Heineken to cut up to 6,000 jobs globally amid declining beer sales

Heineken, the world's second-largest brewer, announced plans to cut between 5,000 and 6,000 jobs over the next two years. This decision follows a decline in beer sales volume, particularly in Europe and the Americas, which fell by 2.4% in 2025. The company reports that annual sales dropped to 34.4 billion euros in 2025 from 36.0 billion euros the previous year. To achieve significant savings, the Amsterdam-based company aims to accelerate large-scale productivity improvements. CFO Harold van den Broek indicated that many layoffs would occur in Europe, which remains a core focus of the company's business. Additionally, CEO Dolf van den Brink announced he will step down after leading the brewery through a turbulent economic period for six years. Previously, the company had noted 400 job cuts at its Amsterdam headquarters to incorporate new technologies. Investors reacted positively to the announcement, with shares rising by approximately 3% on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange.