Cyberattack disrupts grocery supply chain and leaves Whole Foods shelves empty

In the United States, United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI), the primary distributor for Whole Foods, reported suffering a cyberattack that significantly affected its operations. On June 5, 2025, the company detected unauthorized activity on its information technology systems, leading to the decision to shut down several systems in response to the incident. This measure was intended to contain the threat while investigations were carried out with the assistance of forensic experts. As a consequence, Whole Foods has experienced shortages in stock and empty shelves at various locations, frustrating customers and employees alike. Reports and social media posts indicate that grocery store customers have encountered barren aisles and limited availability of essential products, which reflect the extent of the supply chain disruption. Management at UNFI is working diligently to restore systems and supply chains, while Whole Foods aims to expedite the restocking process to address growing customer concerns. The company reassured its clients, suppliers, and employees of its commitment to minimize the disruption during this challenging time. Observers noted the impact of the cyber incident on UNFI's financial performance, as the company's stock price fell significantly following the announcement of the attack. In total, the incident has underscored vulnerabilities in the grocery supply chain and the potential repercussions of cyber threats against essential service providers. As UNFI takes steps to recover, the magnitude of this event and its implications for food distribution chains across the nation will be closely monitored.