Heineken has lost “operational control” of its facilities in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Dutch brewing giant has withdrawn its staff due to the worsening security conditions in the region.
Heineken said the situation had “deteriorated further” since the company last provided a public update on how the conflict had affected its operations in February.
“The conditions required to operate responsibly and safely are no longer present and, as of 12th June 2025, we have lost operational control,” Heineken said in a statement today (20 June).
The Amstel brewer confirmed its facilities in Bukavu, Goma and nearby areas are now under the “control” of armed personnel.
Heineken said it had already withdrawn all remaining staff from these facilities and continues to provide financial support to them.
“Our thoughts are with our employees and their families during this difficult time. We are closely monitoring the situation and actively assessing our options as the situation evolves,” the company said in a statement.
The so-called M23 rebels took over territory that included the cities of Bukavu and Goma in January.
Bralima, the local subsidiary of the company, had suspended its operations before the fighting reached these cities.
Bralima’s depots and brewery in Bukavu were “extensively looted”. Stock, raw materials and equipment was stolen and there was “significant damage” to the brewery control room, the Amstel brewer said in February.
A depot 120km further south in Uvira was also looted by “military and militia groups”, according to the company.
Heineken has four breweries in the Democratic Republic of Congo and employs around 1,000 staff directly. It added: "We are closely monitoring the situation and actively assessing our options as the situation evolves. Bralima continues operations in other parts of the DRC not affected by the conflict."
Dolf van den Brink, Heineken’s current chair and CEO, previously served as commercial director at Bralima from 2005 to 2009.
Heineken, which does not disclose its sales data for the Democratic Republic of Congo, reported the organic beer volumes "declined in the teens” in the country in the first quarter of 2025.
Heineken reported group revenue of €7.78bn ($8.92bn), reflecting a 4.9% decline, alongside a 2.1% organic decrease in beer volume compared to the same period last year.
The Strongbow owner is set to publish its half-year results on 28 July.
