Cybersecurity: A Wake-Up Call for Food and Beverage Management in Canada

The Food Industry Is Now in the Crosshairs

Digital processes in food and beverage (F&B)—from ingredient traceability to plant automation and logistics—have widened the attack surface. This is no longer theoretical:

  • Between January and February 2025, ransomware incidents in the food and agriculture sector tripled year-over-year, and over 70% remained undetected for extended periods (foodandag-isac.org).

Case in Canada: Maple Leaf Foods System Outage

In May 2023, Maple Leaf Foods, one of Canada’s largest packaged-meat producers, confirmed a cyber incident that disabled critical systems. The company immediately engaged cybersecurity experts and activated continuity plans, but noted disruptions in operations and service levels during recovery (thecyberexpress.com).

A Cyberattack That Shook Supply Chains

In June 2025, United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI), North America’s leading natural and organic food distributor, fell victim to “unauthorized activity” in its IT infrastructure. The company took systems offline to contain the breach, disrupting order fulfillment across its 30,000+ outlet network (including Whole Foods). Supermarkets suffered from emptied dairy and frozen-product shelves, and UNFI’s stock price plunged by over 8% amid investor concern. (Investopedia)

What is there to do?

Cyber security colleagues

 

Beyond IT: Why management systems matter in cybersecurity

Cyber‑incidents are inevitable; however, the fallout doesn’t have to be. Robust management systems and tested response protocols help safeguard what matters most: operations, compliance, customers, and reputation.

  • Operational Continuity: Integrated JIT and logistics models mean any disruption is immediately felt. ISO 27001 or ISO 22301 ensure operations continue during crises.

  • Regulatory Compliance: Standards like HACCP and FSMA require secure, traceable systems. A breach that affects records can lead to hefty penalties. A certified ISMS keeps compliance intact, even during disruptions.
  • Stakeholder Communication: In a crisis, timely, accurate, and coordinated communications maintain trust with authorities, customers, suppliers, and consumers.

  • Culture & Training: Cybersecurity is a human and technical challenge. From plant workers to executives, everyone must engage in best practices. DNV designs targeted training and simulations to embed resilience.  

How DNV Strengthens Cyber Resilience in F&B

DNV brings global expertise and industry insight to bolster cybersecurity in food and beverage organizations through management-based defenses:

  • ISO/IEC 27001 Certification
    Accredited certification of ISO 27001 ISMS, aligning risk management with business strategy.
  • Executive & Operational Training
    Specialized training across the organization, including response simulations for swift, informed decision-making.

  • Risk Assessments via Auditing
    DNV’s Risk Based Certification™ methodology uncovers real vulnerabilities across vendors, governance, and processes.

  • Response-Program Validation
    Testing incident readiness through exercises, scenario drills, and communication protocol reviews.

  • Ongoing Certification Maintenance
    Annual audits, regulatory updates, and system adjustments ensure continued cyber resilience.

Scenario: Prepared vs. Unprepared

To illustrate the impact of a DNV-certified management system, consider a ransomware attack on a mid-sized food distributor. Compare the outcomes:

Without an Information Security Management System (ISMS)

With a DNV-Certified ISMS

Extended downtime, missed deliveries

Continuity plan reduces disruption

Unclear roles, slow decision-making

Coordinated, rapid response

Poor or delayed communication

Timely, accurate stakeholder updates

Compliance failures

Maintained through formal processes

Are you ready to strengthen your organization’s cyber resilience?

Let’s talk. Our certification, assessment, and training services are tailored to the food sector. In a digital-first world, your cybersecurity posture can become a competitive advantage — if you prepare now.

 

6/24/2025 2:00:00 p.m.