Refrigeration Disruption
An ongoing cyberattack has reportedly struck major supermarket chains across Europe, disrupting refrigeration control systems. The attack has seen units set to continuously defrost at high temperatures, and is also apparently affecting deliveries and in-store pricing powered by electronic shelf labels.
According to the report, several major retailers have been targeted by a cyberattack hitting Danfoss-made refrigeration controls used by French supermarkets Intermarché, Leclerc, and Coopérative U. Dominique Schelcher, president of Coopérative U, confirmed that a cyberattack has been affecting the refrigeration production facilities of several stores in the network, describing the incident as extremely serious.
Je confirme qu’une cyberattaque touche depuis cette nuit les installations de production de froid de plusieurs magasins de notre réseau @CooperativeU. Nos équipes sont pleinement mobilisées, en lien avec les frigoristes, pour rétablir la situation au plus vite. Une enquête devra permettre de faire toute la lumière sur cette attaque. S’attaquer à des équipements essentiels à la conservation des produits frais et à l’approvisionnement alimentaire des Français est d’une extrême gravité et est inédit. C’est inacceptable.October 12, 2026
Forced Defrost Cycles
The report states the units have had their automatic defrosting systems activated into a continuous, forced defrosting cycle with temperatures set to 50 degrees Celsius. Sources reportedly described a wave of heat escaping from fridges and freezers.
Broader European Impact
Early reports indicate losses are already approaching 300,000 euros, but could run into several million euros nationwide. Separately, outlets in the Netherlands report that several supermarket chains have been hit with a malfunction due to a cybersecurity incident. Albert Heijn, Etos, and Gall & Gall experienced website downtime impacting deliveries, while electronic shelf labels were compromised.
It remains unclear whether the separate attacks are related or how widespread the incidents are. Belgium's Delhaize chain has also reported disruption, with stores in Amsterdam warning customers about pricing issues and the suspension of loyalty programs.
