Heineken is to cut up to 6,000 jobs globally over the next two years – close to 7% of its workforce – as the Dutch brewer struggles with falling demand for beer.The company, which makes Heineken, Amstel and Tiger, said the cuts would come from brewing and white-collar roles among its 87,000-strong global workforce as it faced “challenging market conditions”.It came as the world’s second-largest brewer by market value lowered its forecasts for profit growth in 2026.“We really do this to strengthen our operat ...

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Core Insights - The Chinese beer industry reached a turning point by 2016, with a shift towards premium, experiential, and craft beers driven by younger consumers, particularly Generation Z [1][3] - China Resources Beer, the largest beer brewer in China, faces significant challenges due to changing market dynamics, operational inefficiencies, and a weak presence in the premium segment [3][4] - The newly appointed CEO, Hou Xiaohai, initiated a transformative "3+3+3" strategy in 2017 to address core challenges and build long-term competitiveness [4][12] Group 1: Organizational and Cultural Restructuring - China Resources Beer recognized the need to improve operational efficiency and reshape corporate culture before pursuing further growth [5] - The company streamlined its operations by reducing the number of breweries from 98 to 63 and cutting its workforce from 58,200 to 25,000 while increasing salaries by 47% to retain talent [5][6] - A cultural transformation project was implemented, impacting over 26,000 employees, embedding a new philosophy into performance evaluations and daily operations [5][12] Group 2: Brand Innovation and High-End Focus - Following structural reforms, the company shifted focus to brand innovation and premiumization, launching a comprehensive brand revitalization under the banner "We made for young" [6] - Significant investments in influencer marketing and events helped revitalize the SuperX brand, doubling its sales and affirming the company's ability to attract younger consumers [6][8] - A "4+4" brand matrix was introduced, integrating four domestic brands with international ones to cater to diverse consumer needs and strengthen market position [8][10] Group 3: Strategic Partnerships and Market Expansion - In 2018, a strategic partnership with Heineken was established, granting exclusive distribution rights for Heineken products in China and enhancing China Resources Beer's position in the premium segment [7][12] - The partnership led to a significant increase in Heineken's market share in China, with sales reaching 600,000 tons by 2023, quadrupling since the partnership began [7][12] - The company also ventured into the high-profit white liquor market by establishing a subsidiary and acquiring stakes in well-known liquor producers [10][11] Group 4: Results and Future Outlook - By 2024, the strategic transformation yielded measurable results, with total revenue increasing by 22.85% and net profit soaring by 126.3% [12] - The company achieved a significant increase in high-end beer sales, with premium brands experiencing growth rates of 35% [12] - As the company enters the final phase of the "3+3+3" strategy, a new "three precision management" model is introduced to enhance competitive advantage and profitability [12][14]