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 2026, https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/heineken-cut-6000-jobs-globally-lowers-profit-growth-forecast-amid-industry-struggles). Profit growth for 2026 is now forecasted at 2-6%, down from 4-8% previously projected for 2025, reflecting broader industry pressures from tight budgets, competition, and health concerns (Fox Business, February 2026, https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/heineken-cut-6000-jobs-globally-lowers-profit-growth-forecast-amid-industry-struggles).

The move coincides with the search for a new CEO after Dolf van den Brink’s resignation, set for May (Fox Business, February 2026, https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/heineken-cut-6000-jobs-globally-lowers-profit-growth-forecast-amid-industry-struggles).

Georgia Craft Brewers Push for Expanded Sales Under Senate Bill 456

Georgia craft breweries advocate for Senate Bill 456 to allow direct sales of up to **1,000 barrels annually** to same-county retailers and remove the 24-can daily to-go limit for individuals (Middle Georgia CEO, February 12, 2026, https://middlegeorgiaceo.com/news/2026/02/georgia-craft-beer-makers-back-bill-allow-more-sales-outside-breweries/). Current laws block direct sales to bars, restaurants, and stores, hurting small operations (Middle Georgia CEO, February 12, 2026, https://middlegeorgiaceo.com/news/2026/02/georgia-craft-beer-makers-back-bill-allow-more-sales-outside-breweries/).

Joseph Cortes, executive director of the Georgia Craft Brewers Guild, stated, “We need a more flexible system that allows small businesses to build their brand up locally” (Middle Georgia CEO, February 12, 2026, https://middlegeorgiaceo.com/news/2026/02/georgia-craft-beer-makers-back-bill-allow-more-sales-outside-breweries/). The Senate Regulated Industries Committee heard the bill Tuesday without voting; a decision may come next week (Middle Georgia CEO, February 12, 2026, https://middlegeorgiaceo.com/news/2026/02/georgia-craft-beer-makers-back-bill-allow-more-sales-outside-breweries/).

Opposition from large distributors and groups like the Georgia Baptist Mission Board cites concerns over alcohol proliferation (Middle Georgia CEO, February 12, 2026, https://middlegeorgiaceo.com/news/2026/02/georgia-craft-beer-makers-back-bill-allow-more-sales-outside-breweries/). Senate Majority Leader Jason Anavitarte supports related Bill 86 for retailer discounts, noting distributors stifle innovation (Middle Georgia CEO, February 12, 2026, https://middlegeorgiaceo.com/news/2026/02/georgia-craft-beer-makers-back-bill-allow-more-sales-outside-breweries/).

ABI Highlights U.S. Turnaround as Volumes Dip but Shares Rise

Anheuser-Busch InBev (ABI) focused on its **U.S. turnaround** during a recent earnings call, despite Q4 volume declines (Beer Business Daily, February 13, 2026, https://beernet.com/bbd/bbd-article/). Market share gains persist amid ongoing efforts (Beer Business Daily, February 12, 2026, https://beernet.com/bbd/bbd-article/).

Constellation Brands announced a new CEO, Nicholas Fink, effective mid-April (Beer Business Daily, February 12, 2026, https://beernet.com/bbd/bbd-article/). Boston Beer Company CMO Lesya Lysyj plans to step down next month (Beer Business Daily, February 10, 2026, https://beernet.com/bbd/bbd-article/).

Craft Beer Market Eyes Health Trends and Tech Innovations

The global craft beer market, valued at **USD 134.60 billion in 2025**, projects a **10.62% CAGR** through 2032, driven by low/no-alcohol, gluten-free options, and brewing tech advances (Stellar Market Research, 2026, https://www.stellarmr.com/report/craft-beer-market/2409). U.S. craft growth slows to **4.1% CAGR** per Brewers Association 2025 analysis (Protis Global, 2026, https://protisglobal.com/articles/beers-great-reset-how-the-industry-is-leaning-into-2026).

Brewers Association released **2026 Beer Style Guidelines**, adding Rice Lager and updating Belgian/German styles (Brewers Association, 2026, https://www.brewersassociation.org/association-news/2026-beer-style-guidelines-now-available/).