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Heineken Slashes 6,000 Jobs to Counter Declining Beer Volumes **Heineken** announced plans to eliminate up to 6,000 roles, representing about 7% of its workforce, over the next two years. This move aims to cut costs amid a 1.2% volume drop in its 2025 fiscal year (Food Dive, 2026). Declining alcohol consumption and tariff-driven cost increases have pressured the sector, pushing brewers toward nonalcoholic segments (Food Dive, 2026). The Dutch giant's strategy includes supply chain streamlining via plant closures and brewery digitization. CFO Harold Broek highlighted these efforts during earnings calls (Food Dive, 2026). Heineken expects beer to rebound as a ...
Daily Press Review: Beer Industry Shakeups and Craft Beer Momentum Heineken Slashes 6,000 Jobs Amid Weak Demand and Profit Slowdown Heineken plans to eliminate up to **6,000 jobs** globally, representing nearly 7% of its 87,000 employees, as part of a strategy to boost productivity and streamline operations (Fox Business, February 2026, https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/heineken-cut-6000-jobs-globally-lowers-profit-growth-forecast-amid-industry-struggles). The cuts target Europe, non-priority markets, headquarters, and supply networks, aiming for €400-500 million in annual gross savings (Fox Business, February 2026, https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/heineken-cut-6000-jobs-globally-lowers-profit-growth-forecast-amid-industry-struggles). Chief Financial Officer Harold van den Broek emphasized shifting to a "simpler, leaner Heineken centered on empowered operating companies" to fuel growth (Fox Business, February ...
Heineken Slashes 6000 Jobs Amid Faltering Beer Demand: Craft Beer Innovations Shine in 2026Heineken announced plans to cut up to **6,000 jobs** from its global workforce, representing nearly 7% of its approximately 87,000 employees, as the beer industry faces weak demand (Economic Times, February 2026, https://economictimes.com/news/international/business/heineken-to-cut-up-to-6000-jobs-as-beer-demand-falters/articleshow/128191842.cms)(FOX13 News, February 2026, https://www.fox13news.com/news/heineken-cutting-jobs-globally-industry-struggles).The Dutch brewer, the world's No.2 by market value, reported **4.4% organic operating profit growth** in 2025, beating analyst expectations of 4%, but lowered its 2026 profit growth forecast to **2-6%**, down from the prior 4-8% guidance (Economic Times, February 2026, https://economictimes.com/news/international/business/heineken-to-cut-up-to-6000-jobs-as-beer-demand-falters/articleshow/128191842.cms).Job reductions target Europe, non-priority markets, headquarters, and supply networks, ...
## Heineken Announces Major Layoffs Amid Declining Beer Sales Heineken NV plans to cut between 5,000 and 6,000 jobs globally over the next two years, representing about 7% of its 87,000-strong workforce (Human Resources Online, February 12, 2026, https://www.humanresourcesonline.net/heineken-to-cut-up-to-6-000-jobs-globally-over-two-years-amidst-weakening-beer-demand). The reductions, detailed in the company’s 2025 full-year results, target Europe primarily through brewery closures and supply chain restructuring (The Drinks Business, 2026, https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/lwc-and-full-circle-launch-international-womens-day-beer/). CEO Dolf van den Brink emphasized accelerating growth via productivity gains, including AI-driven efficiencies expected to save €400-500 million annually (LatestLY, February 12, 2026, https://www.latestly.com/world/heineken-layoffs-2026-why-dutch-beer-company-is-cutting-up-to-6000-jobs-7311185.html). Beer volumes fell 1.2% in 2025 to 281.6 million hectoliters, hit hardest ...
Beer Industry 2026 Trends: Craft Closures, Lager Boom, Low-ABV Surge and Great ResetThe craft beer sector enters 2026 amid a **great reset**, marked by slowing growth, rising closures, and strategic shifts toward premiumization and non-alcoholic innovations (Protis Global, 2026).Craft Brewery Closures Outpace OpeningsIn 2024, the US saw **399 brewery closures** compared to 335 new openings, marking the first net decline in over a decade (The Drinks Business, 2025; Brewers Association via Protis Global, 2026). This consolidation reflects maturing market dynamics, with operational costs rising and beer sales dipping nationally by 2% post-pandemic (The Drinks Business, 2025). States like California and ...
Beer Industry Trends 2026: Low-ABV Boom, Lager Revival and Craft Challenges Ahead Low- and no-alcohol beers solidify as a core portfolio element for breweries in 2026, shifting from niche to mainstream with enhanced branding as lifestyle choices (American Craft Beer, January 20th, 2026, https://www.americancraftbeer.com/8-beer-industry-trends-to-watch-out-for-in-2026/). Moderation Drives Non-Alcoholic Growth **Non-alcoholic beer sales** among craft brewers continue rapid expansion, with nearly half now offering at least one low-ABV or NA option, up significantly from prior years (OhBev, 2026, https://www.ohbev.com/blog/beer-market-forecasts-and-trends). U.S. NA beer volumes jumped 111% from 2021 to 2025, fueled by health-conscious consumers seeking sessionable lagers and functional brews (OhBev, 2026, https://www.ohbev.com/blog/beer-market-forecasts-and-trends) ...
