South African poultry giant Astral Foods victim of Ransomware

Exclusive analysis of the cybersecurity incident at Astral Foods, South Africa, along with context on the possible causes and issues, these unprecedented attacks are increasingly targeting private sectors—even those historically viewed as low risk, like poultry production and food processing.

Incident Overview

On March 16, 2025, South African poultry giant Astral Foods experienced a cybersecurity incident that disrupted its poultry division. The attack led to downtime in processing and delayed deliveries, completely disrupting the distribution-chain and directly costing the company around 20 million rand (approximately $1.1 million USD) in lost profits for the reporting period. Although Astral Foods has not disclosed every technical detail and no sensitive customer or supplier data was compromised, the incident is being described by several sources as bearing the hallmarks of a ransomware attack or similar cyber intrusion.

Financial and Operational Impact

The disruption not only resulted in immediate revenue losses but also incurred additional costs related to clearing a production backlog. As a consequence, the company forecasts a steep decline in its half-year earnings—with projections of a 55% to 60% drop in earnings per share (EPS) and headline earnings per share (HEPS) [Reuters]; [TechCentral]. This financial hit comes amid other pressures such as increased feed costs due to maize shortages, which compound the overall impact on the company’s margins.

Why Cybersecurity Is Now a Concern in the Poultry Industry

It might seem surprising—especially if you recall a time when the poultry industry was seen as purely traditional—that a company like Astral Foods would fall victim to a cyberattack. However, the reality today is that almost every business process has become digitized. Modern poultry production relies on automated processing systems, supply chain management software, and digital logistics for order fulfillment. As these systems become more integrated and interconnected, they also become attractive targets for cybercriminals. In recent years, major food producers including JBS, Dole, and Sysco have experienced similar attacks, indicating a broader trend within the food and agriculture sector.

Furthermore, social media channels like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) have seen lively discussions among industry professionals and cybersecurity experts, with many expressing surprise yet cautioning that no sector is immune when digital dependencies are high. These discussions emphasize that cybersecurity is not unprecedented but has evolved rapidly in recent decades, affecting even traditional industries.

Moving Forward: Recovery and Strengthening Defenses

Following the incident, Astral Foods implemented its disaster recovery protocols, and by the time of public reporting, all business units had resumed normal operations. The company reassured stakeholders that sensitive data had not been compromised. Nonetheless, the event has served as a wake-up call—not only for Astral Foods but also for the broader agricultural sector—to invest more robustly in cybersecurity defenses. Enhanced measures may include regular system audits, advanced threat detection tools, and comprehensive incident response planning, all of which are critical for safeguarding operational continuity in a digital age.

Conclusion

While it may seem unusual to associate cybersecurity threats with the poultry industry, the case of Astral Foods illustrates how digital transformation has expanded the attack surface across all sectors. Cyber threats are now a pervasive risk, and organizations must adapt by implementing robust security measures and contingency plans. This incident not only highlights the financial risks but also underscores the necessity of proactive cybersecurity in maintaining supply chain stability and protecting operational integrity.