Dutch brewing giant Heineken has announced plans to eliminate between 5,000 and 6,000 roles worldwide under its newly launched EverGreen 2030 strategy, targeting gross savings of about €500 million (approximately $540 million).
The restructuring will largely affect operations in Europe and other markets considered non-core to the company’s long-term growth ambitions.
Despite the sweeping cost-cutting measures, South Africa has emerged as a standout performer within the brewer’s global portfolio.
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While overall beer volumes declined across several regions, South Africa delivered what the company described as “excellent growth” in 2025, with solid volume increases and steady or improved market share—particularly in the premium segment.
Flagship brands such as Amstel and Heineken recorded strong growth locally, reinforcing the country’s classification as a priority market.
Chief Financial Officer Harold van den Broek confirmed that the planned job reductions will primarily target Europe and non-priority markets, effectively shielding South Africa from the immediate impact of the retrenchments.
At the centre of Heineken’s South African operations is its Sedibeng brewery in Midvaal, south of Johannesburg.
The facility, capable of producing up to 8.5 million hectolitres annually, also hosts the group’s largest solar installation.
With around 14,000 solar panels generating roughly 30% of the plant’s electricity, the brewery has reduced its reliance on the national grid, an important move in a country grappling with persistent power shortages.
The investment forms part of Heineken’s broader sustainability push under EverGreen 2030, which emphasises resilience and efficiency, particularly in infrastructure-constrained markets.
South Africa’s energy challenges have accelerated corporate adoption of renewable solutions, positioning the local subsidiary as a testing ground for the company’s future-focused operational model.
Water stewardship is another area of focus. Given South Africa’s classification as a water-stressed nation, Heineken aims to achieve a water-to-beer ratio of 2.4 hectolitres of water per hectolitre of beer at its local facilities by 2030.
Chief Executive Officer Dolf van den Brink said EverGreen 2030 builds on progress made in the previous strategic cycle, promising sharper execution, clearer capital allocation, and stronger value creation.
However, he acknowledged that accelerating growth and restructuring the operating model will require significant cost interventions over the next two years, particularly as global beer demand remains uncertain.
For now, South Africa stands out as a rare growth engine within a challenging global landscape, offering a measure of stability as Heineken reshapes its international footprint.
