UK Supermarket Supplier Hit by Ransomware Attack, Deliveries Disrupted

A major UK food supplier, Peter Green Chilled, has been hit by a ransomware attack, disrupting its ability to process orders for big-name supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Aldi.

The cyber attack happened last Wednesday evening. Hackers broke into the company’s systems and are now demanding a ransom to unlock their data. Ransomware attacks typically involve criminals encrypting a company’s files, locking them out, and asking for payment to return access.

Despite the attack, Peter Green Chilled says its transport operations are still running. Managing Director Tom Binks told the BBC that the company’s delivery trucks are still operating as normal. However, in an email sent last Thursday, the company said no new orders could be processed that day. Orders that were ready before the attack were still being delivered.

The firm is updating its customers and providing workarounds to help keep deliveries going. But the disruption is already affecting suppliers.

Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, founder of The Black Farmer, said he has about ten pallets of meat stuck in storage with Peter Green Chilled. "That’s thousands of packs of products just sitting there,” he said. “If they don’t reach the shops in time, they’ll have to be thrown out.” He warned that the delay could lead to thousands of pounds in losses.

Peter Green Chilled is not one of the UK’s largest food distributors, but it plays a key role in keeping supermarket shelves stocked.

This is the latest in a string of cyber attacks targeting UK food and retail companies. M&S was recently hit by a ransomware attack over the Easter bank holiday, which led to empty shelves and stolen customer data. Co-op also faced a cyber incident that nearly locked them out of their systems and caused stock shortages.

Phil Pluck, head of the Cold Chain Federation, said cyber attacks on the food distribution sector are rising fast. He explained that hackers are targeting the cold chain – the system that stores and moves chilled food – because it’s essential to the UK’s food supply. “It’s a good way to pressure companies into paying the ransom,” he said.

The attack on Peter Green Chilled highlights how cybercriminals are now aiming at critical parts of the food supply chain, threatening to cause serious disruption and financial losses.