Nestlé to cut 16,000 jobs in global restructuring drive

Nestlé has announced a major global restructuring program that will result in the reduction of approximately 16,000 jobs worldwide, as the company moves to adapt to changing market conditions.

According to Capital, the plan was first unveiled at the end of 2025 and is now entering the implementation phase under the leadership of the company’s new chief executive, Philippe Navratil. The workforce reductions are expected to be carried out gradually through 2027.

The cuts will primarily affect support functions and administrative roles. However, Nestlé indicated that some of the reductions may be mitigated through measures such as leaving vacant positions unfilled, reassigning employees internally, and offering voluntary departure schemes, meaning the total number of actual layoffs could ultimately be lower than initially projected.

The company said the restructuring is a response to a more challenging business environment, citing declining consumer purchasing power, rising operational costs, and intensifying competition. As part of the overhaul, Nestlé also plans to streamline its management structure and make greater use of shared services across the organisation.

Overall, the initiative is expected to generate savings of around 3 billion Swiss francs and support a return to sustainable growth as the company continues its broader business transformation.

By Tamilla Hasanova