Dutch brewer Heineken will eliminate between 5,000 and 6,000 roles over the next two years as it grapples with weakening beer demand and mounting cost pressures. The company said it is “accelerating productivity at scale” to unlock savings, with workforce reductions forming a central part of that effort. Heineken employs roughly 87,000 people globally.
The move comes as beer consumption declines in key markets, particularly the US and Europe, where consumers are moderating alcohol intake and tightening household budgets amid higher living costs.
Volumes Under Pressure Across Markets
Heineken reported that total beer volumes fell 2.4% in 2025, with declines of 4.1% in Europe and 3.5% in the Americas. In the fourth quarter alone, global volumes dropped 2.8%.
Annual sales came in at €34.4 billion, down from €36.0 billion the previous year. Net profit reached €2.7 billion, a 4.9% increase on a constant-currency basis, reflecting cost controls and pricing measures.
The company had already warned in October that 2025 beer volumes would decline, citing macroeconomic challenges and sluggish demand. Organic beer volumes were down 2.3% year-to-date at the time, prompting a downgrade from earlier guidance of stable growth.
Heineken makes brands including Amstel and Tecate and is the world’s second-largest brewer after AB InBev.
Europe Likely at the Centre
While executives did not specify where the majority of cuts would fall, Chief Financial Officer Harold van den Broek indicated that Europe — a major contributor to group earnings — remains a challenging region.
The company has already begun streamlining operations. In October, it cut or reassigned 400 roles at its Amsterdam headquarters as part of a technology-driven reorganisation.
Leadership Transition Amid Turbulence
The restructuring coincides with leadership changes. Chief Executive Officer Dolf van den Brink recently announced he would step down after six years in the role and nearly three decades with the company.
Van den Brink acknowledged navigating “turbulent economic and political times,” adding that his priority in the coming months is to leave the brewer in a strong position.
Looking ahead, Heineken forecasts organic operating profit growth of 2% to 6% in 2026, after a 4.4% rise to €4.4 billion last year. Management remains cautious in the near term, however, as shifting consumer habits — including a tilt toward no- and low-alcohol alternatives — continue to reshape the global beer market.
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