effects of this supply chain disruption are being felt across various product categories. Shoppers are encountering empty shelves in aisles typically stocked with breakfast cereals, pasta, snacks, and even in coolers and freezers where items like milk, frozen corn, and ice cream are usually found.
Sandy Douglas, CEO of UNFI, addressed customers in a video message, stating that the company aims to return to a semblance of normal operational capacity by Sunday. However, the full extent of the recovery timeline remains uncertain.
In response to the shortage, grocery stores are implementing creative solutions to maintain stock levels. Some are turning to alternative suppliers, including those typically serving the restaurant industry, like Sysco. Others are resorting to purchasing from retail giants Amazon and Walmart to fill gaps in their inventory.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of the food supply chain to cyber threats and the far-reaching consequences of such attacks. It also underscores the critical role that major distributors like UNFI play in maintaining the steady flow of products to supermarkets across the country.
As the situation unfolds, both retailers and consumers are likely to face continued challenges in the coming days. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring the stability of essential supply chains.
UNFI detected unauthorized activity on its IT systems and responded by shutting down its network, as disclosed in a recent SEC filing. This action has severely impacted the company's delivery system and the ability of stores to place orders, leading to widespread product shortages.
The effects of this supply chain disruption are being felt across various product categories. Shoppers are encountering empty shelves in aisles typically stocked with breakfast cereals, pasta, snacks, and even in coolers and freezers where items like milk, frozen corn, and ice cream are usually found.
Sandy Douglas, CEO of UNFI, addressed customers in a video message, stating that the company aims to return to a semblance of normal operational capacity by Sunday. However, the full extent of the recovery timeline remains uncertain.
In response to the shortage, grocery stores are implementing creative solutions to maintain stock levels. Some are turning to alternative suppliers, including those typically serving the restaurant industry, like Sysco. Others are resorting to purchasing from retail giants Amazon and Walmart to fill gaps in their inventory.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of the food supply chain to cyber threats and the far-reaching consequences of such attacks. It also underscores the critical role that major distributors like UNFI play in maintaining the steady flow of products to supermarkets across the country.
As the situation unfolds, both retailers and consumers are likely to face continued challenges in the coming days. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring the stability of essential supply chains.
