Heineken to Cut Up to 6,000 Jobs as Beer Demand Weakens

Global brewing giant Heineken has announced plans to reduce its workforce by up to 6,000 jobs as part of a cost-cutting strategy in response to weak beer demand and challenging market conditions.

The Dutch brewer said on Wednesday that the job cuts, roughly 5,000 to 6,000 positions worldwide over the next two years, are aimed at boosting productivity and unlocking significant savings under its ongoing EverGreen 2030 strategy.

Alongside the workforce reduction, Heineken also lowered its profit growth outlook for 2026, forecasting operating profit growth of between 2% and 6%, down from its previous guidance of 4% to 8%.

Despite the cuts, the brewer reported a forecast-beating 4.4% growth in 2025 organic operating profit, showing resilience even as total beer volumes continue to decline in some markets.

Industry analysts say the move reflects broader headwinds facing global beer makers, including shifts in consumer preferences, strained household budgets, and heightened competition from alternative alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Heineken joins other major brewers in restructuring to adapt to a changing marketplace while striving to maintain brand strength and long-term profitability.