Food distributors warn cyberattacks can quickly become supply chain disruptions

Cybersecurity executives are urging foodservice distributors to prepare for cyberattacks as operational disruptions that can affect warehouses, trucks, customer orders and even the physical movement of freight. The message emerged during “The CISO Perspective: Navigating Cyber Risk in Foodservice Distribution,” a panel at the International Foodservice Distributors Association’s 2026 Solutions Conference in San Antonio. The session on Monday focused on the growing connections between cybersecurity, transportation, warehouse operations, third-party vendors and business continuity. IFDA described the session as examining how cyberattacks can stop orders, shut down warehouses and jeopardize customer relationships, along with risks involving vendors and ransomware. Brett Perry, head of cybersecurity and network at Dot Foods Inc.