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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) ...

Craft Beer Trends 2026: Hop Events Surge, Health Shifts and Winter Sales Challenges Grip IndustryFebruary 2026 brings a mix of vibrant craft beer events, evolving consumer trends toward healthier options, and persistent sales hurdles for U.S. breweries amid winter slowdowns.Hop-Forward Events Highlight Pacific Northwest StrengthHop Mob returns to Seattle on February 7, 2026, at Reuben’s Brews Ballard Taproom, focusing exclusively on **triple IPAs** from Pacific Northwest breweries. The event features Reuben’s acclaimed Blimey That’s Bitter!, a 10.5% ABV IPA rated highest in Washington on Beer Advocate, and the limited Triple Crush hazy IPA with explosive tropical fruit notes (Washington Beer ...