Heineken announces global layoffs amid lower sales volumes
Heineken announced this week that it is slashing up to 6,000 jobs globally — nearly 7% of its 87,000-person workforce — while downgrading its 2026 profit-growth guidance. The world’s second-largest brewer is contending with the same weakening consumer demand that saw its beer volumes fall 1.2% organically in 2025.
In classic corporate language, the Dutch giant framed the cuts as a step toward “a simpler, leaner Heineken centered on empowered operating companies.” CFO Harold van den Broek told investors the broader productivity programme will deliver €400–500 million in annual gross savings (roughly $476–600 million USD).
The reductions will fall mainly in Europe. Savings will not come from headcount alone; they also include supply-chain optimisation, brewery closures and consolidations, and accelerated technology adoption (including AI).
Despite the tough 2025 trading environment, Heineken now expects organic operating-profit growth of 2–6% in 2026 — down from the 4–8% range it had guided for 2025. That more cautious outlook mirrors the one rival Carlsberg issued last week.
The beer industry is facing pressure from multiple sides: squeezed household budgets, competition from hard seltzers and spirits, emerging alternatives such as THC drinks, and a steady drumbeat of public-health warnings about alcohol.
The restructuring comes as Heineken searches for a new CEO after Dolf van den Brink’s surprise January resignation; he will leave at the end of May. “We are stepping up productivity initiatives and making changes to our operating model,” van den Broek said. “We will support impacted colleagues with care, respect and appropriate assistance.”
Image via Heineken website
