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Heineken, the world's second-largest brewer by market value, will eliminate up to 6,000 roles globally as weakening beer consumption and cautious profit expectations weigh on the Dutch company's outlook.
The reduction represents nearly 7 percent of its 87,000-strong workforce and comes as the brewer prepares for a leadership transition following the unexpected resignation of Chief Executive Dolf van den Brink in January.
The company said the measures form part of a broader productivity programme aimed at freeing up resources and sharpening operational efficiency over the next two years.
"We are taking these steps to reinforce our operations and create room to invest behind growth," finance chief Harold van den Broek said during a call to discuss annual results.
According to management, the planned cuts will largely affect European operations and other markets with limited expansion prospects. Additional reductions will stem from previously announced changes within its supply chain, headquarters and regional structures.
Brewers worldwide are grappling with subdued consumer spending, volatile weather patterns and shifting preferences, alongside longer-term pressures such as health-conscious trends, alternative beverages and the impact of weight-loss medications.
Heineken projected operating profit growth of between 2 percent and 6 percent for 2026, below the 4 percent to 8 percent range it had indicated for 2025, underscoring a more guarded stance on near-term performance.
Nigerian market steadies
Despite global headwinds, Nigeria remains a relative bright spot for the group. Heineken holds a 37 percent stake in Nigerian Breweries, the country's largest brewer, giving it a controlling interest.
Nigerian Breweries swung back to profitability in the first nine months of 2025, reporting N85.5 billion in profit compared with a N149.5 billion loss recorded in the corresponding period two years earlier.
Revenue climbed to a record N1 trillion, supported by price adjustments and a gradual recovery in sales volumes as economic conditions showed signs of improvement.
With inflation easing and the naira stabilising, analysts expect the brewer to sustain stronger earnings momentum in its full-year 2025 results, marking a turnaround from prior foreign-exchange driven setbacks.
