What's happened
United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) is working to restore its systems after a cyberattack on June 5 disrupted operations, leading to significant supply shortages at grocery stores, including Whole Foods. The company has begun restoring electronic ordering systems but has not provided a timeline for full recovery as of June 17, 2025.
What's behind the headline?
Impact on Supply Chains
- The cyberattack on UNFI highlights vulnerabilities in the grocery supply chain, particularly for companies heavily reliant on a single distributor.
- Whole Foods, as a primary customer, has faced significant stock shortages, affecting customer satisfaction and sales.
- Other grocery chains are also struggling, with some seeking alternative suppliers to mitigate the disruption.
Broader Implications
- This incident reflects a growing trend of cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, raising concerns about the security of supply chains in the retail sector.
- The ongoing recovery efforts may take longer than anticipated, potentially leading to sustained shortages and financial losses for affected retailers.
- As UNFI works with cybersecurity experts, the incident underscores the need for enhanced security measures across the industry to prevent future attacks.
What the papers say
According to TechCrunch, UNFI confirmed the cyberattack on June 5, stating it had to take its entire network offline to contain the incident. Whole Foods has reported 'temporary supply challenges' due to the disruption, with some stores experiencing empty shelves (NY Post). UNFI's CEO Sandy Douglas mentioned that the company is gradually restoring its systems but did not provide a specific timeline for full recovery (Bloomberg). The situation has prompted other grocery chains to seek alternative suppliers, indicating the widespread impact of the attack (TechCrunch).
How we got here
UNFI, a major grocery distributor for over 30,000 stores in the U.S. and Canada, experienced a cyberattack that forced it to shut down its network on June 5. This incident has severely impacted its ability to fulfill orders, leading to empty shelves at various grocery chains.
Go deeper
- What specific products are affected by the shortages?
- How long is UNFI expected to take to recover fully?
- What measures are being taken to prevent future cyberattacks?
Common question
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What Happened During the UNFI Cybersecurity Disruption?
On June 9, 2025, United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) reported a significant cybersecurity disruption that has left retailers scrambling. With unauthorized activity detected in their IT systems, the company has halted deliveries, leading to empty shelves in stores. This incident raises questions about the impact on the retail sector and the steps UNFI is taking to resolve the situation.
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How did the UNFI cyberattack affect grocery stores?
The recent cyberattack on United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) has raised significant concerns about the stability of grocery supply chains. With empty shelves and delayed deliveries reported across the U.S. and Canada, many are left wondering how this incident will impact their local grocery stores and what it means for the future of food distribution.
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How did the UNFI cyberattack affect grocery stores?
The recent cyberattack on United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) has raised significant concerns about grocery supply chains. As one of the largest distributors in North America, UNFI's operational disruptions have led to empty shelves in stores like Whole Foods. This page explores the impact of the attack, recovery efforts, and what consumers can expect moving forward.
More on these topics
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United Natural Foods, Inc. is a Providence, R.I.-based natural and organic food company. It is the largest publicly traded wholesale distributor of health and specialty food in the United States and Canada.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Whole Foods Market Inc. is an American multinational supermarket chain headquartered in Austin, Texas, which exclusively sells products free from hydrogenated fats and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
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Canada is a country in the northern part of North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering 9.98 million square kilometres, making it the world's second-largest c
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Rhode Island, officially the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, is a state in the New England region of the United States.