Coca-Cola Announces Layoffs and Restructuring Plan
Coca-Cola has revealed plans for layoffs in 2026 as part of a major restructuring initiative. The initial phase will see 75 workers at the corporate headquarters being affected by the layoffs, with more to follow in subsequent phases. The company did not specify the total number of jobs that would be impacted.
Outgoing CEO James Quincey hinted at the restructuring plan during an October earnings call, emphasizing the need for Coca-Cola to drive revenue growth despite its strong market position. Quincey will transition from CEO to executive chairman in March, coinciding with the appointment of a new CEO.
The decision to reduce the workforce comes as Coca-Cola adapts to shifting consumer preferences away from sugary drinks towards healthier options like water and sports drinks. The company is also planning to invest in growth areas such as artificial intelligence.
Despite the upcoming job cuts, Coca-Cola reported a 5% increase in revenue to $12.5 billion in the third quarter of 2025, with similar growth expected for the full year. The company’s performance reflects a resilient market position despite the need for organizational changes.
Coca-Cola joins a list of consumer packaged goods companies, including Nestlé, General Mills, and Molson Coors, that have announced workforce reductions in response to evolving market dynamics. The industry-wide trend underscores the importance of agility and innovation in navigating the competitive landscape.