Cyberattack could leave Japan without its most popular beer

TOKYO — Japan could soon run out of its most popular beer, after a devastating cyberattack on its biggest brewer that has brought its domestic factories to a halt.

Asahi Group, the Tokyo-based maker of Asahi Super Dry, said Monday that it was experiencing a “system failure” caused by the cyberattack, which disabled order and shipment operations at most of its 30 Japanese factories. Overseas sites do not appear to be affected by the cyberattack.

“We are actively investigating the cause and working to restore operations; however, there is currently no estimated timeline for recovery,” the company said in a statement, adding that there was no confirmed leakage of personal information or customer data.

Popular Japanese convenience store chains, including FamilyMart and Lawson, say they are running out of Asahi products, which also include food items and non-alcoholic beverages.

FamilyMart said Thursday that orders and shipments of Asahi products “have been temporarily suspended, and currently there is no estimated time for their resumption.”

Lawson also said that some Asahi products “may become scarce” starting Friday.

“To minimize the impact on our customers, we are preparing alternative products with the cooperation of relevant parties,” it said.

Japan accounts for about half of Asahi’s global revenue. The company did not immediately respond to an emailed request for further comment on Friday.

Established in Japan in 1889, Asahi also owns other major beer brands, including Peroni, Pilsner Urquell and Grolsch.

Arata Yamamoto reported from Tokyo, and Jay Ganglani from Hong Kong.