Co-op stock levels on track for recovery following cyber attack

Co-op stock levels are beginning returning to normal levels following its cyber attack, as the supermarket told its suppliers that it would be turn its orders back online today.

In a notice to its suppliers, the convenience giant explained that it was “pleased to inform that systemic-based orders will resume for ambient, fresh and frozen products commencing Wednesday 14 May,” The Grocer reported. 

The notice comes after Co-op has experienced availability issues across the country after being hit by a cyber attack at the end of April.

Co-op said the attack had “necessitated the temporary shutdown of certain elements of our supply chain and logistics operations”.

As it puts orders back online, it told suppliers that it was not able to give them “accurate product forecasting ahead of Wednesday’s orders”.

“Suppliers are advised to anticipate inflated order volumes as we work to recover availability,” it continued.

“We acknowledge that production forecasts have been impacted by the disruption and request that you make every effort to fulfil orders as requested.

“We anticipate some volatility in order volumes over the next few days as our systems update and return to normal operational efficiency.

“During this period, some suppliers may experience sporadic inclusion or exclusion of product lines in their orders, and in some cases, full orders.

“We will do our absolute best to minimise these disruptions and appreciate your patience as we work towards resuming full supply.”

It comes after the supermarket paused its orders of non-essential items last week.

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

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