One of the country’s largest poultry processors is working to restore operations after a cybersecurity breach disrupted production across its network. The Hazeldenes cyberattack has affected the Victoria-based business, prompting a phased return to normal activity as investigations continue.
In a statement published Wednesday, Hazeldenes confirmed it had “started a phased approach to return to production which will ensure our operations are restored safely and securely.” The company first began responding to what it described as a “cybersecurity incident” on Thursday.
Cyberattack on Hazeldenes Disrupts Australia’s Poultry Supply
According to the company, the cyberattack on Hazeldenes triggered immediate containment measures. “Hazeldenes immediately started taking steps to contain the incident, engaged external cybersecurity experts, and notified relevant authorities,” the business said in its updates. It added that the investigation remains ongoing.
Earlier communications from the company stated: “On Thursday, 19 February 2026, Hazeldenes began responding to a cybersecurity incident. Hazeldenes immediately started taking steps to contain the incident, engaged external cybersecurity experts, and notified relevant authorities. The investigation into this matter is ongoing.”
The poultry producer also noted that it is “working with partners to restore impacted operations and understand what has happened.” Emphasizing operational and ethical responsibilities, the company said, “Our priority is the welfare of our people, our animals, our customers and our partners, as we work to resume normal operations.”
Hazeldenes acknowledged the disruption caused by the incident. “We apologise for this disruption and any concern it may have caused. If any data has been impacted, we will notify impacted individuals as required,” the company stated.
While the full scope of the Hazeldenes cyberattack has not been disclosed, the operational impact has already been felt in parts of Victoria. Australian broadcaster Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported that several pubs and butchers in the state experienced chicken shortages linked to the disruption. However, Hazeldenes has not publicly quantified the extent of supply chain interruptions.
Hazeldenes’ Scale in the Australian Poultry Industry
The company plays a significant role in the Australian poultry sector. According to BGH Capital, which acquired a majority stake in Hazeldenes in 2021, the processor handles approximately 900,000 birds each week and produces more than 85 million kilograms of chicken annually.
Hazeldenes operates more than 50 sites across Victoria, including farms, hatcheries, and processing facilities. It supplies both branded and private-label chicken products to major supermarket chains and other retailers. Founded in 1938 by the Hazeldene family—who retained a minority interest following the BGH Capital transaction—the business is described as “one of Australia’s largest fully integrated poultry producers.”
Given this scale, any prolonged operational disruption tied to the cyberattack on Hazeldenes could have ripple effects across the Australian poultry supply chain. The company has reiterated that it is taking a cautious approach to resuming activity to ensure systems are restored “safely and securely.”
In its most recent communication, Hazeldenes expressed appreciation for stakeholder patience: “We thank our people, partners, customers, and broader community for their patience and understanding.”
Hazeldenes Cyberattack Among Wider Food Industry Incidents
The Hazeldenes cyberattack is the latest in a series of cybersecurity incidents affecting food and agriculture companies globally. Japanese beverage group Asahi Group Holdings reported a cyber incident in September. In the United States, grocery wholesaler and retailer United Natural Foods (UNFI) experienced disruptions last summer.
Elsewhere, a German site operated by dairy producer Arla Foods was impacted by a cyberattack. South African poultry producer Astral Foods issued a profit warning last spring, citing a cybersecurity breach. In Canada, meat processor Maple Leaf Foods rejected a ransom demand following a 2022 cyberattack.
The Cyber Express has reached out to Hazeldenes to learn more about this cyberattack. However, at the time of writing this, no official statement or response has been shared regarding the attack. This remains a developing situation, and further updates are expected as Hazeldenes continues its phased return to production and works to fully assess the impact of the cyberattack on Hazeldenes and its operations.
