It’s been a brutal year for food and beverage companies, with many companies cutting costs or downsizing significantly to rein in spending.
At least a dozen of the largest food and beverage manufacturers will lay off tens of thousands of workers in 2025 as companies reevaluate their priorities amid declining profits and changing consumer preferences. Layoffs have affected both manufacturing and corporate workers as companies mercilessly evaluate and downsize their portfolios.
While many companies have restructured in response to declining consumption and other broader headwinds, some have faced unique operational challenges. Beyond Meat, for example, laid off about 6% of its workforce as its plant-based meat sector continued to decline for years.
Food Dive has compiled a roundup of the biggest layoffs of the year. By 2026, companies will hope to have scaled-down operations to increase efficiency and better respond to changing consumer demands.
