Heineken

Company Description

Heineken is the world's second-largest brewer and the most international beer company, with its products sold in virtually every country on Earth. The company's flagship Heineken brand—recognizable by its green bottle and red star—is the world's leading international premium lager by volume. Beyond its namesake beer, Heineken owns a portfolio of over 340 beer and cider brands including Amstel, Tiger, Desperados, and Strongbow. The company operates breweries, malteries, and production facilities in more than 70 countries, employing over 85,000 people worldwide. Heineken is also the world's largest cider producer through brands like Strongbow and Old Mout. In recent years, the company has invested heavily in the growing non-alcoholic segment, with Heineken 0.0 becoming a global success and growing 10% in 2024. Founded in 1864 when Gerard Adriaan Heineken purchased a brewery in Amsterdam, the company has remained family-controlled for over 160 years. The Heineken family maintains control through Heineken Holding N.V., which owns a majority stake in the operating company. This long-term ownership structure has allowed consistent investment in brands and global expansion. Headquartered in Amsterdam, Heineken generated approximately €32 billion in revenue in 2024, with strong growth across both developed and emerging markets. The company focuses on premiumization—encouraging consumers to trade up to higher-priced beers—while also expanding in mainstream segments through local champions like Cruzcampo in the UK and Kingfisher in India. Their productivity program targets at least €400 million in annual savings to fund growth and digital transformation.