A brutal year for food and beverage companies led many to significantly downsize in hopes of slashing costs or reining in spending.

At least a dozen of the biggest food and beverage manufacturers laid off tens of thousands of workers in 2025 as companies reassessed their priorities in the wake of declining profits and shifting consumer preferences. Layoffs affected both manufacturing and corporate workers as businesses moved to ruthlessly assess their portfolios and slim down.

While many companies restructured in response to falling consumption and other broader headwinds, some businesses faced challenges unique to their operations. Beyond Meat, for example, laid off about 6% of its workforce as the plant-based meat segment continued its multiyear decline.

Food Dive compiled some of the biggest layoffs of the year. In 2026, companies are likely hoping their slimmed-down operations will help them become more efficient and better respond to changing consumer demands.