Nestlé announces global restructuring and 16,000 job cuts

Nestlé has announced a global restructuring plan aimed at cutting 16,000 jobs by the end of 2027. This reduction represents approximately 5.8% of its total workforce of 277,000 employees. The cuts are divided into 12,000 administrative and professional roles and 4,000 positions within manufacturing and supply chain sectors.

The strategy, part of a program titled ‘Fuel for Growth’, seeks to achieve savings of 3 billion Swiss francs. Key objectives include increasing industrial productivity through automation, centralizing services, and closing underperforming or less competitive manufacturing units. The plan involves closing two European facilities, including a century-old site in Neuss, Germany, which will impact the production of items such as KitKat.

Despite these global cuts, the company reported a profitable first half of 2026, with a net profit of 3.47 billion Swiss francs. While restructuring occurs in Europe, Nestlé continues to pursue expansion in Brazil through significant investments and the opening of new industrial plants.