Suspected cyberattacks disrupt supermarket refrigeration systems across Europe

Refrigeration systems at supermarkets in several European countries were affected by suspected cyberattacks on 2 November. Some refrigerators and freezers registered rising temperatures, prompting retailers to remove chilled and frozen goods from sale. Reuters and Associated Press reported the incidents.

Which retailers reported problems

Retailers including Delhaize, Carrefour and Spar were affected in Belgium, with disruptions also reported in Luxembourg. Sweden’s ICA and Coop confirmed problems at a limited number of stores. In Ireland, Musgrave said refrigeration systems at 13 SuperValu stores were affected, leading to the temporary withdrawal of some products from sale.

According to Reuters, an employee at one Swedish supermarket reported freezer temperatures reaching 50 degrees Celsius. This does not mean that such temperatures were recorded at every affected location. Retailers responded to conditions at their individual stores by protecting or withdrawing stock.

Investigations are continuing

European cybersecurity authorities are investigating the incidents. At the time of publication, no perpetrator has been confirmed, and it is not known whether all the cases are linked to each other or to similar disruptions in France in October. Experts note that more commercial equipment is network-managed, making the security of these systems important for supply continuity and food safety.

The incidents illustrate how problems in digital infrastructure can directly affect retail operations even when payment systems and deliveries continue to function.

Photo: Rap Dela Rea / Unsplash — illustrative image of a store, not one of the affected locations.

Sources: Reuters, November 2, 2026; Associated Press, 2 November 2026.