SUPER DRY WEEKEND

Nation Close to Running Out of Its Favorite Beer After Devastating Cyberattack

Beer lovers are on the brink of a disappointing weekend.

Japan could run out of Asahi Super Dry lager within two days after a cyberattack hit its brewer. The largest brewer in the country has seen its ordering and delivery systems affected, after they went dark. Asahi stated it was “unable to provide a clear timeline for recovery” and was attempting to manage using “manual order processing and shipment,” according to the BBC. The ransomware was first detected on Monday and caused its 30 factories to grind to a halt. While the attack has only affected its Japanese supply chain, consumption in Asahi’s home nation makes up 50 percent of its business. In a report on Thursday, the FT reported shortages of the country’s favorite beer could be imminent. An executive of one of Japan’s major retail chains said, “I think we will run out of products soon. When it comes to Super Dry, I think we’ll run out in two or three days at supermarkets and Asahi’s food products within a week or so.” Speaking to Agence France-Presse on Friday, an unnamed Asahi spokesperson said, “No immediate recovery of our system is in sight at the moment.”