Heineken, the world's second-largest brewing company, is planning to lay off between 5,000 and 6,000 employees in the next two years as a response to decreasing consumer demand for beer. This decision mirrors similar challenges faced by its competitor Carlsberg, indicating a broader trend in the beer industry where the appetite for traditional beer is waning. Heineken's CEO, Dolf van den Brink, emphasized that the job cuts are part of a new strategic initiative aimed at accelerating growth through increased productivity and operational changes.

In 2025, Heineken reported a decline in sales of beer to 281.6 million hectoliters, down 1.2% from the previous year, leading to a revenue drop from €29.8 billion to €28.8 billion, reflecting a 3.6% decrease. This decline is attributed to a combination of external economic pressures and changing consumer preferences, highlighting the difficulties faced by major brewing companies in adapting to evolving market conditions. Heineken aims to mitigate these losses by restructuring its operations and focusing on cost-saving measures.

The layoffs are significant not only for Heineken but also for the industry as they signal the need for adaptation in response to shifting consumer trends. As the beer market contracts, brewers will have to rethink their strategies to remain competitive, leading to potential innovations in product offerings and marketing approaches. The move also raises concerns about job security in the brewing sector and the impact on local economies where these companies operate.