Weakened by the Covid-19 pandemic, Heineken will cut 8,000 jobs

Photo of a pack of beers from Dutch brewer Heineken, taken in Washington on April 1, 2018. AP - J. David Ake

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Dutch brewer Heineken announced on Wednesday February 10 the upcoming cut of several thousand jobs worldwide.

The Covid-19 pandemic has weighed down the results of the world number two in beer, which suffers from the restriction measures.

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Heavily affected by the health crisis, Heineken had a terrible year 2020.

And the consequences are severe for the world's second-largest brewer (behind the Belgian-Brazilian AB InBev).

On Wednesday, he announced the elimination of 8,000 jobs worldwide, or just over 9% of its workforce.

Like the rest of the sector, Heinekein has suffered from the closure of bars and restaurants in many countries.

These measures led to a drop in sales.

The Dutch giant, which produces 300 brands of

beers

and ciders, recorded a net loss of 204 million euros in 2020, compared to a profit of more than 2 billion euros a year earlier.

2020 was “ 

a year of unprecedented change and transition

 ,” observed Dolf van den Brink, CEO of Heineken.

2021 will still be difficult, before a hoped-for rebound

While worldwide sales of the brand's beers have fallen, they have, on the other hand, experienced double-digit growth in 25 countries, such as Nigeria, Ivory Coast, China and Brazil.

For 2021, the Dutch brewer expects to live through more difficult months, especially in the first quarter, due to the many uncertainties linked to the pandemic and the deployment of vaccination campaigns.

The Covid-19 pandemic and government measures continue to have an impact on our markets and our activity,

 " confirms Heineken, who still hopes for a " 

gradual improvement in conditions

 " for the second half of 2021.

► See also: Rwanda: Did the beer giant Heineken play a role in the genocide?

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