Royal Swinkels has announced plans to restructure the bottling and keg-filling operations at Palm NV in Steenhuffel, Belgium. The Netherlands-based brewing group intends to transfer these activities in phases to existing filling lines elsewhere within its manufacturing network, potentially putting 33 of the site's 147 jobs at risk.
Despite the proposed transfer, brewing activities in Steenhuffel will continue unchanged. The site's canning line, distribution center and the commercial operations of Swinkels Belgium will also remain unaffected, as will the group's operations in Roeselare. Royal Swinkels says the planned reorganization comes as the beer market in Belgium and Western Europe remains under significant pressure from falling consumption, changing consumer habits and increasing production overcapacity. Several filling lines in Steenhuffel are also approaching the end of their economic life.
The difficult market environment is reflected in the 2025 annual report of Belgian Brewers. Domestic beer consumption in Belgium declined by 3.2% to 6.19 million hl, while exports fell by 4.8%. The number of Belgian breweries also dropped from 411 to 395 during the year.
The planned restructuring follows an earlier capacity adjustment by Royal Swinkels in the Netherlands. Brouwerij De Molen in Bodegraven ceased operations on October 1, 2025 after prolonged low capacity utilization made the site unprofitable (inside.beer, 04.02.2025). Royal Swinkels said at the time that shrinking beer demand and substantial production overcapacity were weighing on the Dutch craft beer market.
By consolidating bottling and keg-filling volumes on existing production lines within the group, Royal Swinkels aims to lower operating costs, optimize investments and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of its Belgian operations. The company says the move should create additional room for investment in Belgian brands and growth segments responding to changing consumer trends.
Sven Stuer, managing director of Palm NV, said the reorganization is intended to strengthen the company's brands and brewing activities while opening opportunities to develop new markets. The statutory information and consultation procedure with employee representatives has now begun. If the proposal is confirmed after that process, it could result in the collective dismissal of 33 employees. Palm NV says it will work with its social partners on appropriate support measures for those affected.
