Heineken said on Wednesday it will cut up to 6,000 jobs worldwide as demand for beer weakens. The move affects nearly 7% of its 87,000 employees.
The Dutch brewer, known for its flagship lager, Tiger, and Amstel, is also searching for a new CEO after Dolf van den Brink resigned in January.
The cuts are part of a productivity plan to “deliver higher growth with fewer resources,” Finance Chief Harold van den Broek said.
Some jobs will be cut in Europe and other markets with slower growth. Others come from earlier plans affecting Heineken’s supply network, head office, and regional teams.
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Heineken now expects profit growth of 2% to 6% in 2026, down from its earlier 4% to 8% forecast. The company said weak consumer spending, health concerns, and competition from alternatives are key challenges.
The brewer reported a 4.4% rise in organic operating profit in 2025, above analyst expectations of 4%. Trevor Stirling, an analyst at Bernstein, called the guidance “prudent, given the massive cost-cuts underway.”
Shares rose 4% at 0818 GMT, after gaining 7% since the end of 2025.