UNFI cyberattack leads to grocery store shortages across North America
Food shortages have become more visible across grocery stores in the U.S. and Canada following a major cyberattack on United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI), a key food distributor. The cyberattack, which occurred on June 5, 2025, disrupted electronic ordering systems and supply chains serving over 30,000 retail stores, including major chains like Whole Foods. Many customers are now searching for answers about what happened, when normal deliveries will resume, and how this impacts their local stores. UNFI has stated that it is making significant progress toward recovery, but the effects continue to ripple across supermarkets, military commissaries, and food retailers nationwide.
How the UNFI cyberattack unfolded and impacted food supply chains
UNFI is one of North America's largest food distributors, supplying fresh produce and grocery essentials to both independent stores and major retailers. After the cyberattack on June 5, the company was forced to shut down its entire network to contain the incident. In doing so, UNFI halted the electronic systems used by stores to place and track orders. Without this digital infrastructure, orders slowed dramatically, leading to empty shelves in many supermarkets. While the company did not disclose the specific type of cyberattack, its scale and effects have been described as severe. Whole Foods, which relies on UNFI as its primary distributor, has seen widespread product shortages, especially in stores across New York and California.
Grocery stores and military commissaries feel the strain
The impact of the UNFI cyberattack extends beyond civilian retailers. Grocery stores operated by the U.S. Defense Commissary Agency, which serve active-duty military personnel and veterans, are also experiencing significant delivery delays. Employees at these stores reported disruptions in regular shipments and noted visibly empty shelves. While some stores have turned to alternate distributors to help fill the gaps, others continue to face critical inventory issues. Customers are expressing frustration and concern, especially as some products have been unavailable for over a week. UNFI said it is working to restore services as quickly as possible, but full recovery may take time.
UNFI’s recovery progress and what shoppers can expect next
As of mid-June, UNFI has started restoring its electronic ordering systems, a crucial step in returning to normal operations. The company said it's prioritizing high-demand stores and products to stabilize grocery supply chains. However, the return to full functionality depends on the successful containment and resolution of the cyber incident. For shoppers, this means that some items may continue to be out of stock temporarily. Whole Foods and other affected retailers are encouraging customers to be patient and flexible while restocking continues. In the broader picture, this cyberattack highlights the vulnerability of digital infrastructure in essential supply chains and underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures in the food industry.
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