Hazeldenes Cyberattack Disrupts Australia’s Poultry Industry Operations
In a significant cybersecurity incident, one of Australia’s largest poultry producers, Hazeldenes, is currently engaged in a battle to restore its operations following a breach that has interrupted production across its expansive network. The incident, which has severely impacted the Victoria-based company, has necessitated a cautious, phased approach to resume normal business activities while ongoing investigations continue.
On Wednesday, Hazeldenes publicly confirmed via a statement that it had begun taking steps to gradually return to production, emphasizing its commitment to restoring operations in a safe and secure manner. The company first began to respond to what it labeled as a cybersecurity incident on Thursday, which it deemed a priority that needed immediate action.
According to Hazeldenes, immediate containment measures were initiated immediately after the breach was detected. In its official communications, the company stated that it actively engaged external cybersecurity experts and notified the relevant authorities about the situation. The investigation remains ongoing, and the implications of the breach are still being evaluated.
Elaborating on the incident timeline, Hazeldenes expressed that on February 19, 2026, the company became aware of the cybersecurity issue, leading to its actions to engage experts and respond effectively. The business also made it clear that it is collaborating with partners to address the disruption and to gain a comprehensive understanding of the events that unfolded.
In addressing its stakeholders, Hazeldenes reiterated its operational and ethical responsibilities, stating that foremost in its mind is the welfare of its employees, the animals it processes, and its various stakeholders, including customers and partners. The company emphasized that it is fully committed to resuming normal operations while prioritizing safety and security.
The repercussions of the incident have been felt throughout parts of Victoria, with reports indicating that various pubs and local butchers have experienced chicken shortages as a result of the disruption in supply chains. Despite this, Hazeldenes has yet to disclose specific figures related to the overarching impact on its supply chain operations.
The Scale of Hazeldenes in the Poultry Industry
Operating more than fifty sites throughout Victoria, Hazeldenes holds a significant position within the Australian poultry sector. With the capacity to manage approximately 900,000 birds each week and produce over 85 million kilograms of chicken annually, it is a crucial player in meeting the demand for poultry products across the nation.
The company has an extensive network comprising farms, hatcheries, and processing facilities and supplies both branded and private-label chicken products to major supermarket chains and food retailers. Established in 1938, Hazeldenes was acquired in 2021 by BGH Capital but continues to operate as a fully integrated poultry processor, with the founding Hazeldene family retaining a minority interest.
Given its scale and critical role in the poultry supply chain, the impact of any prolonged disruption resulting from the cyberattack could yield significant ripple effects throughout the industry. To mitigate these concerns, Hazeldenes has stressed its commitment to a careful resumption of operations, ensuring that systems are reestablished in a manner that is both secure and efficient.
In light of the incident, Hazeldenes extended its gratitude to its employees, partners, and customers for their patience and understanding during these trying times. The feeling of community support is essential for the company as it navigates the path back to normality.
A Broader Context of Cybersecurity Challenges in the Food Industry
The cyberattack on Hazeldenes is indicative of a wider trend of cybersecurity breaches impacting food and agriculture firms globally. Other companies have also faced similar threats, including the Japanese beverage conglomerate Asahi Group, which reported a cyber incident in the preceding September. In the United States, grocery wholesaler and retailer United Natural Foods experienced significant disruptions during the previous summer.
Further incidents have been documented across various food sectors. For instance, a cyberattack affected a German facility run by dairy producer Arla Foods, and South African poultry producer Astral Foods issued a profit warning due to a hacking event. Meanwhile, Canadian meat processor Maple Leaf Foods faced a ransom demand during a cyberattack last year but opted to reject the demand outright.
As the situation develops, The Cyber Express has reached out to Hazeldenes for additional insights and updates regarding the cyberattack. However, as of the latest communication, no official statements have been issued from the company, reflecting the evolving nature of the response to this cyber incident.
Hazeldenes’ cautious, ongoing approach to resolving the situation underscores not only its commitment to stakeholder welfare but also highlights the increasing importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding food supply chains against modern threats. As investigations continue, further updates are anticipated, providing necessary clarity and information to impacted parties in the wake of this cybersecurity breach.