Published on: November 15, 2024
On Nov. 8, Ahold Delhaize USA, the parent company of grocery chains such as Stop & Shop and Hannaford, experienced a significant cybersecurity breach that disrupted operations across multiple locations. The incident led to product shortages and service interruptions, notably affecting pharmacies and e-commerce platforms.
Local reports from Maine and Connecticut indicated that certain Stop & Shop stores faced product shortages due to delivery disruptions caused by the breach. Additionally, some pharmacies were unable to process debit and gift card transactions, further inconveniencing customers. As of November 12, Hannaford’s website remained offline, while Stop & Shop’s online services had been restored.
In response to the breach, Ahold Delhaize USA initiated an investigation with the assistance of external cybersecurity experts and notified law enforcement agencies. The company stated that several of its brands and services, including certain pharmacies and e-commerce operations, were affected. To mitigate the issue, some systems were taken offline as a protective measure.
The cybersecurity breach at Ahold Delhaize USA has left many Hannaford customers frustrated, especially those who rely on the store’s app for coupons and discounts.
“It is an issue because that’s usually how you save all the money at Hannaford,” one customer explained, while another added, “I didn’t know anything until I walked in to try to get on to the app to see what kind of coupons or sales they were having, and I can’t get in.”
The breach has also disrupted Instacart and DoorDash orders, and some stores may be unable to accept digital payments for the time being. In a Facebook update, Hannaford said they are working to process refunds to affected customers.
The incident also affected multiple Stop & Shop locations, with customers in Windsor, Granby, and Glastonbury reporting difficulty finding meats and dairy products due to delivery disruptions, with many unaware of the issue until arriving at the store. Some Stop & Shop locations have posted signs informing customers of the impacted deliveries. While the company emphasized that its stores remain open, it acknowledged that product availability may vary by location.