FRENCH supermarket chains Intermarché and Cooperative U reported a cyberattack that forced their refrigeration systems to defrost, AFP said on 12 October 2026. The companies told AFP that around 150–200 Intermarché outlets and nearly 100 Cooperative U stores were affected, with Paris prosecutors confirming the incident and noting that it also prompted fire outbreaks in some locations. BFM TV quoted the claim that France’s largest chain, E.
Leclerc, was affected as well, though Leclerc did not immediately confirm this to AFP. Intermarché said branches hit would need to discard all fresh and frozen products.
The reports describe the attackers remotely triggering the forced defrost of refrigeration systems in multiple stores. The scope appears to be regional and across several major chains, with potential spillover to others according to AFP. The public statements emphasise the financial and logistical impact—waste of perishable goods and disruption to store operations—while officials note the investigation is underway.
The article presents these claims as reported and confirmed by prosecutors and the retailers; it also notes that Leclerc’s involvement remains unconfirmed at the time of reporting. No technical specifics, CVEs or software versions are provided in the sourced material.