Heineken will cut between 5,000 and 6,000 jobs – nearly 7% of its global workforce – over the next two years as it responds to falling beer volumes and slower profit growth. The Dutch brewer, employing around 87,000 people worldwide, said the reductions will affect brewing operations and white-collar roles across multiple regions. Already in October last year the company already anounced to cut 400 jobs at its Amsterdam headquarters as part of the same transformation programme (inside.beer, 14.10.2025).
In January followed the unexpected anouncment about the resignation of CEO Dolf van den Brink, who will step down in May and remain in an advisory role until early June (inside.beer, 12.1.2026). The company has not yet named a successor. According to CFO Harold van den Broek, the restructuring aims to “accelerate productivity at scale” and unlock significant savings as market conditions remain challenging.
In its 2025 full-year results, Heineken reported a 1.2% decline in total beer volumes compared to 2024. However, the Heineken brand itself grew volumes by 2.7%, while global brands increased 1.9%. Net revenue rose 1.6%, supported by gross savings exceeding EUR 500 million and improved cost discipline.
For 2026, the brewer forecasts operating profit growth between 2% and 6%, lowering expectations compared to earlier guidance. Management cited subdued beer consumption in Europe and North America, squeezed household budgets, health-driven moderation trends and the impact of weight-loss drugs on alcohol intake. In the U.S., additional tariff-related cost pressures are weighing on the sector.
Heineken’s response centers on productivity gains, supply chain streamlining, brewery digitisation and exiting markets without a clear path to sustainable growth. About half of the eliminated roles are expected to transition into the Heineken Business Services unit. The group is also increasing investment in global brands and innovation under its EverGreen 2030 strategy.
A key pillar for future growth is non-alcoholic beer. In the U.S., Heineken is expanding its 0.0 portfolio, including a low-calorie variant called Heineken Ultimate. Management argues that non-alcoholic extensions allow the company to address premium adult occasions such as sports events and business dinners, positioning 0.0 as a natural, lower-calorie alternative that complements rather than competes directly with soft drinks.
Despite the current downturn, the company expects the beer category to return to growth in the medium term, supported by emerging markets and continued brand investment. Shares rose in Amsterdam following the announcement, reflecting investor approval of the cost-saving measures.
The latest restructuring echoes 2021, when Heineken cut 8,000 jobs after an 11.9% organic sales decline during the pandemic (inside.beer, 10.02.2021). The current programme, however, is driven not by shortterm, lockdown effects but by longterm structural moderation trends and shifting consumer preferences in mature markets.
