KP Snacks has been hit by a reported cyber attack which could affect deliveries for several weeks.
The business, which makes brands including Hula Hoops, Butterkist, McCoys and Skips is reported in the trade press to have been compromised by a ransomware attack which has left it unable to “safely” process orders.
According to BetterRetailing.com, orders could be affected until the end of March or later.
The website quoted a letter sent to shopkeepers on Wednesday, February 2, saying its systems had been “compromised by ransomware” and it “cannot safely process orders or dispatch goods”.
It said the business told shops “we have teams working through the resolution, but it is unknown when this will be resolved”.
A company spokesperson later confirmed to Sky News that KP discovered a ransomware attack on Friday 28 January.
KP Snacks' statement to Sky News said: "As soon as we became aware of the incident, we enacted our cybersecurity response plan and engaged a leading forensic information technology firm and legal counsel to assist us in our investigation.
"Our internal IT teams continue to work with third-party experts to assess the situation.
"We have been continuing to keep our colleagues, customers, and suppliers informed of any developments and apologise for any disruption this may have caused."
BusinessLive tried to contact the KP press office for details.
The business is based in Slough, but has operations in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Rotherham, Leominster, Pontefract and Durham, Teesside and Uttoxeter.
It comes weeks after Walkers Crisps started building production back up following major technical problems.
The snacks giant had difficulty stocking supermarket shelves for several weeks while it struggled to get its production lines back to normal following issues caused by a big IT upgrade in the autumn.
The Leicester-based manufacturer of Monster Munch, French Fries, Quavers, Wotsits and different varieties of crisps, said it has worked round the clock to get back to capacity.
Production of Quaker Oats – the UK’s biggest porridge oats brand which is part of the same group –were also reported to have been affected.
