Co-op pauses deliveries of non-essential items amid cyber attack

Co-op has paused its orders of non-essential products amid the fallout from its cyber attack.

Writing to the businesses that supply its food and drink on Wednesday (7 May), the convenience giant told them it would only be manually ordering “a minimum range of products that customers and members need the most,” The Telegraph reported.

Co-op noted that the companies should not send any deliveries to its depots without direct instruction.

The retailer did not specify which of its products would be prioritised.

Co-op told businesses that produce its own-brand goods with a short shelf-life to speak to its buying staff “to agree a pragmatic way forwards” during the disruption, emphasising that it was “committed to taking Co-op-branded finished products that have been produced in line with agreed forecasts”.

The convenience specialist has been experiencing issues with its electronic data interchange (EDI) system after its cyber attack last week, which is used to manage and maintain its stock levels.

A spokesman for the business said all of Co-op’s stores were open and trading and were receiving deliveries of “an increased level of fresh, chilled and frozen products alongside cupboard essentials”.

He said: “Some of our stores might not have all their usual products available and we are sorry if this is the case for our members and customers in their local store.

“We are working around the clock to reduce disruption and are pleased we can resume delivery of stock to our shelves.”

Co-op was hit by its cyber attack at the end of April, with some of its back-office systems and call centre services breached.

The retailer’s workers have since been told to keep their cameras on in remote work meetings, not to record or transcribe calls, or post any sensitive information into Teams chats, according to the BBC.

M&S also fell victim to a cyber attack recently, with the chain initially experiencing issues with its contactless payments or click-and-collect services over the Bank holiday weekend, while Harrods faced a cyber attack earlier this month.

Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter