## 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 in Europe, the Americas, and amid shifting consumer habits toward health-conscious choices (IamExpat, February 12, 2026, https://www.iamexpat.nl/expat-info/dutch-news/heineken-cut-6000-jobs-amid-declining-beer-sales). Heineken lowered its 2026 organic operating profit growth forecast to 2-6%, reflecting cautious market outlook (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).
## Craft Beer Innovations Counter Market Pressures
In contrast, craft segments show resilience with new launches like LWC and Full Circle Brew Co.’s 3.6% ABV cask ale Equal Measure, created entirely by women to mark International Women’s Day (The Drinks Business, February 2026, https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/lwc-and-full-circle-launch-international-womens-day-beer/). Profits from the beer, available via pre-order this month, support Girls Out Loud charity, challenging cask’s male-dominated image (The Drinks Business, February 2026, https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/lwc-and-full-circle-launch-international-womens-day-beer/).
Health trends drive craft beer evolution, with rising demand for low/no-alcohol and gluten-free options as consumers prioritize wellness (Stellar Market Research, 2026, https://www.stellarmr.com/report/craft-beer-market/2409). The global craft beer market, valued at USD 134.60 billion in 2025, projects 10.62% CAGR through 2032, fueled by brewing tech advances like superior fermentation (Stellar Market Research, 2026, https://www.stellarmr.com/report/craft-beer-market/2409).
## 2026 Trends: Localization and Sustainability in Craft
Hyper-localization gains traction as breweries source local ingredients to match regional tastes and boost demand (Tastewise, 2026, https://tastewise.io/blog/craft-beer-trends). Low/no-ABV beers respond to nearly half of Americans cutting alcohol intake, expanding the market (Tastewise, 2026, https://tastewise.io/blog/craft-beer-trends).
Brewers Association released 2026 Beer Style Guidelines, adding Rice Lager and updating Belgian/German styles to guide innovation (Brewers Association, 2026, https://www.brewersassociation.org/association-news/2026-beer-style-guidelines-now-available/). Asia-Pacific craft growth accelerates via young consumer interest, tourism, and local breweries (Stellar Market Research, 2026, https://www.stellarmr.com/report/craft-beer-market/2409).
Heineken’s moves underscore broader pressures, yet craft’s focus on experience and tech positions it for gains despite economic tightness (Escarpment Labs, 2026, https://escarpmentlabs.com/en-us/blogs/resources/yeastrodomus-beer-predictions-for-2026).