Dutch brewing giant Heineken is planning to enhance efficiency and reduce costs through the implementation of artificial intelligence, which will involve cutting its workforce by up to 7%, following a period of weak beer sales last year.

The world's second-largest brewer reported disappointing performance on Wednesday, with total beer volumes declining by 2.4% for the full year 2025. However, its adjusted operating profit increased by 4.4%.

The company also revealed plans to eliminate between 5,000 and 6,000 positions over the next two years, setting a target for operating profit growth in the current year at 2% to 6%. Heineken's share price recently rose by 3.4%, contributing to a cumulative gain of nearly 7% since the start of the year.

In an interview on Wednesday, outgoing CEO Dolf van den Brink attributed the weaker performance to a "challenging market environment," but described the overall results as relatively balanced.

Analysts from UBS noted in a report that Heineken's 2026 performance outlook falls below its typical range, but stated it is "in line with buyer expectations, consistent with competitor Carlsberg, and represents a solid starting point for the new management team."

Regarding the job cuts, van den Brink commented, "Improving efficiency has always been a top priority of our 'Evergreen strategy'... We are committed to achieving annual cost savings of €400 to €500 million, and these layoffs are the first step in delivering on that commitment."

He added that the workforce reduction will enable the company to redirect resources toward growth initiatives and the development of its premium brands.

Van den Brink acknowledged that the job cuts are "partly driven by AI, or more broadly, digital transformation."

He stated, "This is a key component of our 'Evergreen 2030 strategy.' Approximately 3,000 roles will be transitioned to commercial services, and overall technological digitization—particularly AI—will serve as a critical enabler for ongoing efficiency improvements and cost reduction."

Heineken, headquartered in the Netherlands, employs 87,000 people and operates in more than 70 countries.

Van den Brink, who has led the company for six years, is set to step down in May, and the company is currently searching for his successor.

**More Layoffs Linked to AI**

Over the past year, AI-related workforce reductions have frequently made headlines and remain a key focus for corporations and management in 2026.

According to December data from consulting firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, nearly 55,000 job cuts in the United States in 2025 were attributed to AI.

Companies that cited AI as a reason for layoffs in 2025 include Amazon, which announced 15,000 job cuts last year, and Salesforce, whose CEO Marc Benioff stated that 4,000 customer service roles were eliminated because AI was already handling 50% of related tasks.

In Europe, companies that have referenced AI within their restructuring strategies include Lufthansa Group and technology consulting firm Accenture.