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Albert Heijn distribution centres halted, empty shelves loom

Several distribution centres are out of action following a security incident, while shops remain open for now.

Follow-up to: Ahold investigates security incident, shops remain open Monday, 12 October 2026, 14:58

Several Albert Heijn distribution centres are at a standstill on Monday after parent company Ahold Delhaize switched off systems as a precaution because of a security incident. As a result, shelves with fresh products in particular could become empty in the coming days.

The new development is that the disruption no longer affects only online services and shop systems. According to Omroep Brabant, work has also stopped at Albert Heijn’s distribution centre in Tilburg and at several other centres. A message to suppliers, seen by RTL Z, says that only the distribution centre in Zaandam is still operational. Suppliers were asked to deliver their goods exclusively there and within agreed time slots.

Ahold Delhaize reported on Monday morning that it was investigating a security problem within its network. Some systems have been taken offline to protect the digital environment. The group said that shops were open and could continue serving customers. Albert Heijn has not yet given a timeframe for a full recovery.

The problems began on Sunday afternoon. According to the NOS, Albert Heijn’s website, apps and customer service are unavailable, and groceries ordered online cannot be delivered. Etos and Gall & Gall, which like Albert Heijn are part of Ahold Delhaize, are also experiencing disruption. In Belgium, sister chain Delhaize is likewise having problems with new orders and customer service.

The impact on physical shops varies by product and region. Margaret Versteden-van Duijn, Albert Heijn’s chief executive, told the NOS that frozen products are likely to remain more readily available than fruit and vegetables, because they are supplied from several different distribution centres. The warning therefore concerns possible shortages if the disruption continues, not empty shops across the country at this point.

The cause has not yet been established. Ahold Delhaize refers to a cybersecurity incident and a security problem, but has not confirmed that unauthorised parties gained access to systems. Nor has it disclosed whether customer data were viewed or stolen. The company says it is investigating the situation and intends to restore services gradually.

For suppliers, the measure means that transport operations must be rescheduled and that goods flows will temporarily run through a smaller number of locations. For consumers, this could become visible in the availability of especially perishable products. Albert Heijn has not yet said when supplies to all shops will resume.

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