Nestlé, the leading global food company, is set to slash 16,000 jobs worldwide in a bold move to streamline operations and adapt to shifting consumer demands, signaling a significant transformation in its workforce.
The layoffs, which will predominantly affect around 12,000 white-collar roles, are part of a broader strategy to enhance efficiency through automation and cost-saving measures.
New CEO Philipp Navratil, who recently took the helm, underscored the urgency of these changes, stating, "the world is changing, and Nestlé needs to change faster" to secure its competitive edge.
Following the announcement, Nestlé's stock saw a positive surge, reflecting investor optimism regarding the company's potential for financial recovery and improved performance.
The cuts represent nearly 6% of Nestlé's global workforce and highlight the ongoing challenges in the food industry, where rising operational costs and evolving market trends are prompting major corporations to rethink their strategies.
This restructuring effort underscores a growing reliance on automation and efficiency within the food sector, as companies navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing economic landscape.