By Lim Jiaxin
British retailer, global sensation, Marks & Spencer (M&S) Food faced a problem that was not from supply chain issues or inflation in April 2025.
They was a cyberattack that disrupted its food operations.
Online orders were suspended, contactless payments failed, and systems crashed during the busy Easter season.
According to NielsenIQ, the effects were immediate as food sales growth fell from 14.7% in early May to 9.1% by mid-June. Hence, M&S now estimates a £300 million profit loss, with only partial recovery through insurance.¹
This wasn’t just a technology issue; it was a food issue.
We are entering a new era where food security depends not just on farms, trucks, or weather; it also relies on firewalls and servers. As grocery stores use digital tools to manage stock, orders, and payments, one breach can stop entire food systems.
This event revealed an important fact: tech infrastructure is now as crucial to food distribution as refrigerated trucks or warehouse staff. Retailers can’t treat cybersecurity as just an IT issue; it has to be a key part of business continuity planning.
What used to be a minor IT problem can now cause real-world consequences: empty shelves, wasted produce, and angry customers.
M&S's experience highlights how vulnerable even leading retailers can be. It also communicates a clear message: cybersecurity is now as crucial as the cold chain. Just as we keep perishable goods safe with refrigeration, we must now safeguard food systems with digital strength.
For consumers, this is a reminder of how deeply embedded technology is in our everyday lives. For example, your grocery delivery, payment, or loyalty app is only as dependable as the security behind it.
As we look ahead, grocery stores must reconsider risks. In 2025, what’s on your plate may depend on what’s happening behind your screen.
Lim Jiaxin (j21035423@student.newinti.edu.my) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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