Food and beverage industry layoffs accelerated in 2026 as companies struggled to adapt to declining consumer spending and a shift in eating habits.
Food producers have slashed a total of 29,693 jobs as of September, according to executive outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. This marks a 76% increase from the 16,835 cuts announced for the same time period in 2025.
The food industry accounted for a bulk of layoffs in August and September, according to the firm. Food producers cut 7,982 jobs in August, with a large portion of these losses attributed to Tyson Foods closing three facilities. Another 7,326 jobs at food producers were cut in September.
This month, multiple food and beverage giants announced facility closures and layoffs, including Nestlé, Guinness and PepsiCo.
Food Dive compiled a list of some of the biggest food industry layoffs over the last three months. Many companies say the closures are needed to simplify operations and better focus on areas ripe for growth.
