Nestlé Announces Global Job Cuts of 16,000 Over Next Two Years

VEVEY, Switzerland (VINnews) — Nestlé, the global food and beverage giant behind brands like KitKat, Nescafé, and Maggi, plans to eliminate approximately 16,000 jobs worldwide over the next two years, the company announced Thursday.

The layoffs, part of a broader restructuring effort, aim to streamline operations and boost efficiency amid rising costs and shifting consumer demands. Nestlé, headquartered in Vevey, Switzerland, employs about 270,000 people globally, making the cuts roughly 6% of its workforce.

“Nestlé is committed to ensuring long-term competitiveness while supporting affected employees through this transition,” a company spokesperson said in a statement. The cuts will primarily impact manufacturing, supply chain, and administrative roles across multiple regions, though specific locations were not disclosed.

The announcement comes as the company faces challenges from inflation, supply chain disruptions, and increased competition in the packaged goods sector. Nestlé reported a 1.3% rise in organic sales for the first half of 2025 but flagged concerns about margin pressures.

Industry analysts suggest the move reflects broader trends in the food and beverage sector, where companies are increasingly turning to automation and leaner operations to offset economic uncertainties.

Nestlé pledged to offer severance packages, retraining programs, and job placement support for affected workers. The company did not provide further details on the financial impact of the restructuring.

The job cuts are expected to roll out gradually through 2027, with further updates anticipated as the plan progresses.