A series of cyberattacks has disrupted supermarket operations across Europe, specifically targeting refrigeration control systems and IT infrastructure. In France, supermarkets including Intermarché, Leclerc, and Coopérative U reported that hackers compromised Danfoss-made refrigeration units. The attackers forced these systems into a continuous defrosting cycle, raising internal temperatures to 50 degrees Celsius.
The financial impact of the refrigeration incident is already estimated at €300 000, with projections suggesting total losses could reach several million euros. Dominique Schelcher, president of Coopérative U, confirmed the incident began on the night of October 12, 2026, and described the attack as an unprecedented event affecting essential food storage equipment.
Separately, supermarket chains in the Netherlands, including Albert Heijn, Etos, and Gall & Gall, experienced service disruptions starting Sunday afternoon. These incidents involved the shutdown of websites, affecting delivery services, and the compromise of electronic shelf labels, which disrupted in-store pricing. The Delhaize chain in Belgium also reported related operational issues.
Affected retailers have initiated emergency measures, including the temporary shutdown of various IT systems to contain the breach. While investigations are underway, it remains unclear if the attacks on refrigeration hardware and the IT infrastructure incidents are linked. Customers have faced issues with loyalty programs and inaccurate pricing displays in several locations.
