Cyberattack on Japanese logistics giant Nichirei disrupts ice cream, fast food and supermarket supplies

A cyberattack on Nichirei, Japan’s top frozen food supplier and refrigerated warehouse operator, has disrupted supply chains for ice cream, fast food and supermarket products nationwide, with effects reaching companies including Ezaki Glico, KFC Japan and Kura Sushi.

Nichirei said on July 15 that a cyberattack had disrupted operations at its subsidiaries, including product deliveries, and said it planned to gradually restore services beginning July 17.

Ezaki Glico, the maker of snack brand Pocky, said on July 16 that shipments of some of its ice cream products were delayed because the items are stored in refrigerated warehouses owned by Nichirei. The company declined to disclose the financial impact of the disruption, even as the timing coincided with a seasonal surge in ice cream demand driven by sweltering heat across Japan. Local media said as much as 20 percent of Glico’s ice cream products had been affected. A company spokesman said Glico was relying on alternative supply arrangements to serve affected areas in western Japan.

KFC Japan said on July 14 that some of its restaurants could face shortages severe enough to force temporary menu changes or store closures.

Kura Sushi, a conveyor belt sushi chain operating close to 700 locations in Japan and abroad, said on July 15 that some of its outlets in western Japan were experiencing delays receiving products.

Local media said major supermarket chains, pastry manufacturers and dining halls at eldercare centers had also been affected by the disruption.

The incident follows other recent cyberattacks on major Japanese companies. In 2025, beer maker Asahi suffered a ransomware attack that disrupted operations for months and forced the company to process orders manually. The Russian-linked hacking group Qilin later claimed responsibility for that attack. Separately, retail brand Muji suspended online shopping services in Japan after its delivery partner, Askul, was hit by a ransomware attack.

Japanese government spokesperson Minoru Kihara said the latest attack underscored the need for companies to keep their computer systems updated to strengthen cybersecurity.