Ambev industrial restructuring in Uruguay

Ambev has been evaluating the future of its beer production, malting, and distribution operations in Uruguay. In August 2026, the company was weighing several strategic options, including maintaining current operations, shifting to an importation model, or withdrawing from the country entirely.

By late August, Ambev announced plans to reopen its Cympay malt plant in Paysandú on January 1, 2027. The reopening follows a production halt that began in March due to high logistics costs, unfavorable exchange rates, and declining regional demand. The restart will involve an organizational restructuring to adapt to market conditions. Labor unions have raised concerns regarding the impact of this restructuring on employment. In Paysandú, the union estimates that more than 30 employees may be terminated as the workforce is expected to be reduced from 70 to 39 production workers. The union is pursuing tripartite negotiations with the Ministry of Labor to minimize these layoffs.

In September 2026, Ambev, through its Uruguayan operating company Fábricas Nacionales de Cerveza (FNC), announced the closure of its brewery in Minas, a facility operating since 1936. The decision affects 59 workers, who have been placed on the state unemployment insurance scheme. Ambev stated that production will be transferred to its Montevideo plant, where the company intends to invest US$14 million. This closure follows approximately two months of discussions and was officially communicated to the union at the Ministry of Labour.