Sign In
  • News
    • Beer
    • Spirits
    • Wine
    • Environmental, Social & Governance
    • Financial Results
    • Marketing
    • Mergers & Acquisitions
    • New Product Development
    • From the Industry
  • Intel
    • Comment
    • Interview
    • Category Intel
    • Consumer Intel
    • Market Intel
  • Awards
    • Global Drinks Awards
    • New Product Awards
    • ESG Awards
  • Magazine
  • Newsletter
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • News
    • Beer
    • Spirits
    • Wine
    • Environmental, Social & Governance
    • Financial Results
    • Marketing
    • Mergers & Acquisitions
    • New Product Development
    • From the Industry
  • Intel
    • Comment
    • Interview
    • Category Intel
    • Consumer Intel
    • Market Intel
  • Awards
    • Global Drinks Awards
    • New Product Awards
    • ESG Awards
  • Magazine
  • Newsletter
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
Search
Global Drinks Awards Banner - https://globaldrinksawards.com/


Brown-Forman job cuts – Industry death-spiral or prudent rightsizing? – Comment

Henry Mathieu
Last updated: 17/01/2025 at 6:52 PM
By Henry Mathieu
17 January 2025
6 Min Read

Following this week’s announcement of a 12% cut in global workforce, Brown-Forman – and the spirits industry more widely – will be reassured by the favourable responses from the investment community.


A bottle of Jack Daniel's in an ice bucket on a bar
Credit: Marcin Dampc/Pexels
SHARE
Brown-Forman has started the year in consolidatory form, confirming the intention this week to reduce its headcount of 5,400 by almost 650. Understandably, the move, one of a brace of what the brand owner described as “strategic initiatives for growth”, has been linked by some observers to not only the group’s performances of late but also more generally to the state of the spirits industry in the US – Brown-Forman's biggest (and home) market.First things first; there’s a human element to this decision that should not be overlooked. While there’s never a good time to be told one’

This article is available to Global Drinks Intel members only.


Click below for details on how to join the Global Drinks Intel community.


Subscribe for UNLIMITED Access


Already a member?


Log in here to read the article in full.


If you work for any of the following corporate subscribers to Global Drinks Intel,

head here to activate your access.


  • AB InBev
  • Bacardi
  • Campari Group
  • Diageo
  • Moët Hennessy
  • Pernod Ricard
  • Proximo Spirits
  • Suntory Global Spirits
  • William Grant & Sons

TAGGED:Brown-Forman
Henry Mathieu
ByHenry Mathieu
Henry joined Global Drinks Intel as a senior reporter in 2025, having spent two years writing news, features and analysis articles for Just Drinks and Just Food. He has gained WSET Level 2 qualifications both in wine and beer independently.
Previous Article Donald Trump with US flag background Farewell diversity, equity and inclusion? RIP sustainability? The future of ESG in a Trump-led world – Comment
Next Article Jagermeister logo on the side of an office building Former Diageo, Treasury Wine Estates exec takes marketing lead at Mast-Jägermeister
MPU for Global Drinks Intel ESG Awards - https://gdiesgawards.com/categories/

The Newsletter

Sign up to receive our newsletter email

  • The very latest news from across the world's beverage alcohol industry
  • Cutting-edge intel from our in-depth category & market analyses, backed by benchmark industry data
  • The best insight on your competitors from our interviews with the industry’s leaders

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Follow on Social

Linkedin Twitter
Short Tower for Global Drinks Intel ESG Awards - https://gdiesgawards.com/categories/
Whisky Live Paris 26 Banner - https://www.whiskylive.fr/en/ticketing/

You Might Also Like

Arbikie The Signature bottle plus box

This week’s new spirits launches – 7-11 September 2026

7 September 2026
Zamora logo and portfolio

Zamora Co hires from Stoli Group, Brown-Forman for North, Latin America leads

4 September 2026
The Glendronach 200 Anniversary Boynsmill House Edition bottle and box

This week’s new spirits launches – 31 August – 4 September 2026

4 September 2026
Elijah Craig video

Heaven Hill Brands leans into whisky/whiskey debate for Elijah Craig campaign – video

3 September 2026
Linkedin Instagram

What next?

  • Sign up to our FREE newsletter
  • Subscribe
  • My Account
  • Sign up to our FREE newsletter
  • Subscribe
  • My Account

About

  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Copyright © 2026 Global Drinks Intelligence Limited. All Rights Reserved

Built and Managed by Kukoo Creative