Nestlé plans massive layoffs—here’s where U.S. jobs may be impacted

Nestlé, the world’s largest food company, is preparing to cut thousands of jobs as part of a sweeping global cost-cutting and restructuring effort. While the company has not released a full breakdown by country, its sizable U.S. footprint means American workers could be among those affected as the plan for layoffs rolls out.

Massive layoffs

In October 2025, the company announced it would cut 16,000 jobs worldwide over the next two years — a roughly 6% reduction of its global headcount. Most of the reductions will target about 12,000 white-collar roles involving corporate, administrative, and shared-services positions. An additional 4,000 jobs in manufacturing and supply chain roles are expected to be eliminated. 

While Nestlé has not released a detailed breakdown by country, its North American market is one of the company’s largest globally, accounting for more than a third of total sales. U.S. employees make up a substantial share of Nestlé’s North American workforce (around 36,000 US jobs), including administrators, marketers and brand teams tied to its major divisions.

Potential U.S. impacts

Among key U.S. operations that could see impacts:

• Corporate and shared-services centers in major U.S. cities handling finance, IT, marketing, and supply-chain support for brands like Purina, Nescafé, and KitKat.
• Manufacturing and distribution facilities, particularly those operating food and beverage production lines in the Midwest, Northeast, and South, where Nestlé maintains production capacity.
• U.S. roles tied to its pet care subsidiary Nestlé Purina PetCare, which employs thousands at its St. Louis, Missouri headquarters and regional facilities.

Reason for restructuring

Industry analysts say automation and restructuring are likely to drive cuts in back-office functions first, while plant closures and supply-chain reorganizations could follow if demand continues to soften. Nestlé’s executives have emphasized that the reductions are part of a broader strategy to improve profitability and invest in innovation. 

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